Sharing its borders with Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, Honduras lies at the very heart of Central America. It boasts an abundance of natural wonders that beckon adventurous travellers, chief among which is the country's stunning Caribbean coastline, stretching 669 kilometres alongside the Mesoamerican Great Barrier Reef. As the world’s second-largest reef system, this underwater marvel provides an awe-inspiring playground for scuba 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 remarkable affordability, meaning you can get certified or enjoy a dive vacation for a fraction of the cost of neighbouring countries. Its diverse array of 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 the best places to dive in Honduras and eco-friendly dive resorts to help you plan a sustainable stay.
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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 most exceptional diving experiences in the region. It’s the most established (and developed) dive destination on this list and draws adventurous underwater enthusiasts from around the globe. It’s also home to the widest choice of accommodation in the Bay Islands, with 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 a remarkable array of reefs, wrecks and caves, not to mention dramatic walls teeming with marine life. Beginner divers can cut their teeth on the shallow, accessible reefs that lie just offshore while those with more experience can embark on deep-water explorations. From graceful sea turtles and eagle rays to mesmerising schools of tropical fish, Roatan’s underwater realm is truly spectacular. But the true stars are the sharks - nurse sharks, reef sharks and hammerheads, in addition to occasional whale sharks.
Eco-friendly hotels and resorts on Roatan
With each of its nine rustic rooms named after local wildlife, this eco-friendly dive lodge on Roatan prides itself on operating as sustainably as possible. It boasts a sophisticated system for dealing with wastewater and only uses biodegradable cleaning products while its hot water is heated using solar energy. This sustainable Roatan accommodation also has an onsite kitchen serving local and international cuisine, and yoga classes are available with the lodge’s experienced teachers.
"Best diving lodge experience ever.” - Matias (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts Roatan
The house reef at the Tranquilseas Eco Lodge on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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 Project Aware initiative.
"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 Roatan
An aerial view of where the pool meets the beach at the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Set on the pristine shores of West Bay Beach, this luxury eco-resort in Roatan is a tropical oasis with just over 100 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and bungalows. 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.
"Everything was amazing! The facilities and amenities are outstanding. So detail-oriented!” - Esther (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Honduras
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 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 are the true gems, boasting some of the most thrilling and 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
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 peaceful, secluded escape. Aside from its elegantly appointed guest rooms and fully-furnished apartments, this eco-friendly Utila resort boasts a stunning infinity swimming pool and a steakhouse restaurant, all just 100 metres from the island’s main street.
"The best place to stay in Utila!” - Gilda (read more reviews here)
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, which provides unobstructed views of the island's world-famous sunsets.
"Love the style of the lodge and the deck on the water is just unbelievable!” - Sarah (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Honduras
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, lush 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, with 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
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 are invited to 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.
"It's nestled in the most breathtaking part of Guanaja, making every moment feel like an Instagram-worthy moment.” - Mcbride (read more reviews here)
This beloved boutique resort on Guanaja captures the true 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, guests are treated to an enticing menu of Caribbean-inspired cuisine prepared with a big dollop of friendly hospitality.
“A piece of paradise.” - Ayberk (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Honduras
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, allowing 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, although 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), with most divers comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit.
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.