Located 50 kilometres off the northern coast of Honduras, the sun-drenched island of Roatan has long been celebrated as one of the premier dive destinations in the Caribbean region. As the most established and developed of the Bay Islands, Roatan has cultivated a well-deserved reputation among underwater enthusiasts from around the globe, who flock here to experience its diverse array of marine environments.
In response to the fragility of the region's underwater realm, many of the island’s dive resorts have prioritised sustainability and actively support coral restoration projects across the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This makes Roatan a great choice for divers searching for an eco-conscious scuba vacation in one of Central America’s most beautiful destinations.
In this article, we’ll highlight 6 of the best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan, including luxury retreats, family-friendly resorts and boutique stays.
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Best private island dive resort on Roatan
Set on its own private island, this luxurious property has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest boutique hotels in Honduras. It has been nominated for numerous awards and recognised for its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, making it a great choice for divers wanting an eco-friendly scuba vacation in Honduras.
At Barefoot Cay Resort, there are nine oceanfront villas offering magnificent views of the turquoise waters, plus a sparkling swimming pool, a spa and the highly-rated Azure restaurant. Connected by ferry on the shores of Roatan are five spacious lofts, as well as the in-house dive centre, Barefoot Divers. Under the guidance of their instructors and divemasters, you can easily explore the exceptional dive sites of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
“A perfect place to relax and reconnect.” - Michelle (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
A white pavilion over the sparkling swimming pool at Barefoot Cay Resort on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best dive resort on Roatan with yoga
Located on the southwest coast of Roatan, the Tranquilseas Eco Lodge & Dive Center offers a sustainable experience for nature-loving travellers and divers wanting to explore the underwater wonders of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Each of the lodge's nine rustic guest rooms is named after a different species of local wildlife, fostering a deep connection to the island's diverse ecosystems.
Beyond the charming accommodations, the lodge prides itself on operating as sustainably as possible, implementing systems to responsibly manage wastewater and utilising only biodegradable cleaning products. Even the hot water is heated using renewable solar energy, minimising the lodge's carbon footprint. And for guests looking to further their wellness journey, daily yoga classes are led by the lodge's experienced instructors, providing a serene sanctuary to unwind and reconnect with nature.
"Best diving lodge experience ever.” - Matias (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
One of the elegant rooms at the Tranquilseas Eco Lodge on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best overwater bungalow resort on Roatan
Positioned directly opposite Anthony’s Key, this eco-friendly Roatan resort features a handful of charming overwater bungalows and hillside cabanas designed for divers and snorkellers alike. When you’re not out exploring the underwater world with the in-house dive team, you can relax beside the 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, while the open-air Frangipani Bar serves up craft cocktails accompanied by breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky each evening. What truly sets Anthony's Key Resort apart is its commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship, harnessing renewable energy and supporting coral reef restoration initiatives through partnerships with organisations like Project AWARE.
"The most amazing week of diving and learning about how to help save the reef.” - Colleen (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
A breezy bar at Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury eco-resort on Roatan
This high-end Roatan eco-resort offers a serene and rejuvenating escape, with just over 100 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites and bungalows. Each seamlessly blends modern comforts with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape at the southern edge of West Bay. Kimpton Grand Roatan boasts a stunning beachside infinity pool where you can lounge the day away, as well as being home to the indulgent Kao Kamasa Spa. Daily dives are offered with the in-house scuba team and yoga classes take place at the resort throughout the week.
When it's time to refuel, Kimpton Grand Roatan boasts four exceptional restaurants serving up inspiring cuisine that celebrates the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean. But this Roatan eco-resort is about more than just luxury and indulgence - it's also deeply committed to sustainable practices, utilising renewable energy sources and implementing initiatives to reduce plastic waste, as well as participating in coral restoration projects to help preserve the health of the local marine ecosystem.
"Everything was amazing! The facilities and amenities are outstanding. So detail-oriented!” - Esther (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable dive resorts on Roatan
An aerial view of The Resort at Marble Hill (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best adults-only dive resort in Roatan
Sprawling across 12 hectares on the quiet northeast side of Roatan, this boutique retreat is an exceptional adults-only dive resort. Its standalone suites are the epitome of tropical luxury, each boasting stunning ocean views, king-size beds, spacious living areas and private balconies or terraces. Guests staying here enjoy unparalleled access to the Mesoamerican Reef, directly from the resort's private dock.
Guests can indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences at the four on-site restaurants, which are supplied by the property's own dairy farm and vegetable garden. Responsible water usage, sustainable sourcing and innovative waste reduction initiatives - including towel and linen reuse, no single-use plastics and food waste composting - further cement the resort's dedication to minimising its environmental impact.
"Beautiful, relaxing oasis with attentive and wonderful staff.” - Laura (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly hotels on Roatan
One of the stylish suites at Arca - an eco-friendly boutique hotel on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly boutique hotel on Roatan
Previously known as Island Pearl, this eco-conscious Roatan hotel underwent a significant transformation in 2022 and 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 while offering visitors a boutique vacation haven that was previously lacking in the West Bay area.
Located directly on the beachfront, Arca features just a handful of beautifully appointed suites, each featuring a light, organic design that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. To enhance the vacation experience, this sustainable Roatan resort has partnered with West Bay Divers (located just down the beach) to offer guests professional and convenient access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
"Amazing beachfront stay!” - Rowan (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
Best time to dive in Roatan
The best time to dive in Roatan is undoubtedly during the dry season, which extends from March through September. This window of favourable weather conditions allows visitors to make the most of the exceptional underwater visibility and calm, glassy seas that characterise this tropical island paradise.
By avoiding the rainy months of January and February, when the islands are subjected to near-constant downpours and powerful storm systems, divers can explore a far wider range of the Bay Islands' marine attractions. It's worth noting that while Central America's hurricane season does run from June through October, the Bay Islands themselves are rarely impacted, allowing for a relatively stable and predictable diving season.
With water temperatures ranging from a comfortable 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 and comfortable throughout their explorations.
About the authors
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. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.