In the protected Sandy Bay, West End Marine Park you will dive into a coral paradise. We support the Roatan Marine Park.
Fringing Reef
The fringing reef descends from the surface, dropping down to five meters (15 ft), thus creating a shallow wall perfect for snorkelers. The reef then very gradually slopes t
o 10m/30ft, finally dropping off, creating the second wall that reaches the depths of 30-45m/100-140ft. With the water temperature of
24-31 degrees C /75-100 degrees Fahrenheit
and a visibility of 15-30m/40-100feet, the diving and snorkeling is excellent year roundIn West Bay the coral reef is only a short distance from shore, which makes for very accessible snorkeling and shore diving in calm turquoise waters right outside your front door of the Roatan Villas on West Bay beach. It is so accessible shore diving is also possible directly from the beach.
Fish of the Bay Islands of Honduras
The Bay Islands are home to hundreds of species of fish and marine life. Due to its’ location in the warm waters of the Caribbean, reef fish are abundant such as Wrasse, Butterfly fish, Angelfish, Filefish, Trigger fish and many more. The elusive Eels and Drum Fish are also spotted. Pelagic species abound with divers regularly seeing Cero, Travali, Barracuda and Turtles.
In the Roatan Marine Park no fishing is allowed therefore it is possible to find all types of big Groupers and Snappers that are normally the first to bite. For example, the Halfmoon Bay dive sites in front of West End are home to many of these fish in all shapes, colors and sizes.
Critters also thrive in the reefs’ eco-system and there are many Octopi, lobster, king Crab, Arrow Crabs and Gobies peering out at divers from their hiding spots. There is also a fair chance of seeing such majestic creatures as Sharks and Rays.
The Coral Reef around Roatan Island
The coral reef eco-system houses the richest and most diverse marine life. Coral reefs need sunlight to grow and therefore can only be found in shallow, clear, tropical seas. As the Roatan reef is protected, there are many species of hard corals, an abundance of black coral and gorgonians all in excellent condition. Special to the Bay Islands are the amazing variety of sea sponges. The Giant Barrel sponge can hold many divers in its’ cavity.
Roatan Special
Roatan is an island of lush rolling hills and when it rains the water runs down into the sea carving channels, crevices and caves in the reef, which have created exciting and safe “swim throughs” to explore. Moray Eels, Nurse Sharks, Lobster and shy species like the Margate Snapper favor these fantastic underwater hideouts.
Popular sits such as Canyon Reef, Blue Channel, and Mangrove Bite with their large fissures allow divers the uncanny feeling of diving inside a living reef, which is what makes Roatan special.
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