Black Rock - Roatán

The Don Cesar is a fun dive, a bit of a quirky one, really. This isn't a grand freighter; it's a confiscated cigarette boat, scuttled by the coast guard. It sits upright on a vast sand plain, looking a little out of place down there at 17 metres. We find it genuinely cool how quickly a wreck, even a relatively modern one, starts to take on marine life. You’ll see schools of French grunts swirling around the hull, little coney peeking out from shadows, and those bold triggerfish darting in and out. The visibility here can be a bit of a mixed bag; sometimes it’s 5 metres, sometimes a touch more. That just adds to the adventure of spotting the wreck from a distance. We often see barracuda cruising the plain, and we've even heard tales of Bornean dolphins making an appearance, though we haven't been lucky enough to spot them ourselves here. Our favourite part? It’s a great spot for responsible lionfish culling if you're with an operator who does that. Just be aware, it can be a bit of a hunt to find the wreck itself, but that's part of the fun. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate a smaller, more intimate wreck and enjoy the hunt for less common critters.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.270300, -86.602900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 diving depths at Black Rock dive site?
The Black Rock dive site offers a maximum depth of 20 meters, making it suitable for a range of recreational divers. This depth allows for ample bottom time to explore the reef wall and its numerous fissures.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see when diving at Black Rock?
When diving at Black Rock, you can expect to encounter a variety of fascinating marine life. Be on the lookout for smaller reef creatures such as the distinctive arrow crab with its blue claws, as well as many different types of shrimp, including the colorful banded coral shrimp. The site also boasts spectacular soft coral formations and giant barrel sponges, adding to the vibrant underwater scenery.
How difficult is diving at Black Rock, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Black Rock is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a maximum depth of 20 meters and good visibility, its features like numerous fissures in the reef wall may be best enjoyed by divers with some experience. Therefore, it might be more suitable for divers who have moved beyond their initial beginner certifications.
What is the best time of year to dive at Black Rock for optimal conditions and marine sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Black Rock for optimal conditions or marine sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Black Rock in Myanmar?
It seems there might be a slight misunderstanding; the Black Rock dive site described is located in Roatán, Honduras, not Myanmar. The data provided does not specify particular dive certifications required for this intermediate-difficulty site. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is sufficient for sites within 18-20 meters, but an Advanced Open Water certification might enhance your experience.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Black Rock dive site?
At the Black Rock dive site, you can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 20 meters. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site.