I recently had the pleasure of scuba diving in Honduras, and it was absolutely unforgettable!

Home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the largest and most vibrant reef systems in the world, Honduras is bursting with stunning coral and marine life.

With its easy access from many North American cities and some of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean, I’m thrilled to share my scuba diving guide to Honduras and why it’s a must-visit for every diver!

SCUBA DIVING IN HONDURAS

Honduras is a fantastic destination for scuba diving, offering tropical weather, warm and clear waters with excellent visibility, and a variety of dive sites, including walls, wrecks, and pristine reefs, perfect for all skill levels.

I can personally vouch for Honduras as an excellent destination for a scuba diving trip, having visited the country on two separate occasions. I completed my Advanced Open Water PADI course in Utila in 2022, and in July 2024, I enjoyed 17 fun dives in Roatan. Honduras boasts affordable prices, experienced instructors, and welcoming beach town and island vibes, making it an ideal spot to get certified or enjoy fun dives.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about scuba diving in Honduras, from the top dive sites and certification options to tips for planning your trip—helping you make the most of this incredible diving destination.

SCUBA DIVING IN ROATAN, HONDURAS

Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, located off the northern coast of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea. Most divers choose to base themselves in the lively West End, which is just a 20-minute drive from Roatan’s international airport.

I really appreciated how convenient it was to get to Roatan. Living in Calgary, it was only a four-hour flight to Houston, followed by a two-hour flight to Roatan—much better than the 30 hour journeys required to reach other popular diving destinations like Thailand or the Philippines. If you’re traveling from anywhere in the Americas, you’ll also avoid significant time zone changes and jet lag, making it an even more attractive option.

One of the standout aspects of Roatan is the accessibility of its dive sites. Unlike some destinations where you spend hours in transit to reach dive spots, most of Roatan’s dive sites are just 5–10 minutes away from the resorts. This makes it incredibly easy to fit in multiple dives each day without feeling exhausted. I loved being able to dive and then be back onshore so quickly.

The dive experience in Roatan is exceptional. The island offers a diverse range of sites, from vibrant coral reefs to dramatic walls and even shallow wrecks. You can expect to encounter an incredible array of marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, rays, groupers, snappers, and countless colorful tropical fish.

Beyond diving, Roatan is a fantastic all-around destination. I thoroughly enjoyed staying in the West End, which boasts a lively, walkable atmosphere. Everything you need is nearby—bars, restaurants, beaches, cafes, and souvenir shops—making it easy to relax and enjoy your time on the island. Roatan is a well-rounded, convenient destination with outstanding diving and a vibrant local scene. It’s truly a gem in the Caribbean!

BEST DIVE SITES IN ROATAN

The best dive sites can be very subjective, but here are my personal favourite dive sites in Roatan!

• Blue Channel – This was my favourite dive because it was so diverse with a long tunnel into an enclosed oasis area full of life, and at the end of the dive you can view a massive school of Bigeye Scad fish. 10/10 for this dive!
• String of Pearls Night Dive – This was one of the coolest and most unusual dives I have ever done. At the end of a typical night dive everyone turns off their lights and in the total darkness you can start to see bioluminescent plankton in the shape of a string of pearls. Truly amazing and Roatan is famous for it!
• Mary’s Place – Located on the eastern side of the island which isn’t nearly as busy as the western sites. Mary’s Place looks like an alien world with deep narrow slits in the coral that you can swim through. We saw 2 huge Tarpon on this dive!
• El Aguila Wreck – If you’re into wreck diving you should check out this dive site featuring a sunken 230 foot cargo ship resting at about 100 feet in depth. A good site to do the deep water dive of the Advanced Open Water course.
• Mandy’s Eel Garden – A diverse dive site with swim throughs, and a sandy bottom with thousands of baby garden eels swaying in the current.
• Western Wall – A wall dive with a steep drop off and covered in coral, sponges, and sea fans. We saw turtles, rays, groupers, and it was teeming with schools of tropical fish.
• Texas – Known for having strong currents that bring nutrients into the area and a good site to see bigger marine life. More of an intermediate to advanced site due to the currents.

Planning advanced dives like wrecks or deep walls? Ensure you’re properly covered—read my best scuba diving insurance guide.

