Surrounded by warm clad waters and gentle coral reefs on the edge of the Great Western Barrier reef, the beautiful Bay Islands hold a secret over the rest of the Caribbean; these surrounding reefs are home to 96% of all marine species found in the entire Caribbean Sea; the highest marine diversity in one locality. Like all countries in the Mesoamerican reef system, the style of diving is very laid back and to discover the cryptic teardrop crabs, batfish and critters lurking within the delicate shades of the coral reef amongst the larger spoils of whale sharks and dolphins that drift on her deep channels, is an experience of a lifetime. Above the water, there are a few traces that these islands were fought over so fervently and evidence of the past piratical antics has faded in time. Once Spanish galleons cruised these waters before the Dutch and English schooners, who soon accompanied them in covert operations to plunder gold, jewels, and rum. They would then withdraw from the hidden caves and lagoons of the Bay islands and Cayos Cochinos to bask in the spoils of their booty under the Caribbean sun. Times have changed and now the spoils of nature have encouraged the Bay islands to become a diver's haven. Jungle clad hills still watch over the boats nestling in hidden coves, but to-day the islands invaluable booty is found beneath her waterline.