A Complete Guide to Diving Roatan
- July 19, 2024
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Thinking about scuba diving in Roatan?
This is our complete dive travel guide. Read on to find out everything you need to know about scuba diving in Roatan.
Or jump directly to booking your stay.
Roatan, the crown jewel of the Bay Islands in Honduras, isn’t just a picturesque Caribbean island. Beneath the turquoise surface lies a vibrant underwater world teeming with life, making it a world-renowned diving paradise. From coral-encrusted walls teeming with tropical fish to fascinating wrecks brimming with history, Roatan offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
Here’s our Complete Guide to Diving in Roatan.
What is the best time of year to visit Roatan
The best time to visit Roatan for scuba diving is during the dry season from February to August. This period offers sunny, dry weather with minimal rainfall and excellent visibility.
The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to November also offer good diving conditions with fewer crowds and more budget-friendly options.
The Top 3 Dive Sites of Roatan
Roatan lies at the southern edge of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This underwater metropolis provides a habitat for an astonishing array of marine life. Divers can expect encounters with colorful angelfish, dolphins, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. Keen-eyed explorers may spot elusive creatures like frogfish, seahorses, and octopus camouflaged amongst the vibrant coral formations.
Mary's Place
This is a great dive site for beginner and intermediate divers. It’s a shallow reef dive with lots of coral formations and marine life to see. Mary’s Place is also known for its swim-throughs, which are tunnels that divers can swim through.
West End Wall
This is a classic Roatan dive, and a must-do for any experienced diver. It’s a sheer wall dive on the island’s north shore, plunging down to depths of over 100 feet. The wall is teeming with life, from colorful reef fish to large pelagic fish like sharks and barracuda. There’s also a good chance of spotting eagle rays gliding along the wall.
El Aguila Wreck
This is a fantastic wreck dive for divers of all levels. The El Aguila wreck is a 230-foot cargo ship sitting at a depth of 110 feet. Sunk in 1997, the wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and even sharks. Divers can explore the engine room, cargo holds, and more.
Liveaboard in Roatan
Liveaboards offer an unparalleled scuba diving experience. Imagine waking up to pristine dive sites untouched by tourism, maximizing your dives with prepped gear and nitrox options.
Ditch the daily boat commutes and consider a liveaboard trip. Forget packing and unpacking – dive multiple times a day, fueled by delicious meals. Relax in comfortable cabins, unwind on sundecks, and forge friendships with fellow divers.
Liveaboards aren’t just convenience, they’re expertise. Skilled captains and divemasters guide you through diverse underwater landscapes, maximizing your chances of encountering unique marine life. Enjoy night dives, starlit skies, and unforgettable wildlife encounters like dolphins leaping alongside the boat. Reconnect with yourself and nature in a paradise far away from your digitally connected life.
There’s currently only one liveaboard operator we could find in Honduras.
Dive Friendly Resorts In Roatan
Here are some of our favorite diver friendly resorts.
Anthony's Key Resort, Sandy Bay
One of Roatan’s most famous dive resorts, Anthony’s Key Resort is a long-standing favorite for divers. It offers all-inclusive packages that combine accommodations, meals, and dive trips. The resort has its own dive shop, providing direct access to the renowned Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort, West Bay
This luxury resort offers a more upscale diving experience. The on-site dive center provides a range of services, including equipment rental, guided dives, and dive courses. The resort’s prime location provides easy access to some of Roatan’s most stunning dive sites.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Ibagari Boutique Hotel
This adults-only boutique hotel offers a more intimate and personalized diving experience. The on-site dive center provides a range of services, including equipment rental, guided dives, and dive courses. The resort’s knowledgeable dive staff can help you plan your dives and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. And no screaming children!
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Barefoot Cay Resort
Barefoot Cay offers a boutique, upscale experience with exclusive dive boats and professional PADI courses. The resort’s small size and personalized service create a more intimate diving experience. It’s an excellent choice for divers who want luxury and convenience.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
