Media Luna on Nicaragua/Honduras boarder

Friday, May 10, 2002

015-9.000 N
082-42.000 W

If you couldn't find us before on a map, believe me, you won't find Media Luna! Media Luna, which based upon my extensive knowledge of the Spanish language means half moon, is located 30-40 miles off of the Nicaragua/Honduras boarder. It's a submerged reef with no above the surface land. It's very impressive to look around and to realize that you're anchored in the middle of blue water with no land visible. I wouldn't want to be here in big seas...

The 132nm sail here from Providencia was great. The biggest problem was that we left too early(14:00) based upon a 6.5 kt avg speed. We had hoped to arrive at around noon to have good light to get through the reefs. Unfortunately the winds were perfect (15-20 kts on the beam) and we were doing 7.5-8.5 kts all night, despite having 2 reefs in! Finally the winds shifted more E and we slowed to 6.5 kts, but we still got in at 08:15. We had been worried about the seas, as they had been in the 8-12 foot range, but in general we had 4' with an occasional 6'er thrown in. They were right on the beam too, so we'd get slapped and the cockpit would get doused.

The charts for the reef are dead on. We had no problem pulling into the 1/2n moon reef and pulling up to nice sandy spot (15 08.890N, 82 42.058W) and dropping the hook & getting it to grab. I've heard reports from others about bad holding, but this was great.

The reefs that surround the boat were quite a disappointment, with most of them being dead. A hurricane must have pounded the area. However, the outer reefs forming the crescent had nice live coral, and a good selection of small fish. A big 5' ray is hanging out behind the boat & there are quite a few trigger fish, which we haven't seen much of. Lots of friendly grey angles too.

Tomorrow its on to the Vivorillo Cays which are about 55nm NNW of here.
Log ID: 232