Roatan, Honduras

Roatan is a small island off the east coast of Honduras, in the Caribbean. It is surrounded by over 100 dive sites! It is a great vacation spot for daily dives, and liveaboards are also available. The Roatan Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world which spans from Mexico south to Honduras.

The island seems to be surrounded by one giant reef! There are massive coral gardens with channels you can swim through, caves, and walls for drift dives. Eagle rays and turtles are frequently spotted, as well of tons of species of fish, crabs, shrimps, octopus, and lobsters. If you take a night dive when the moon isn't full, you can see the bioluminescence surrounding you as if you are in space, which is quite incredible. 

Whale sharks are occasionally spotted in December-April, but more so in Utila which is the neighboring backpacker-friendly island. The dive sites are much healthier in Roatan, especially since the pause of cruise ship traffic during Covid. 

Roatan is great year round for diving with warm temperatures and great visibility. Peak season for tourism is between December and April. The slowest months are end of summer. 

You can fly directly into Roatan (RTB), or fly into San Pedro Sula (SAP) where you then have 2 options:

1. Take a 30 minute puddlejumper to Roatan (via CMAirlines or other airline).

2. Take a bus to the port town of La Ceiba for 5 hours followed by a ferry to Roatan for 2 hours.

Rental equipment is available. Additional course certifications for advanced open water diving and freediving are available with your dive company. Roatan is notoriously inexpensive for all scuba certifications!

While the country of Honduras is not known as the safest place, Roatan island is very laid back and safe. Nearly everyone speaks English and has the 'don't worry, be happy' vibe. It is a popular vacation destination for Americans and Canadians in particular.

The closest hyperbaric chamber is at Utila, the neighboring island about 45 minutes west.