Cara a Cara - Roatán

We've always been a little conflicted about Fish Market in Cozumel. The name itself just sounds so… utilitarian. But then you drop in, just a quick ten minutes from the marina, and it immediately makes sense. This spot is a perpetual party, always buzzing with activity, even at a shallow 11 meters. Forget deep walls; Fish Market is all about the show in the shallows. We love drifting through the schools of grunts here, so thick sometimes they form a shimmering, moving wall. It’s like being inside a living kaleidoscope. You'll often spot French and Queen Angelfish gliding by, seemingly unbothered by the chaos. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, we've found Sand Stargazers peeking from the sand and even Little Post Horn Squid jetting about. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, when the sun is high, really illuminating the elkhorn and staghorn corals. Visibility averages a solid 17 meters, which makes for fantastic wide-angle photo opportunities of the fish schools. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for newer divers, photographers, or anyone who just wants to soak in the sheer abundance of reef life without the pressure of depth.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.287400, -86.520100
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-35m

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 Cara a Cara

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 Cara a Cara

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 depth of the Cara a Cara dive site?
The Cara a Cara dive site has a maximum depth of 23 meters. Divers should be prepared for depths up to this limit when exploring this Roatán reef.
What marine life, especially sharks, can divers expect to see at Cara a Cara?
Based on the available information for Cara a Cara, specific details about marine life, including sharks, are not provided. While it is a reef dive, we cannot confirm particular species you might encounter at this time.
What is the required skill level or difficulty for diving Cara a Cara?
Diving at Cara a Cara is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is strongly recommended that all divers complete at least one acclimation dive beforehand to familiarize themselves with the conditions at this Roatán dive site.
When is the best time of year to dive at Cara a Cara for optimal conditions?
The provided data for Cara a Cara does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general information on when to dive in Honduras, please refer to our dedicated guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Cara a Cara?
The provided data for Cara a Cara does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required. However, as an intermediate dive with a maximum depth of 23 meters, it is advisable to consult with your dive center in Roatán regarding appropriate certification levels. It is strongly recommended to do at least one acclimation dive before exploring this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Cara a Cara dive site?
At Cara a Cara, divers can expect an average visibility of 22 meters. Due to its location approximately 2 nautical miles off the coast of Roatán, sea conditions may be rough, which could indicate the presence of currents.