Black Hills - Roatán

Dolphin Garden, just off Papatura Ite, is a very pleasant way to spend an hour underwater. The reef stretches out from the island, reaching a comfortable maximum depth of 20 metres, making it a good choice for those newer to diving or anyone looking for a relaxed bimble. You'll glide over a changing landscape of soft and hard corals, finding rays tucked into the sand and plenty of reef fish, including some impressively large humphead wrasse cruising by. Visibility averages around 14 metres. It’s a site we’ve often broken into two separate dives, each offering a slightly different feel as you explore the reef's length.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.091000, -86.846800
Type
reef

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 Black Hills

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 Black Hills

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 the Black Hills dive site in Utila?
The Black Hills dive site, a seamound found off the southeast corner of Utila, offers a varied depth profile. The top of the mound is typically found at about 10 meters, and the terrain can drop to over 40 meters on some sides. For recreational diving at this specific site, the maximum recommended depth is 25 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Black Hills in Utila?
At the Black Hills dive site, divers will explore a vibrant seamound characterized by healthy and abundant coral formations. The site is well-known for large schools of spadefish and jacks, providing impressive schooling action. It's also a great place to look for lionfish.
How challenging is the Black Hills dive site in Utila, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Black Hills dive site is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive, primarily due to potentially strong currents. Divers should be prepared for significant currents on both the surface and underwater. Therefore, it is recommended for divers with some experience who are comfortable with drift diving or managing varying current conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive Black Hills in Utila for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for diving at the Black Hills dive site. However, you can generally find information about optimal diving seasons for the region on our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive Black Hills in Utila?
The specific certifications required or highly recommended for diving at the Black Hills dive site are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 25 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is generally advisable for similar sites to safely manage potential currents and explore deeper sections. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Roatán for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Black Hills dive site in Utila?
Divers at the Black Hills dive site should be prepared for potentially strong currents, which can be present on both the surface and underwater. Despite the currents, visibility is generally excellent, averaging around 21 meters. This good visibility allows for clear views of the abundant marine life and coral formations.