Fort Liberte has an interesting history - first the indigenous indians called it Bay of Bayaha and it was the location for what was known as a “boucan” or meat smoking and drying center. It was later transformed into an area where smoked meat was prepared to be later sold to pirates on the island of Tortuga of Captain Jack Sparrow fame. What were known as the “boucaniers” or meat smokers were to become Buccaneers sold the dried meats to pirates in order to acquire munitions. There is a fort in Fort Liberte that is quite spectacular despite its deterioration. More images of the fort here.
If you travel to the mouth of the bay you can find the Fort Labouc. This must have been an important location for the French as they wanted to protect the calm bay which was a safe harbor for passing ships.
I really enjoyed reading about the history behind the forts. Kind of makes you think how easy we have it today, compared to back in the day, so thanks for sharing.
Your coral dive images are awesome! How long have you been diving for?
Thanks @AlexaAC ! I really enjoy diving and documenting what there is to see in the wonderful undersea world. I started diving in 1981 but did not start taking pictures until digital photography made it more affordable. For every good photo there are probably 20+ more that did not come out properly due to the fact that you are moving around and so are many of your subjects. I started taking photos in around 2003 when I was lucky to be posted for work in Timor-Leste where I got back into diving and earned my dive instructor certification. If you have not tried it yet, I highly recommend it.
Thanks @MortenSI ! Yes, the underwater world is amazing. Most of the interesting and colorful corals are between 10-18 meters depth. There is really no need to go deeper as the deeper you are, the faster you use your air so why make your dive shorter, right ? Yes, this dive site has a nice current running along it and makes for really clear water. Rarely did the Liberty Wall disappoint.
That is also where you start to lose more of the light anyway.
I can’t wait to go somewhere that allows for amazing dives again. I’m currently planning a longer trip to South East Asia and will definitely include some dive sites along the way.
Do you have any sites you consider your all-time favorite?
@AlexaAC , If you are just slightly interested in what diving might be like, I can only recommend going for it. It’s an amazing world to discover and you will not regret it.
