Sustainable Scuba Trip to Honduras: Best Dive Sites + Eco-Resorts
Sharing its borders with Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, Honduras lies at the very heart of Central America. We first travelled here back in 2001 as part of a longer, overland trip, and it left a big impression on us.
Honduras boasts an abundance of natural wonders that beckon adventurous travellers, chief among which is the country’s stunning Caribbean coastline. It’s of particular note for scuba enthusiasts as it stretches 669 kilometres alongside the Mesoamerican Great Barrier Reef.
As the world’s second-largest reef system, it’s an absolute playground for divers.
Honduras’ main diving hubs are the islands of Utila, Roatan and Guanaja, each of which offers something that sets it apart as a scuba destination.
While Roatan is the more developed and renowned for its volcanic crevices, Utila is the budget-friendly, smaller sister that attracts a younger demographic (and whale sharks!).
Mountainous Guanaja is rapidly garnering a reputation for its healthy reefs and off-the-grid stays.
What really sets Honduras apart as a Central American dive destination is its affordability. Here, you can get certified or enjoy a dive vacation for a fraction of the cost of neighbouring countries.
Its dive resorts are well within the budgets of most and many are placing an ever-increasing focus on sustainability. This makes Honduras a great choice for eco-conscious divers, particularly considering the fragile nature of its island environments.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about scuba diving in Honduras. We’ll highlight the best dive sites in Honduras and eco-friendly dive resorts to help you plan a sustainable scuba vacation in Central America.
Have your heart set on diving the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef? Check out our scuba guides to Belize and Mexico.
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Roatan
Best place to dive in Honduras for a luxury stay
Located 50 kilometres off the coast of Honduras, Roatan boasts some of the best diving experiences in the region. It’s the most established (and developed) dive destination on this list and draws adventurous scuba enthusiasts from around the globe.
Roatan is also home to the widest choice of accommodation in the Bay Islands. There’s everything from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, many of which are championing eco-friendly stays.
Along the island’s western shores, a cluster of dive operators provides access to reefs, wrecks and caves, not to mention dramatic walls.
Beginner divers can cut their teeth on the shallow, accessible reefs that lie just offshore. Meanwhile, those with more experience can embark on deep-water explorations.
From sea turtles and eagle rays to mesmerising schools of tropical fish, Roatan’s underwater realm is spectacular. If there’s one standout (in our opinion) it’s the sharks – nurse sharks, reef sharks and hammerheads, in addition to occasional whale sharks.
Eco-friendly hotels and resorts on Roatan
Tranquilseas Eco Lodge & Dive Center
With each of its nine rustic rooms named after local wildlife, this eco-friendly Roatan dive lodge prides itself on operating as sustainably as possible.
It boasts a sophisticated system for dealing with wastewater and only uses biodegradable cleaning products. At the same time, its hot water is heated using solar energy.
This sustainable Roatan accommodation also has an on-site kitchen serving local and international cuisine. Yoga classes are available with the lodge’s experienced teachers.
Anthony’s Key Resort
With its beachfront setting and waterfront bungalows, this eco-friendly resort on Roatan has been hosting divers for decades.
Locally sourced seafood is dished up at the Ankor Grill while the Frangipani Bar offers panoramic sunset views.
When it comes to sustainability, Anthony’s Key Resort utilises renewable energies, supports reef restoration efforts and is certified with the PADI Aware initiative.
Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa
Set on the pristine shores of West Bay Beach, this luxury eco-resort in Roatan is a tropical oasis. In total, there are just over 100 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and bungalows.
Additionally, there’s a beachside infinity pool and a pampering spa, as well as four world-class restaurants serving mouthwatering cuisine.
When it comes to sustainability, this eco-friendly Roatan resort is utilising renewable energies and reducing its plastic waste, as well as participating in coral restoration projects.
Utila
Best place to learn to dive in Honduras
To the southwest of Roatan is Utila, another incredible base for divers visiting Honduras and less developed than its big-sister neighbour. It also tends to be less crowded than Roatan and has managed to maintain a sense of unspoiled natural beauty.
