Butcher’s Bank - Roatán

Escape Reef, tucked away on Grenada’s southwest coast, definitely earns its name. The current here can pick up, hitting a couple of knots, which means you’re often drifting over the reef and seeing things pretty quickly. We love it because that push of water brings in some interesting visitors. We’ve seen the reef here alive with schools of French grunt and creole wrasse so thick they almost block out the light. Keep an eye out for greater soapfish hiding among the coral and the surprisingly numerous orangespotted filefish. The barrel and elephant ear sponges are huge, adding splashes of purple and orange against the blue. It’s a great spot for a drift, perfect if you enjoy moving with the water and seeing what the current delivers. The maximum depth of 18m makes it accessible for most, but those currents mean you need to be comfortable with a bit of movement.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.278600, -86.604200
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

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 Butcher’s Bank

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 Butcher’s Bank

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 diving depth at Butcher's Bank, and what is the maximum depth?
The typical diving depth at Butcher's Bank starts around 40 ft (12 m), where the line is set at the inner end of a coral finger. Divers can explore down to a maximum depth of 20 meters (65 feet) at this site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Butcher's Bank?
Divers at Butcher's Bank can expect to explore a diverse reef environment featuring a coral finger, numerous coral heads, and bommies. To the east and south, there's a huge pristine sand patch adorned with soft branching corals, making it an excellent location for underwater photography and observing marine life.
How difficult is the Butcher's Bank dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Butcher's Bank dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty. Due to its intermediate rating, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers, but those with some experience will find it very rewarding.
When is the best time of year or day to dive at Butcher's Bank for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive at Butcher's Bank for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on when to dive in the region, additional resources may be helpful. However, the site boasts an average visibility of 21 meters (69 feet), offering great conditions for photography.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Butcher's Bank?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed, given that Butcher's Bank is an intermediate difficulty dive site, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended. This ensures divers are comfortable and proficient at depths up to 20 meters (65 feet) and in varied reef environments.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Butcher's Bank?
Butcher's Bank offers excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 21 meters (69 feet), making it ideal for photography. The provided data does not specify typical water temperatures or current conditions for this dive site.