Scuba Diving in Roatan with Ocean Connections

The beautiful Caribbean island of Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras offers some of the world's best Scuba diving. With coral reef fringing most of the shoreline, Roatan is part of the second largest reef system on the planet. The reef provides calm water and white sand beaches for swimming, snorkeling and of course, some of the world's best scuba diving. The marine life on Roatan is diverse and abundant, mainly due to a combination of local conservation efforts, the present stage of development and good diving practices by local dive shops.

Roatan has a hyper baric chamber and full medical facilities located at the Cornerstone Medical Clinic at Anthony's Key Resort in Sandy Bay, a 10 minute boat or taxi ride away from our dive center.

Located about 65 kilometers off the Northern Coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands group consists of 3 main Islands (Roatan, Guanaja, and Utila), 3 smaller islands (Barbareta, Morat, and Helene), and 65 smaller cays. Between these islands and the mainland are the Cayos Cocinos (Hog Islands).

During the Maya reign in Central America (between the 4th and 10th centuries), the Paya Indians populated the Bay Islands. The Payas were a smaller and less advanced group than the Mayans. Their civilization was characterized by simpler housing and tools. Payan artifacts (pottery, jade, and shells) are often found in Island burial and ceremonial sites and are referred to by the locals as "yaba ding dings."

The island Indians mined jade which they took in small boats to the mainland to trade for tools, and other items. The islands provided an abundant variety of foodstuffs such as manioc, fish, corn, turtles, iguanas, agouti (island "rabbits"), native fruits, land crabs, and deer.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, Europeans discovered these islands. For almost 200 years Spanish conquistadors and British pirates battled for control of these islands, ignoring the Indians for the most part. During this period, the Islands were used for food and wood supplies, safe harbor, and slave trading. Remains of old British forts and towns named after famous pirates remain as their legacy. One group of slaves was "parked" here during this time during the heat of a battle. When the winners came to collect them, the slaves refused to go. These are the Garifunas who populate much of the Bay Islands to this date, still maintaining their own cultural identity and language. Punta Gorda on Roatan is one of many villages where they still make their homes.

The British eventually established control of the Bay Islands, until the early 1960's when control of the Islands was officially returned to Honduras. Roatan has now become a major destination for scuba divers.

Roatan Today

Roatan is fast becoming a major destination for scuba diving and has developed rapidly in the last few years. There are now direct flights with a number of airlines in the United States and hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets. There are many ATM machines around the island, and internet access is readily available. As of 2005 the Roatan Marine Park has been working to protect this amazing place and largely with the help of local business, dive shops and divers, will continue to do so. Remember to stop by the local marine park office during your stay on Roatan.

For more information about West End, please view our backpacker's guide.