My wife and I returned from a week at PBR and loved it (again). It's been two years since our first trek to Cayos Cochinos and we were welcomed back like old friends.
The diving is one of the best in the Caribbean and the resort is among the most relaxing and non-commercial that we've seen. There are only about 10 rooms, each on the hillside with decks looking out to the bay between the islands. PBR is the only commercial dive operation in this preserve and it is apparent if you've seen the damage to the reefs in Cozumel, Roatan or Belize. We had the first use of the newly refurbished dive boat (the Melissa) and the whole operation seems to be going through progressive update.
The boat drives to the sites are 10-30 minutes and they use private moorings at each site. We had the opportunity to visit 'The Banks' twice during our week stay. This is not typical. The Banks are half-way between Cayos and Roatan. They rise from the floor to within 20-30 feet of the surface. The resort maintains a couple of underwater moorings that are only found using GPS. It's a great dive with the up-current end of the mound providing large pelagics and feeders a source of food. The mounds themselves are covered in bright, untouched corals and sponges. An amazing variety of small critters, fish and even schooling jacks. You can only visit this open water dive when the winds and waves are calm.
The food and resort atmosphere are not fancy, but are comfortable, clean and exude the exclusive feel of a private island.
You are never rushed and the dive masters are safe, competent and FUN.
We look forward to our next trip there.
A couple of notes:
1. The island is remote and getting there is by way of open Panga's. Your bags are covered, but you and their contents could be spashed. If the weather is calm, it is an easy 40 minute ride from the beach at Sambo Creek to the Island. The resort will make all arrangements for transfer to/from La Ceiba or San Pedro Sula airports.
2. Like all the Bay Islands, there are no-see-ums that are plentiful and painful. The resort recommends "Cactus Juice". We tried deet and it didn't seem to work.
3. The Lionfish were almost non-existent 2 years ago - they are plentiful now. We were seeing a dozen on each dive and had the opportunity to have a few for lunch.
We were there 12- 20 May and had great weather, warm (82 degree) clear water and calm seas. We've been there around Thanksgiving and had such bad storms that we never left La Ceiba (the resort gave us full resort credit for the next trip). Our replacement (successful) trip was in mid-April 2009 and we had a marvelous trip. Nothing is Air Conditioned, but with a light breeze we never felt hot.
If you've been to the Bay Islands, I'd recommend that you add PBR to your list. It's great diving at a very reasonable price. If you've not been to the Bay Islands, it can be put on your 'bucket list'. The people and waters of Honduras are truly wonderful - and getting there on TACA can be an adventure in itself.
