Big Bight - Roatán

Dérivante aux tortues is exactly what it sounds like – a turtle drift, and one of our favourite easy-going glides in Moorea. We love dropping in here, letting the current do the work. You’ll often spot a few green sea turtles resting on the coral heads or lazily paddling by, completely unfazed. Keep an eye out for the big pelagics too. We’ve seen jack mackerels flash past and even caught a glimpse of a sleek Indo-Pacific sailfish once, a real jolt of adrenaline against the deep blue. The reef isn't the most dramatic, it’s a gentle slope, but the fish life is consistently good. Look for big schools of cardinalfish sheltering in crevices, their eyes reflecting our torch beams. Down deeper, around 20-24 metres, you might spot a grumpy-looking pufferfish or a curious twinspot hawkfish perched on a coral branch. Visibility averages around 16 metres, which is perfectly decent for watching the underwater world drift past. It’s a comfortable dive, rarely challenging, making it great for newer drift divers or anyone who just wants to relax and watch for turtles.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.104100, -86.877200
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Sistema de Humedales de la Isla de Utila

Best Time to Dive in Roatán

The warmest water temperatures in Roatán occur in September, averaging 30.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C
  • February: 27.3°C
  • March: 27.4°C
  • April: 28.0°C
  • May: 28.9°C
  • June: 29.3°C
  • July: 29.1°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 30.2°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 29.1°C
  • December: 28.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Roatán

Nearest Dive Centres to Big Bight

Marine Life in Roatán

Home to 170 recorded species including 150 reef fish, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 1 sharks & rays, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Big Bight

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Big Bight?
The Big Bight dive site in Roatán offers a maximum depth of 20 meters. This depth range is ideal for recreational divers looking to explore the vibrant marine environment. With an average visibility of 19 meters, you can enjoy clear views throughout your dive.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving Big Bight?
At Big Bight, divers can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life and corals. You'll commonly spot Barrel Spongers, Branching corals, and Anemones, along with fascinating creatures like Channel Clinging Crabs, Spiny and Spanish Lobsters, Green Moray Eels, and Groupers. Keep an eye out for a diverse range of sea slugs as well, making every dive an exciting wildlife viewing opportunity.
How challenging is the Big Bight dive site for different skill levels?
The Big Bight dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. It is primarily a drift dive, which means divers should be comfortable with current conditions and proper buoyancy control. This offers an exciting experience for those ready for a dynamic underwater adventure.
What is the best time of year to dive at Big Bight for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the Big Bight dive site does not specify a 'best time of year' for optimal conditions. However, Roatán generally offers good diving year-round. For more general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Big Bight?
While specific certification requirements for Big Bight are not explicitly listed, its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 20 meters suggest that an Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient. However, given it's a drift dive, advanced certifications or experience with drift diving are highly recommended to fully enjoy the site safely. Always check with your local dive operator for their specific requirements.
Are there strong currents or specific conditions to be aware of when diving Big Bight?
Yes, divers should be aware that Big Bight is characterized as a drift dive. This means you can expect currents, which will carry you along the site, offering a unique and effortless way to explore. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and maintain good buoyancy control to navigate these conditions effectively.