Scuba Diving in Roatan, Honduras

by Jesus
(Cozumel, Mexico via Chicago)

Hi!

I am an American, currently living in Cozumel, Mexico and just got back from 3 months on Roatan, Honduras where I completed my divemaster certification.

I am just going to respond to some general questions about Roatan.

First....The cruse ship traffic really does not make it all the way to West End; anyone who comes there is only there to dive....so, no big deal really.

I would NOT stay more than 1 night in La Ceiba.....ever!

Taking the ferry is the least expensive way to get on Island, and unfortunately, the flights, bus, and ferry schedules do not match up.

I found La Ceiba a nasty place, and as an adult male who has lived in some harsh places, and being in La Ceiba during Carnival, I was rushing back to my crappy hotel room just after dark.

Sandy Bay is pretty nice, and I know lots of people who live there, and a good choice other than West End.

The cab ride should cost you about 30 Limps/person....anything more that that, you are getting screwed! Do not let them charge you any more! There are ALWAYS more cabs going to West End; you will not need to wait long, and remember....Island Time; this is especially so on Roatan.

If you have not yet decided on a dive shop, CocoView (Coconut Divers is the dive shop) is O.K. in my experience, but a bit touristy.

Other places in West End I would consider would be: ReefGliders, Native Sons, or SeaGrape. I did my divemasters at one of these places, and will not say which, but I know people who work at all of them, and they are all great shops...you can walk the strip, and figure out for yourself which one you like best....just suggesting from my own experience....

I highly recommend hanging out at Sundowners after your diving day....it is a beach bar where most diving people and pros hang out.....ask anyone where it is; everyone in West End knows. The Monkey Lalas there are great!

Enjoy the diving, and do not miss out on the Texas dive.....simply great...also, do not miss the turtles on Lighthouse to Divemasters......if you see less than 5, you had a slow day!

Also Bikini Bottom is nice, shallow, but great reef.

Enjoy!