ROATAN YOUTUBE VIDEOS

BEST TIME TO SCUBA DIVE IN ROATAN

Roatan offers great year-round diving, but certain months stand out as the best for optimal conditions.

The busiest time of the year on the island is December to February, as visitors from colder northern climates escape winter. However, this isn’t the best time to scuba dive. The weather can be more variable during these months with occasional cold fronts and wind, which can impact diving conditions. Despite this, the island still provides good diving opportunities year round.

The best time for scuba diving in Roatan is during the spring and summer months when cold fronts and wind patterns are at a minimum. This results in calmer seas, which not only improve visibility and overall diving conditions, but also open up access to less visited parts of the island, such as the eastern dive sites and day trips to Cayos Cochinos.

From September to October, I’d keep an eye on hurricane activity. Although Roatan is rarely hit directly, hurricanes can still stir up the waters and lead to travel disruptions. For example, this past summer, my return home was delayed by three days due to a hurricane impacting the Houston area, where I had a connecting flight.

BEST DIVE SHOPS IN ROATAN

Roatan is home to many dive shops that offer incredible diving experiences, top-notch gear, and options for divers of all skill levels. Here are a few of my favorites, which also happen to be some of the most highly regarded on the island.

• West End Divers – Located in West End, this is one of Roatan’s oldest and most reputable dive shops. I really liked hanging out at their bar after diving.
• Anthony’s Key Resort – Located in Sandy Bay and one of the most popular diving sites in Roatan.
• Splash Inn Dive Resort – I stayed here for 12 nights and loved it. Easy access to the dive boat, great staff, and a quality restaurant.
• Native Sons – I stayed here back in 2022 and enjoyed my time. Great location near the beach and Sundowners bar which is a favourite.

• Sun Divers – A boutique dive shop in the West End focusing on personalized experiences with small dive groups and premium service.

• Coconut Tree Divers – Also situated in the West End, Coconut Tree Divers is highly rated for its friendly staff, experienced instructors, and vibrant dive community.

SCUBA DIVING IN UTILA, HONDURAS

Utila is one of the Bay Islands, located off the northern coast of Honduras, about 30 km southwest of Roatan. Most divers stay in Utila Town, the island’s main hub, which is accessible by ferry from both Roatan and the mainland. While getting to Utila may require a bit more planning than reaching Roatan, I definitely think it’s worth a visit.

From my time in Utila, I found it to be a more budget-friendly scuba diving destination compared to Roatan, particularly popular among younger backpackers and those looking to become certified divers. Utila is known as one of the most affordable places in the world to get scuba certified or to pursue advanced certifications. Many dive shops even offer free accommodation when you take a course, adding to its appeal for budget conscious travellers.

The scuba diving in Utila is excellent, with coral gardens, walls, and wrecks to explore. However, being a smaller island, I noticed there were fewer dive sites, slightly reduced visibility, and fewer large schools of fish compared to Roatan. That said, Utila is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter whale sharks, as well as other exciting marine life like dolphins and unique macro species.

Beyond diving, Utila offers a lively and fun atmosphere, making it especially suited for younger travelers. The island is affordable and packed with plenty of bars, beach parties, and social gatherings that foster a welcoming community vibe. It’s the perfect destination for divers seeking world-class underwater adventures combined with a laid back, friendly island lifestyle.

BEST DIVE SITES IN UTILA, HONDURAS

Black Hills – One of Utila’s most famous dive sites. This site features an underwater seamount that rises from the depths to about 30 feet below the surface. This is a popular dive to view whale sharks during their migratory season which is primarily from March to May and a secondary season from September to December.

The Halliburton Wreck – One of the more famous dive sites in Utila. Intentionally sunk in 1998 to create an artificial reef and resting upright at about 30 meters below the surface.

Duppy Waters – Known for its dramatic drop off and currents, this site offers pelagic sightings, massive schools of fish, and diverse coral formations. A deep dive good for experienced divers looking for sharks, eagle rays, and large predators.

Pinnacles – On the north side of the island and featuring cool underwater rock formations and a coral covered pinnacle rising from the deep.

The Maze – Large coral walls with a maze of seams between them. Lots of swim throughs, canyons, and tunnels.

