Black Rock - Roatán

Black Rock is a dive we always try to hit when we're in Roatán. It’s a continuation of the West End Wall, but has its own distinct feel, more rugged and less traversed. The reef here is a maze of crags and crevices, particularly great for hunting out the smaller critters. We’ve found everything from Saddle Stargazers peeking out of the sand to the tiny, shy Jawfish with their mouthfuls of eggs. The wall itself isn't a sheer drop, more of a stepped descent to around 20 metres, peppered with giant barrel sponges that feel ancient and soft corals that glow in the ambient light. Keep your eyes peeled for the Dusky Blennies – they are everywhere if you know where to look, bobbing their heads from empty worm holes. Our favourite time to dive Black Rock is early morning, before the dive boats from West End hit their stride. You get a quieter experience and sometimes, if you're lucky, the larger Yellow Jacks cruise by in tight schools, silhouetted against the morning sun. Just remember that currents can pick up here, so be ready for a drift if the conditions dictate.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.270300, -86.602900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Islas de la Bahía

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 Rock

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 Rock

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 are the typical depths for diving at Black Rock in Myanmar?
The Black Rock dive site detailed in our resources is located in Roatán, Honduras, not Myanmar. For this specific site, divers can expect a maximum depth of 20m. This depth makes it accessible for a range of certified divers.
What marine life can divers expect to see at Black Rock dive site?
At the Black Rock dive site, divers can anticipate seeing fascinating smaller reef creatures. Keep an eye out for the distinctive arrow crab with its blue claws, and various types of shrimp, including the colorful banded coral shrimp. The site also features spectacular soft coral formations and giant barrel sponges, adding to the vibrant underwater landscape. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the diving at Black Rock, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at Black Rock is rated as intermediate in difficulty. This means it is best suited for divers who have some experience and are comfortable with various underwater conditions. While not excessively challenging, it may not be recommended for absolute beginner divers, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for those with a bit more training.
When is the best time of year to plan a dive trip to Black Rock in Myanmar?
The Black Rock dive site detailed here is located in Roatán, Honduras, not Myanmar. The provided data does not specify the best time of year to plan a dive trip to this particular site. For general information on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are recommended or required for diving Black Rock?
While specific dive certifications are not explicitly listed for Black Rock, its 'intermediate' difficulty rating implies that divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification with some practical experience. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would likely be beneficial, allowing for greater comfort and skill in varying conditions. It's always recommended to confirm specific requirements with your chosen dive operator before planning your trip.
What are the usual currents and visibility conditions like at Black Rock dive site?
At the Black Rock dive site, divers can typically expect excellent visibility, with an average of 20m, providing clear views of the reef. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current conditions at this location. It is always wise to consult with your local dive center for real-time conditions before your dive.