Diving: The diving is spectacular. Warm (mid-80so F, 30oC) crystal-clear water, a fringing reef that is home to 96% of all species of Caribbean marine life, reef walls that plunge to great depths, sunken wrecks and a large number of competitive dive shops have all conspired to make Roatan a world-class diving destination.
The fringing reef around the island boasts a coral wall that extends from near the surface to a depth of 100 to 150 feet. The drop-offs on the outside of the reef are draped with soft corals and sponges, which offer refuge to dozens of small brilliantly coloured fish and invertebrate species. The nutrient rich reef also attracts sea turtles, eagle and manta rays and large deep-water species such as dolphins, grouper, marlins, sailfish and bonitos. During the early winter months, when many species spawn, one of world’s largest marine inhabitants, the filter-feeding whale shark may been seen feeding outside of the reef.
There are 90-plus dive moorings and many more unmarked sites. About half of the sites are located along the western end of the island. Some of the best diving sites are to be found in the strip from Sandy Bay, in front of our beach house, to West End, where the Roatan Marine Sanctuary has protected and preserved the island’s robust marine life.
Roatan has a well-developed dive industry with a concentration of dive operators in West End. These operations provide rental equipment, dive training and certification, local day and night dives, as well as expeditions to neighbouring cays and islands – all at bargain prices. In West End, divers can simply browse the dive shops and select the one that meets their needs.
Snorkeling:
You don’t have to be a diver to enjoy the reef. The reef is just a few fin
kicks from the Sundancer
pier. Put on the mask, fins and snorkel and in a matter of minutes you
will find yourself in an underwater fantasy.
Close to
shore you may swim over sea grass that is home to
fish, sea horses, conch, starfish and sea urchins. At the end of the pier,
you will find a sandy bottom and here you may spot manta rays. Between the
pier and the reef, there are many outcrops of coral that harbour an abundance of
marine life, while the inside of the reef offers most of the habitat and species
diversity of the outer reef. Swim-through channels allow stronger swimmers
to leave the protected calm and explore the outer reef where larger deep-sea
pelagic fish may be seen.
In addition to excellent snorkeling at your own doorstep, there are two additional spots that are highly recommended – Half Moon Bay (pictured here) in West End and West Bay Beach. The reef passes right across the mouth of Half Moon Bay, which is an easy swim from shore. In the sand flats and shallower sections of the reef, sea turtles and rays are common sights. West Bay Beach offers two advantages, a stunning mile-long palm beach of powdery sand and living reef within a few feet of the beach. At the south end of the beach, a section of brilliant coral reef meets the shore. Here you will see an array of sponges and waving sea fans, schools of brightly coloured fish darting about, as well as starfish and conch. Feel free to take the folding canvas chairs from the beach house and set yourself up on the beach at either spot. There are small beachside restaurants and bars at both locations, so plan to spend a day here.