6 Eco-Friendly Roatan Dive Resorts: Sustainable Scuba Honduras
Looking for the eco-friendly Roatan dive resorts? Discover six inspiring properties that are putting sustainability at the forefront of their operations.
Located 50 kilometres off the northern coast of Honduras, the sun-drenched island of Roatan is a beloved dive destination in the Caribbean. We first visited back in 2002 as part of a larger Central American adventure through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize.
Roatan is the most established of the Bay Islands and has long been a go-to vacation spot for scuba divers, predominantly from North America.
It boasts a front-row seat for experiencing everything the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef has to offer, from healthy coral reefs to up-close encounters with sharks.
As with most reef systems, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is fragile and incredibly important for global coral diversity. Thankfully, the Belize Government has banned offshore oil exploration and expanded its marine reserves significantly in recent years.
At the same time, many of the island’s dive resorts have prioritised sustainability and some are actively supporting marine restoration projects throughout the region. In short, Belize is garnering a reputation as a travel destination that’s actively protecting coral reefs….and we love to see it!
Understandably, we think Roatan makes a great choice for an eco-friendly scuba trip to Central America.
In this article, we’ll highlight 6 of the best eco-friendly Roatan dive resorts, including luxury retreats, family-friendly resorts and boutique stays. We hope it will help you make a considered choice for your next scuba vacation in Central America.
For more information about diving in Honduras, check out our detailed scuba guide here.
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Barefoot Cay Resort
Best private island dive resort on Roatan
Set on a private island off the south coast of Roatan is this luxurious property, which has earned a reputation as one of the best boutique hotels in Honduras. It’s the kind of place where you arrive and immediately start figuring out ways to extend your stay forever!
Barefoot Cay Resort has been nominated for numerous awards and is recognised for its commitment to environmental responsibility. Inclusivity wasn’t forgotten in its design either, with an accessible restaurant, dive shop/boats and accommodation.
In total, there are nine oceanfront villas, all of which offer magnificent views of the turquoise waters. If you’re on a smaller budget, you can opt for one of the loft rooms above Barefoot Divers – there are views of the ocean from here too!
Additionally, there’s a sparkling swimming pool, a spa and the highly-rated Azure restaurant. At this poolside dining venue, you can can feast on everything from tacos to ramen and house-made pasta during their weekly Italian night.
Barefoot Cay Resort has everything a diver could want or need, including an in-house dive operation and healthy coral gardens just minutes away by boat. Under the guidance of their instructors and divemasters, you can easily explore all the best dive sites of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Aside from offering daily dive trips to discover the area’s caves, walls and wrecks, Barefoot Divers has an air-conditioned classroom for divers wanting to enhance their skills.
Want to dive further afield? Discover some of the top dive destinations in the Caribbean, from Bonaire to the Bahamas and Curaçao.
Tranquilseas Eco Lodge & Dive Center
Best dive resort on Roatan with yoga
Located on the southwest coast of Roatan and surrounded by tropical gardens is Tranquilseas Eco Lodge & Dive Center. As its name suggests, it’s hard not to be enveloped in tranquility the moment you step into its grounds.
Each of the lodge’s nine rustic guest rooms is named after a different species of local wildlife – King Crab, Tortuga and Hummingbird are just a few. For us, this immediately fostered a connection to the island’s ecological systems.
The in-house dive team – Best Dive Roatan – operates from the resort’s private dock and offers a range of scuba courses. Plus, there are fun dives heading out at 9am, 11am and 2pm each day – join one, two or all three, depending on how you’re feeling.
And if you’re looking for something to do aside from diving, daily yoga classes are led by the lodge’s experienced instructors.
Tranquilseas Eco Lodge prides itself on operating as sustainably as possible. Not only has it implemented systems to responsibly manage wastewater and utilises only biodegradable cleaning products, but even the hot water is heated using renewable solar energy to minimise the carbon footprint.
Anthony’s Key Resort
Best overwater bungalow resort on Roatan
Positioned directly opposite Anthony’s Key, this eco-friendly Roatan resort has been welcoming guests for over 50 years. If that’s conjuring images of dated rooms, don’t worry, you couldn’t be further from the truth.
Instead, you’ll find contemporary overwater bungalows and hillside cabanas with everything you need.
Anthony’s Key Resort is perfectly designed for divers and snorkellers alike – it’s a PADI 5-Star Resort after all. AKR’s Dive Shop offers high-quality rentals, expert instruction and dockside equipment storage – there’s even a hyperbaric chamber on the property!
When you’re not out exploring the underwater world with the in-house dive team, you can relax beside the swimming pool, laze in one of the hammocks or enjoy a massage at the Ixora Spa.
The Ankor Grill sources locally-caught seafood to craft Honduran-inspired cuisine and the menu changes throughout the week to keep things interesting. Meanwhile, the open-air Frangipani Bar serves up craft cocktails accompanied by breathtaking sunsets.
What really sets Anthony’s Key Resort apart, in our opinion, is its commitment to sustainable tourism. Not only does it harness renewable energy for its operations, but it also supports coral reef restoration initiatives through partnerships with organisations like PADI Aware.
Why not combine your Roatan dive vacation with a stop in Belize? Discover some of this Caribbean country’s top scuba sites here.
Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa
Best luxury eco-resort on Roatan
Despite being larger than other properties on this list, we think the Kimpton is still worth a look. Located on the southern edge of West Bay, this high-end Roatan resort features just over 100 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites and bungalows.
While it doesn’t have an in-house dive operation, there are plenty nearby that will pick you up each day to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
What the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort does boast, however, is a beachside infinity pool where you can lounge the day away and an indulgent spa, Kao Kamasa.
When it’s time to refuel, this sustainably-run Roatan resort boasts four exceptional restaurants. Understandably, we think it’s one of the best choices for foodies visiting the island.
All serve up inspiring cuisine that celebrates Caribbean flavours and the in-house chefs regularly collaborate with some of the most exciting names in Latin America’s culinary scene.
With all of that said, the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort is about more than just luxury and indulgence. It’s also committed to sustainability.
The resort utilises renewable energy sources and has implemented initiatives to reduce plastic waste. Additionally, it participates in coral restoration projects to help preserve the health of the local marine ecosystem.
The Resort at Marble Hill
Best adults-only dive resort in Roatan
Set across 12 hectares on the (quiet) northeast side of Roatan, this boutique retreat is also an adults-only dive resort.
Its standalone suites are the epitome of tropical luxury. Each boasts stunning ocean views, spacious living areas and private balconies or terraces.
Staying here means enjoying unparalleled access to the Mesoamerican Reef, directly from the resort’s private dock.
Its PADI 5-Star dive centre facilitates daily dives to more than 30 nearby sites, with a guide-to-diver ratio of 5:1. All-inclusive packages include two daily dives, plus complimentary use of the resort’s kayaks and paddleboards.
Guests can indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences at the four on-site restaurants. All are supplied by the property’s own dairy farm and vegetable garden.
Further cementing the resort’s dedication to minimising its environmental impact are its responsible water usage and innovative waste reduction initiatives. These include towel and linen reuse, no single-use plastics and food waste composting.
Arca
Best eco-friendly boutique hotel on Roatan
Previously known as Island Pearl, this eco-conscious Roatan hotel underwent a significant transformation in 2022.
It is now helmed by a family deeply invested in sustainability. Their vision extends beyond simply providing luxurious accommodations – it aims to enrich the lives of Roatan’s inhabitants.
Arca’s motto is: “Where barefoot luxury meets boutique charm” and we think that sums the property up really well. It features just a handful of beautifully appointed suites, each with a light, organic design that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings.
There’s a saltwater pool if you want to take a dip or you can wander straight into the Caribbean Sea thanks to Arca’s beachfront setting.
Dining centres around the Ahari Restaurant, which specialises in Caribbean fusion cuisine – everything from tropical chia bowls to Garifuna-style soup and grilled snapper is on the menu.
While this sustainable Roatan resort doesn’t have an in-house dive shop, it has partnered with West Bay Divers (located just down the beach). Connect with them for dive courses and daily fun dives exploring the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Best time to dive in Roatan
The best time to dive in Roatan is during the dry season, which extends from March through September. This window of favourable weather conditions is marked by good underwater visibility and generally calm, glassy seas.
Avoid the rainy months of January and February, when the Bay Islands are subjected to downpours and powerful storm systems.
It’s worth noting that while Central America’s hurricane season runs from June through October, the Bay Islands themselves are rarely impacted.
With water temperatures ranging from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius (77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit), most divers will find a 3mm wetsuit to be more than sufficient to keep them warm.
FAQs about diving in Roatan
Does Roatan have good scuba diving?
Roatan offers exceptional scuba diving opportunities, making it a top destination in Honduras for both novice and experienced divers. The island is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, which boasts an incredible diversity of marine life.
On a dive vacation in Roatan, you can explore coral gardens, underwater caves and shipwrecks, accompanied by warm, clear waters and excellent visibility (often exceeding 30 metres/100 feet).
Additionally, there are numerous dive shops in Roatan to guide divers to the best sites, as well as experienced instructors leading certification courses.
Is the diving better in Roatan or Utila?
Both Roatan and Utila offer unique underwater adventures and incredible dive experiences, with easy access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. That being said, they cater to slightly different markets.
While Roatan offers a more developed diving infrastructure and a greater choice of luxury dive resorts, Utila’s charm lies in its relaxed vibe. It’s popular for its laid-back atmosphere and affordability, attracting a younger crowd and lots of backpackers.
Neither has better diving than the other – it’s more about the experience you want to have on your dive vacation in Honduras and the budget you have available.
Do I need a wetsuit to dive in Roatan?
If you’re diving in Roatan, it’s generally advisable to wear a wetsuit for both thermal protection and comfort. During the cooler months, you might need a full 3mm wetsuit to keep you warm during dives. In the warmer seasons, a shorty wetsuit or even just a rashguard might suffice.
When deciding on whether to wear a wetsuit or not during your dive vacation in Roatan, it’s important to consider your sensitivity to cold, the depth of your dives and their duration.
When is the best time to dive in Roatan?
The ideal time to dive in Roatan is during the dry season, which lasts from March to September. During this period, you can expect glassy waters and good visibility.
By steering clear of the rainy months of January and February, when the islands experience heavy rains and strong storm systems, you’ll be able to access a broader array of the Bay Islands’ marine wonders.
It’s important to mention that although Central America’s hurricane season occurs from June to October, the Bay Islands are seldom affected.
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We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe.
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