Blue Moonshine - Roatán

Eagle Corner often surprises us. Sure, the eagle statue is a bit kitsch, but it’s a good landmark to start our descent, usually in a gentle current. We love how the reef here just stretches out, a really healthy mix of soft corals swaying alongside sturdy table and staghorn formations. It feels like a proper, mature reef, not just a collection of pretty bits. The turtles are the real stars here, though. We often spot multiple green and hawksbill turtles munching away or just cruising past, sometimes so engrossed they barely notice us. Keep an eye out for ribbon eels poking their heads from the sand; they're always a treat. On a good day, with a bit of current, you might even catch a glimpse of a whitetip reef shark patrolling the deeper sections. This site is a relaxed drift, perfect for photographers wanting to spend time with the turtles or newer divers getting comfortable with currents. Dive it in the late morning, the light catches the corals beautifully.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.292200, -86.603600
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 Blue Moonshine

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 Blue Moonshine

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 divers can expect at the Blue Moonshine dive site in Roatan?
At the Blue Moonshine dive site in Roatan, divers can explore shallow sand patches ranging from 20 to 40 feet. The site also features a steep drop-off, with a maximum depth of 21 meters (approximately 69 feet). This variety makes it suitable for different dive profiles and experience levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Blue Moonshine?
Divers at Blue Moonshine can expect a diverse underwater landscape, including a vibrant reef, shallow sand patches, and a steep drop-off. The site boasts an abundance of fish and offers excellent chances to spot a variety of marine life, from small macro critters to larger residents like turtles and eagle rays. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is the Blue Moonshine dive site suitable for all experience levels, including beginner divers?
Yes, the Blue Moonshine dive site in Roatan is indeed suitable for all experience levels, including beginner divers. Its varied topography, from shallow sand patches to a steep drop-off, makes it ideal for courses, navigation dives, and drift dives. While the overall difficulty is rated as intermediate, there are plenty of sections accessible and enjoyable for less experienced divers.
When is the best time of year to dive Blue Moonshine for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Blue Moonshine for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. We recommend checking our When to Dive section for general information on diving seasons in Roatan.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Blue Moonshine, especially for exploring deeper sections?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Blue Moonshine. However, for exploring deeper sections beyond recreational limits, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is typically recommended. Always consult with a local dive operator in Roatan for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Blue Moonshine dive site in Roatan?
At the Blue Moonshine dive site in Roatan, divers can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 19 meters (approximately 62 feet). While specific current conditions are not detailed, the site is noted as suitable for drift dives, suggesting that currents can be present and may vary.