Roatan
Located 70 km off the northern coast of Honduras lie the "Bay Islands". Of both coral and volcanic origin, they form the southern end of the world's second largest coral reef system, which begins in Yucatán at Chinchorro Bank, continues along Belize's entire coast and ends here forming a group of islands with names that sometimes sound strange to our ears, such as Guanaja, Utila, Barbareta, Cayos Cochinos and Roatán.
Roatán is the largest of all islands in this beautiful archipelago, stretching 70 km long and about 2 km wide. Its topography is quite unique, as unlike other small Caribbean islands it's mountainous (300m altitude), featuring waterfalls cascading down its hills, beaches of incredibly fine white sand, lined with palm trees along the entire coast, and a reef surrounding the whole perimeter of the island.
Most indigenous inhabitants are concentrated in three towns: Coxen Hole, the capital; French Harbour, its main fishing port; and Oak Ridge. Although now part of Honduras, many town names and the local language remain English or Creole, as the Islands were always a battleground and trading post between Spain and England.
Diving is practised along the entire coast, though mainly concentrated in two areas due to weather patterns. The primary zone is the West End or northern and western part of the island, where hotels, bungalows and several dive centres have recently opened. The southern zone facing the mainland is recommended mainly for November and December when the Caribbean sea is roughest.
Both coasts offer interesting underwater topography with canyon formations, coral gardens and rock crevices teeming with small marine life: sponges, black crinoids, black coral, turtles, etc.
Dive sites
West End (North) - West End Wall
As the name suggests, this dive site is at Roatán's extreme western tip. It actually consists of two dive sites, one shallower than the other, covering two sections of the same reef. The shallower site near shore starts at 5m depth reaching 36m, while the more offshore one begins at 20m descending to 45m. Due to regular currents here, you'll likely spot sharks, groupers, turtles and various pelagic species.
Garden
Located on the coral reef opposite West Bay (where most dive centres are), this is a shallow reef with a gentle slope down to 30m. Dives begin at about 5m depth amidst multicoloured reef fish like angelfish and butterflyfish. The highlight is the garden eels found on a sandy bottom at about 15m depth.
Lighthouse Reef
This is a very popular dive site for both expert and beginner divers. Located near Half Moon Bay, it offers relatively shallow diving with rich marine life. The reef's top lies about 5m below surface, followed by a sandy terrace at 8m, then dropping to a wall with maximum depth around 45m.
With practically no current, the wall can be dived in any direction. Marine life is abundant in crevices, sandy bottoms and corals host numerous fish and invertebrates, while large crabs and spiral anemones hide under rock ledges.
Hole in the Wall
This is an exceptional dive for experienced divers who love depth. East of Lighthouse Reef, the dive starts at 5m where canyons lead to a drop-off plunging to 150m. While not rich in marine life, it features spectacular coral formations, large canyons, caves and possible encounters with deep-water pelagics.
The South.- Mary's Place
Roatán's best southern dive site. Past volcanic activity created fissures and cracks in coral-covered seabed walls, home to groupers, grunts etc. These three cracks start at 6m depth reaching 30m, creating an undoubtedly spectacular visual contrast between exterior light and the fissures' unique formations.
Prince Albert Wreck
An interesting wreck to explore. The "Prince Albert" is a cargo ship sunk in 1987, now covered in coral along its 42m length. The wreck lies on a sloping sandy bottom at 25m depth in Roatán's southeast channel, explorable without torches as light enters through multiple openings. Nearby you'll find an eel colony and the added attraction of a sunken DC-3 plane.
Enchanted Forest
A recently discovered dive site outside French Harbour offering deep diving in crystal-clear waters. The reef top starts at 18m where the wall drops into the abyss (over 1,500m). Along the reef crest behind each promontory are large formations of pillar corals and staghorn corals.
Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences
This is the only place worldwide where you can dive freely with dolphins in open water, on a sandy bottom at 18m depth. Snorkelling with dolphins is also possible in a designated area.
