Scuba Diving Trips in Roatán
Upcoming Trips
Roatán offers something for every traveler. From palm tree beaches to tourist villages to lush jungles, you’ll taste delicious food and beverages and find plenty of activities to keep you busy.
The island is located about 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras. It is the biggest of the Bay Islands, which includes Guanaja, Utila and Roatán, stretching about 40 miles long and 5 miles wide. The island is covered in mangrove forests and iron shores, which are volcanic rock formations.
Roatán lies on the edge of the second largest coral reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef. It is home to over 500 species of fish and 60 coral species.
What To Expect
Scuba Diving
Roatán is home to thick, vibrant coral, playful dolphins and schools of tropical fish. The island’s reefs and drop-offs are perfect for novices and experts alike. And the warm water and gentle currents make for great year-round visibility.
Roatán has approximately 35 dive sites, from West Bay to Man of War Cay to Anthony’s Key. These dive sites offer everything from shipwrecks to peaceful eel gardens. Coral walls begin as shallow as 20 feet below the surface and drop into the depths of the Caribbean.
Keep your eyes out for:
- Sea turtles
- Eagle rays
- Blue tangs
- Parrotfish
- Angelfish
- Caribbean reef sharks
Recommended Specialty Courses
- Perfect buoyancy
- Nitrox
- Boat diving
- Night & limited visibility
Conservation Efforts
Roatán Marine Park (RMP)
Roatán Marine Park is a community based, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Roatan’s protected marine and coastal area including all of its flora, fauna, physical and biological characteristics and phenomena, and historical and cultural resources. Read about their programs here.
BICA-Roatán
The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) has a mission to conserve in a participatory, transparent and sustainable way, the coastal marine resources and the ecosystem services which they provide for the social and cultural well-being of present and future generations in the Bay Islands. Read about their programs here.
Coral Reef Alliance
The Coral Reef Alliance works at local, regional, and global levels to keep coral reefs healthy, so they can adapt to climate change and survive for generations to come. As one of the largest global NGOs focused exclusively on protecting coral reefs, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) has used cutting-edge science and community engagement for nearly 30 years to reduce direct threats to reefs and to promote scalable and effective solutions for their protection. Read about their projects in Roatán here.
Culture
Roatán has one of the most diverse communities in Honduras including a mixture of Spanish, British, and Mestizo heritage. It also has a strong Black Carib community known as the Garifuna People. Spanish is the official language in Roatán, but English and Creole English are widely spoken.
Sloth Sanctuary
Just feel like hanging out? Visit Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hang Out to learn about the various animals that have been rescued and to interact with sloths, monkeys and macaws.
Maya Key
This 11.5-acre private island is only minutes away from the main island and is the perfect way to spend a day in Roatán. The island offers activities for everyone, from snorkeling to exploring lush gardens and Mayan history to souvenir shopping and dining. You can also tour the island’s rescue center and see jungle cats such as jaguars and ocelots.
Gumbalimba Park
Gumbalimba Park is another great spot to explore botanical gardens, nature trails and wildlife. They also offer ziplining if you want to get your heart racing. The park also features multiple waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a museum.
What prior travelers say
“Diventures makes traveling for diving super easy, relaxing and enjoyable! I book almost all of my vacations with them!”
Traveler Photos
Know Before You Go
Dive Insurance
Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.
Electricity
Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC, the same as in the United States. Visitors from countries with other electrical standards will need adaptors.
Passport Validity
You need a passport that is valid for 6 months after your arrival. You will receive a 90-day tourist Visa when you arrive. You should check to see if there are any special requirements for citizens of your country but currently, this is all that is required for the USA, Canada, UK, and European Union.
Money Exchange
On the island, US Dollars is used as much as the local currency, Lempiras, and most places have their prices in US dollars. Many businesses will give you change back in Lempiras even if you pay in dollars. It is best to avoid bringing bills over $20 as larger bills may not be accepted.
Dress Code
The island is very relaxed and, in most restaurants, casual to informal is normal and accepted.
Language
While Spanish is the official language, English is spoken universally. Roatán islanders speak a Creole English. This broken English gets its roots in French, English, and Spanish as well as a few words unique to the Garifuna culture.
Water
We encourage guests to drink bottled water, or the purified water provided in guest rooms, although the tap water at the resorts comes from a local well and is safe.
Need help packing?
We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.
