Diamond Cay - Roatán

Ile au Vache is a bit of a journey from Mahe, a good ten hours by boat, but we think it's worth every nautical mile. This isn't a gentle drift over soft corals; expect a backroll entry into often zippy currents that really get the adrenaline going. The site is a rugged landscape of granite boulders and swim-throughs, with some tight squeezes into small caves that bottom out around 20 metres. What we really love here are the bigger pelagics. We've often seen eagle rays glide past in the blue, and white-tip reef sharks are regulars patrolling the channels. Keep an eye out for the resident Hawksbill turtles, sometimes just chilling in the current. It’s a site for divers comfortable with dynamic conditions, who appreciate the thrill of a good current and the promise of some impressive encounters.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.065100, -86.962300
Type
cave

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 Diamond Cay

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 Diamond Cay

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 Diamond Cay?
The typical diving depth at Diamond Cay reaches a maximum of 22 meters (72 feet). Divers can explore wide sand patches to the west at around 10 meters (30 feet) and find a colony of bushy black coral heading north at approximately 24 meters (80 feet). The dive transitions from a narrow coral formation to the top of a reef wall towards the east.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Diamond Cay?
Divers at Diamond Cay can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including grouper, spanish hogfish, and porcupinefish. The site is also home to impressive coral formations; heading north at about 24 meters (80 feet), you can discover a colony of bushy black coral. Towards the south, many impressively large common sea fans adorn the reef. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Diamond Cay, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Diamond Cay is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This site is a drift dive, which typically requires some experience in managing currents and buoyancy. Therefore, it may not be ideally suited for absolute beginner divers who are still mastering fundamental skills.
What is the best time of year to dive at Diamond Cay for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Diamond Cay for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult our when to dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Diamond Cay?
The provided information does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive at Diamond Cay. As it is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, it is advisable to have experience beyond entry-level certifications. Always consult with local dive operators for their specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like for diving at Diamond Cay?
At Diamond Cay, divers can expect an average visibility of 18 meters (60 feet), offering clear views of the reef. The site is characterized as a drift dive, indicating the presence of currents that will carry divers along the coral formation. This makes for an exciting and dynamic underwater experience.