Best time to dive Roatán
When is the best time to dive Roatán?
This stunning Honduran island is one of the most picturesque that you can visit in Latin America. Famous for its world-class beaches and diving, you’ll also relax into the slower pace of life here in just a few days.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best time to dive Roatán, as well as some of the very best things to see and do on the island. We’ll also look at how long to spend here, as well as your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
Best time to visit Roatan for diving
The months of February until June are the very best for diving in Roatán, given rainfall is minimal which results in more visible waters.
Is Roatan worth visiting?
There are several beautiful islands worth visiting in the Caribbean, however, Roatán has to be up there as one of the very best.
Here you’ll find a really interesting mix of culture, which includes Latin roots from the Honduran mainland as well as descendants from the indigenous locals who first occupied the island.
You’ll also see many beautiful beaches here too, which are perfect for swimming in as well as going diving in the nearby reef.
Lastly, there are also many incredible activities to do on Roatán, which include zip-lining through the jungle canopy to trying authentic Chocolate grown on the island!
What is the best month to dive Roatán?
Although you’ll find diving conditions perfect anytime during the dry season, the months of March and April are the very best.
Not only are these the overall driest months of the year, but the water temperature is also really nice too (you can dive without needing a wetsuit if staying up to 30m of depth).
Visibility conditions are perfect, and it’s also these months when you’ll see the highest variety of exotic marine wildlife. During these months you can spot Whale Sharks, although if this is your main reason for coming you’re better off visiting in April.
How long should I spend in Roatán?
One of the biggest questions we get asked about travel is how long to spend in each particular place. It’s hard to answer given everyone is different and has different styles of travel.
However, when heading to Roatán, we recommend spending between 3-5 Days. Here you’ll have plenty of time to relax on the island’s beautiful beaches, and also to enjoy all of the main activities that you can do here. If you want to learn how to dive, then you’ll be better off with a week in Roatán.
Top things to do in Roatán
Now let’s take a look at some of the very best things to in Roatán.
Go diving
Whilst areas such as The Riviera Maya in Mexico are more known for their waters, the hands-down best are actually found here around Roatán (and the other Bay Islands).
Here you’ll have crystal-clear waters all times of the year, which is unlike many other destinations which tend to be seasonal. And it’ll also be nice and warm too – it is the Caribbean after all!
You’ll see lots of beautiful marine wildlife such as Octopuses, Sharks and Tuna. It’s also one of the most renowned spots for spotting the elusive Hammerhead Shark too. When diving you’ll also be taken to explore some really cool shipwreck sites too – which include the famous Odyssey.
Whilst diving is great year-round, those looking to spot the incredible Whale Sharks will want to come between February and May, which are the best months for spotting them. We recommend heading with this diving tour which includes all transport and diving gear.
Enjoy a memorable trip on a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Perhaps you’re not overly into getting wet, or are also scared of being in the open sea (George was petrified before learning to dive here).
If this is you, yet you still want to see under the waters, then this Glass-Bottom Boat Tour is perfect for you. Here you’ll set sail in a comfortable boat, where you can head under the deck for some awesome underwater views.
As you’ll be cruising 6ft under the waves, you’ll be able to see many incredible and rare species without even getting a drop on you! After you’ve enjoyed the scenery, you’ll step off the boat and then head to a monkey sanctuary (included in the tour) where you can also spot some sloths too.
You’ll finally visit the Chocolate & Rum Factory, where you can learn how the processes work as well as try some of the very best stuff.
Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth
Quite a statement we know – however it’s true given how West Bay Beach makes its way onto the top 20 lists annually without breaking so much as a sweat.
Around a mile long, here you’ll find many spots between the swinging palm trees and the multi-colored turquoise waters for setting up camp on. Those who enjoy snorkelling will feel like they’re in paradise here too, given how transparent these waters are (you’ll find many bright-coloured schools of fish passing you by every now and then).
It can get quite warm during midday, and as such we recommend coming in the morning or during sunset with some beers to enjoy the incredible sunset over the horizon.
Along West Bay you’ll also find lots of amenities too such as restaurants, rental shops and even dive centres for those ready to explore this incredible reef. This means you can easily spend the day (or multiple) without ever really having to leave!
Zip-Lining through the jungle canopy
Most who have heard of Roatán (and it’s the same with all of the Bay Islands) think that it’s just sandy beaches, vast oceans and nothing more. This couldn’t be any further from the truth!
These island also have lots of lush vegetation, and on Roatán (which is the overall biggest of the three) you’ll find a large swath of incredible Honduran jungle. One of the most fun things you can do when on the island is to go on this adventurous zip-lining tour.
Here you can ride the 11 different routes through the thick canopy, which can be as high as 120 ft above the ground. They’re also pretty long too, and those who want to really savour their experience will want to head on the longest which measures a whopping 1,500 ft!
As well as having professional photos included, you’ll also have an English-speaking guide who will explain how to use the ropes and also other interesting facts about this slice of Honduran paradise.
Swim with Dolphins
In this area of the Caribbean Sea you’ll find many beautiful Dolphins species such as the Bottlenose Dolphin. They’re found in these waters throughout the year, which is perfect if you want to get up-close to swim with them.
One of the most reliable areas to see them is on Anthony’s Key, which is situated on the west-end portion of the island (near West Bay). Here you can swim with trained dolphins with instructors in the water with you in case you’re not feeling so confident or are a first-timer.
Along West Bay you’ll also find many local companies offering tours out to spot Dolphins in the wild, so if this sounds more like your thing then you simply need to have a chat, agree a price and go for it!
There are other dolphin species in these waters to keep an eye out for too, which include the Rough-toothed Dolphin and Spinner Dolphin.
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Best time to dive Roatan FAQs
Best time to visit Roatan for diving
And that’s all for this guide on the best time to visit Roatán for diving.
This incredible Honduran island is one of the most picturesque you can visit in the Caribbean. Not only is it home to one of the world’s best beaches, it’s also a fantastic place to go diving too.
Here you’ll be able to see many incredible underwater species, including rare fish that you can’t spot anywhere else.
In this guide we’ve looked at the best months to go diving in Roatán, how long to spend here as well as the best things to do on the island. At the end we’ve also answered your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
See our backpacking Honduras guide for more ideas on where to go while here.
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