Deep - Ricardo Montans - Roatán

Hulls Rock on Mafia Island offers a good drift, a gentle ride over a reef that starts deep and slopes up. We usually drop in around 30-40 meters and let the current carry us, watching for blue-spotted rays tucked into the sand and the occasional turtle gliding past. The deeper sections have some impressively sized barrel sponges, while the upper reef, from about 18 meters shallower, is where you find the healthier corals and schools of fusiliers. Keep an eye out for the Gilded Triggerfish; it’s a bit of a local celebrity here. This site is a solid choice for divers who enjoy a relaxed drift and aren't chasing big pelagics, though the reef fish are plentiful.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.302300, -86.601000
Type
drift
Difficulty
advanced

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 Deep - Ricardo Montans

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 Deep - Ricardo Montans

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 maximum depth for recreational scuba diving at the Deep - Ricardo Montans dive site?
The maximum depth for recreational scuba diving at the Deep - Ricardo Montans dive site is 20 meters. While the site is primarily known as a freediving line, this depth allows recreational divers to explore the beautiful reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can scuba divers expect to see at Deep - Ricardo Montans?
At Deep - Ricardo Montans, divers can expect to encounter a beautiful reef and a wall that begins around 30 meters. Keep an eye out for impressive marine life, as sharks like hammerheads and silkies have been observed in the deeper sections of the site. On days with good visibility, the vibrant reef is even visible from the surface.
How challenging is the Deep - Ricardo Montans dive site for recreational scuba divers?
The Deep - Ricardo Montans dive site is considered advanced for recreational scuba divers. This is primarily due to its classification as a drift dive, which requires good buoyancy control and experience with currents. Divers should be comfortable with these conditions to fully enjoy the site.
What is the best time of year to scuba dive at Deep - Ricardo Montans for optimal conditions and marine life?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to scuba dive at Deep - Ricardo Montans for optimal conditions or marine life. For general information on when to dive in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Deep - Ricardo Montans site?
The provided information does not explicitly state the specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Deep - Ricardo Montans. However, given its classification as an advanced dive site, divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for drift diving and deeper exploration. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators in Roatán for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like for scuba diving at Deep - Ricardo Montans?
Scuba diving at Deep - Ricardo Montans is characterized as a drift dive, meaning divers can expect currents. The average visibility at this site is an impressive 16 meters, offering clear views of the beautiful reef and potential marine life encounters.