Cabañas - Roatán

Everett's Paradise lives up to its name, especially if you catch it on a good day. It’s not just a collection of pretty corals, though there are plenty of those. We love the way the two main pinnacles rise from the seafloor, creating channels and overhangs that feel like exploring an underwater maze. You’ll weave around massive sea fans, some of the biggest we’ve seen in the Somosomo Strait, feeling the gentle push and pull of the current. Keep an eye out for the resident unicornfish patrolling the deeper sections, and we often spot whitetip reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom between the structures. The real show here, for us, is the sheer density of the smaller reef fish. Schools of fusiliers often block out the light, parting just enough for you to swim through. You’ll spot a parade of butterflyfish – the onespot, limespot, and black-back are regulars – along with bright dusky and bleeker's parrotfish munching away on the coral. Our favourite moment is always finding a humphead wrasse cruising by, completely unfazed by divers. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, peering into every nook for a dwarf moray or an armed squirrelfish. At a maximum depth of 18 meters, it’s a brilliant choice for newer divers or anyone who just wants to soak in the vibrant reef without worrying about deep stops. Just check the current reports; a gentle drift here makes for an easier, more enjoyable dive.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.069300, -86.951800
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 Cabañas

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 Cabañas

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 dive depths and maximum depths encountered at the Cabañas dive sites?
At Cabañas, divers can expect a maximum depth of 21m for recreational dives. The site features a wall/drop-off where depths can average up to 29m, offering varying profiles for exploration. This provides opportunities for divers to experience different depth ranges within the site.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see when diving at Cabañas?
Divers at Cabañas will encounter a vibrant reef environment featuring a prominent wall/drop-off formation. The site is home to one of Utila's Coral Nurseries, showcasing extensive staghorn coral propagation. Keep an eye out for occasional sightings of nurse sharks and sea turtles.
How challenging are the dive sites at Cabañas, and are they suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Cabañas dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This makes it suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certification. It offers a rewarding experience without being overly challenging for advanced divers.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Cabañas for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters at Cabañas. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide. This resource can help you plan your trip for the best overall experience.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Cabañas?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating of the Cabañas dive site, a certification beyond Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, is recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to comfortably explore the site's depths and features, including potential drift diving conditions.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the Cabañas dive sites?
Cabañas is known as a great location for drift diving, indicating the presence of currents that can be utilized for an effortless dive. Divers can also expect excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 17m. A buoy is present for dive boats, further aiding in safe diving operations.