Utila appeals more to the backpacker crowd, with a wonderful choice of affordable accommodation and a laid-back vibe. Its affordability extends to its dive courses, making Utila one of the best places to learn to dive in Honduras.
With over 80 dive spots along its northern and southern shores, Utila boasts an amazing array of marine environments to explore. While the southern coast tends to be the most sheltered and accessible, the northern sites boast some of the most visually stunning underwater landscapes in the Bay Islands.
That being said, the northern dives can only be accessed when weather conditions are ideal, usually in the mornings.
Utila is particularly renowned for its whale shark sightings. Witnessing these gentle giants gliding effortlessly through the Caribbean waters is a bucket-list-worthy experience.
Best places to stay on Utila for divers
MANURII Garden
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Utila, the MANURII Garden receives rave reviews. It’s nestled in the picturesque Sandy Bay neighbourhood and provides a luxurious experience for divers seeking a secluded escape.
Aside from its elegantly appointed guest rooms and fully-furnished apartments, this eco-friendly Utila resort boasts an infinity swimming pool and a steakhouse restaurant, all just 100 metres from the island’s main street.
Utila Lodge
Famed for its sprawling deck, this over-water Utila dive lodge offers a quintessential Caribbean experience. It features eight well-appointed guest rooms complete with screened-in porches and hammocks – the perfect spot to while away the hours in between dives.
At the end of the day, you can refuel or sip on a cocktail at the renowned Sunset Bar and Grill. It provides unobstructed views of the island’s world-famous sunsets.
Guanaja
Best place to dive in Honduras without the crowds
On the opposite side of Roatan is Guanaja, the least developed dive destination in Honduras. A vacation here is all about exploring the island’s beautiful beaches, tropical forests and cascading waterfalls, all largely untouched by the trappings of mass tourism.
In fact, Guanaja has managed to preserve its natural splendour so well that it remains blissfully devoid of chain hotels. Instead, there are just a handful of rustic dive lodges to choose from.
Guanaja is a dream destination for any diver craving an authentic, off-the-grid experience. This is the ultimate opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind island adventure.
Guanaja’s positioning at the very edge of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System means that it attracts an abundance of pelagic marine species, from manta rays to migrating humpback whales.
Not to miss is the 73-metre wreck of the Jado Trader, a freighter sunk in 1987 to form an exceptional artificial reef.
Eco-friendly places to stay in Guanaja
Guanaja Backpacker’s Hostel
If you’re seeking an off-the-grid stay with an affordable price tag, this eco-friendly Gaunaja hostel ticks all the right boxes. The property’s tranquil grounds wind up a hillside blanketed in coconut palms and fruit trees, which seamlessly transition into the surrounding jungle.
Guests can explore the network of hiking trails or the nearby coral reefs, which offer unforgettable snorkelling and scuba diving experiences. Both private rooms and dorms are available.
Graham’s Place
This boutique resort on Guanaja captures the essence of a tropical island getaway, set within an idyllic natural setting.
It features 25 waterfront accommodations with magnificent views, which extend beyond the powdery white sand and across the shimmering waters of the Caribbean Sea.
At the on-site Fish Tales Bar & Grill, you’ll find an enticing menu of Caribbean-inspired cuisine prepared with a big dollop of friendly hospitality.
Best time to dive in Honduras
The best time to dive the Bay Islands of Honduras is during the dry season, which generally runs from March to December.
Avoid the rainy months of January and February when the islands are subjected to near-constant rainfall and powerful storm systems.
By visiting outside of the wettest months, you can take full advantage of the exceptional visibility and calm seas. It also allows you to explore a wider range of the islands’ underwater attractions.
It’s worth bearing in mind that Central America’s hurricane season (which runs from June through October) can create volatile weather patterns. That being said, the Bay Islands rarely take a direct hit.
Water temperatures in the Bay Islands range from around 25 to 29°C (78 to 84°F). Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit.
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