Dennis’ Dropoff - Roatán

Hydravion et Goelett, or 'The Catalina,' is our pick for a unique wreck dive in French Polynesia. You won't find many like it here. We love dropping onto the Catalina PBY-5A, a former US Navy seaplane that once flew the Polynesian skies in the 1950s. It sits upright, broken but surprisingly intact, at a maximum depth of 19m. The visibility usually hovers around 16m, which is decent enough to appreciate the scale. We always head straight for the cockpit, imagining the pilots. Then, we spend time exploring the fuselage, noting how the metal has softened with time and coral growth. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels that peek from crevices, and the small schools of blue-lined tangs and blue-green chromis that dart around the wreckage. We've seen some impressive parrotfish here, casually munching on the encrusted surfaces. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history and a bit of mechanical intrigue, perfect for a relaxed dive.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.319100, -86.587000
Type
wreck

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 Dennis’ Dropoff

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 Dennis’ Dropoff

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 diving at Dennis' Dropoff in Roatan?
The maximum recreational diving depth at Dennis' Dropoff is 24 meters. While the site features a wall that drops off to over 100 feet, recreational divers typically explore the shallower reef sections and channels, with the buoy sitting at 36 feet.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Dennis' Dropoff in Roatan?
Divers at Dennis' Dropoff can expect to encounter big, curious groupers that frequent this corner of the reef. Keeping an eye on the blue offers opportunities to spot bigger fish and even an occasional eagle ray cruising by.
What is the difficulty level of diving at Dennis' Dropoff, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Dennis' Dropoff is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers shallow sections and swim-throughs, its suitability for drift diving and the presence of a wall dropping to over 100 feet suggest it is more appropriate for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What are the typical current conditions at Dennis' Dropoff in Roatan, and is it a drift dive?
Dennis' Dropoff is well-known for being great for drift diving, indicating that currents are often present. Divers can utilize these currents to explore the site's features, including channels to the wall's drop-off.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Dennis' Dropoff?
While specific certification requirements are not provided, given the intermediate difficulty of Dennis' Dropoff and its suitability for drift diving, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or experience with drift diving would be beneficial. This would allow divers to comfortably explore the site's various features, including deeper sections and potential currents.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Dennis' Dropoff for optimal conditions and marine life viewing?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Dennis' Dropoff for optimal conditions or marine life viewing. For general information on dive seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.