BEST TIME TO SCUBA DIVE IN UTILA

You can dive in Utila all year round, but the best time to visit is between the months of March to May where you can expect drier conditions, less wind, calmer conditions, and this is also the best time of the year to view whale sharks.

BEST DIVE SHOPS IN UTILA

There are many incredible dive shops in Utila, here are my top choices:

• Utila Dive Center – I took my Advanced Open Water course here and was very impressed with how professional and well run the shop was. I’ve never seen a busier and well managed shop in my life. If you’re taking a course you can get free accommodation at the Mango Inn as well.

• Alton’s Dive Center – A very popular dive shop known for its affordable prices, quality instruction, and a welcoming oceanfront setup.
• Underwater Vision – Underwater Vision attracts a younger crowd and is a very fun place to stay at with events, BBQ nights, volleyball matches, and games nights, but still offering quality diving services.

SCUBA DIVING IN GUANAJA HONDURAS

Guanaja, one of the three main Bay Islands off the northern coast of Honduras, is a tranquil escape for travelers and divers seeking unspoiled nature and adventure. Often overlooked in favour of its busier neighbours, Roatan and Utila, Guanaja is the greenest and most mountainous of the islands and remains a hidden gem, offering pristine landscapes, healthy reefs, and an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Most divers base themselves in Bonacca Town or some of the secluded dive resorts scattered along the coastline.

Guanaja is the least developed and visited of the Bay Islands. This makes it ideal for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a more remote and adventurous destination. Here’s what makes Guanaja so special:

• Pristine Landscapes: From dramatic views to lush forests and waterfalls, Guanaja is known for its natural beauty.
• Quiet and Untouched: With minimal tourism infrastructure, the island offers a more remote and peaceful experience.
• Authentic Experience: Small, close-knit communities and eco-lodges provide a genuine Caribbean atmosphere away from commercialization.

Guanaja is a diver’s paradise, offering some of the most untouched and uncrowded dive sites in the Caribbean. With about 50 dive sites to explore, here’s what makes diving here unique:

• Healthy Reefs: Guanaja features almost every coral species found in the Caribbean, creating vibrant coral gardens teeming with life.
• Variety of Dive Sites: Guanaja has everything from colourful walls and coral gardens to wreck dives and fascinating lava tunnels.
• Incredible Biodiversity: Guanaja has an incredible variety of marine life, offering opportunities to see turtles, reef fish, rays, and even nurse sharks.
• Uncrowded Dives: Unlike Roatan and Utila, Guanaja’s dive sites are rarely crowded, allowing for a more peaceful diving experience.

BEST DIVE SITES IN GUANAJA, HONDURAS

Guanaja is renowned for its stunning, untouched dive sites, offering a quieter experience compared to Roatan and Utila. With over 50 dive sites around the island, here are some of the top spots you shouldn’t miss.

• The Pinnacle
• Black Rock Canyon
• Michael’s Rock
• The Jado Trader Wreck
• North Wall
• Conch Wreck
• Pelican Point
• Green Flash
• South West Cay
• Jim’s Silverlode

SCUBA DIVING IN CAYOS COCHINOS

Cayos Cochinos is a group of small islands and coral cays situated approximately 40 km south of Roatan and 30 km north of La Ceiba on the mainland of Honduras.

Cayos Cochinos is a protected marine reserve renowned for its:

• Crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility.
• Vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
• Seamounts: Underwater mountains that rise from the depths but don’t break the surface, creating unique diving conditions.

Cayos Cochinos is really off the beaten path and only accessible by boat, adding to its secluded charm.

• From La Ceiba (Mainland Honduras):
  • The fastest and most common way to reach the islands is by boat from La Ceiba.
  • The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on sea conditions.
• From Roatan or Utila:
  • You can visit Cayos Cochinos on a day trip through guided tour operators. These tours often combine snorkelling, scuba diving, beach visits, and visiting the local fishermen.
  • The boat ride from Roatan takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the conditions.

IN SUMMARY: SCUBA DIVING IN HONDURAS

Honduras is a premier destination for scuba diving, offering vibrant marine life, world-class reefs, and tropical waters that cater to divers of all skill levels. With its affordable prices, experienced instructors, and welcoming beach town vibes, it’s an ideal spot to get certified or enjoy unforgettable fun dives.