Dolphins Den - Roatán

We’re often asked about easy, shallow dives in New Caledonia, and Îlot Maître is always high on our list for a relaxed afternoon. It’s got this wonderfully gentle sandy bottom, speckled with big, knobbly potato corals, which are fantastic for just finning around, watching the light play. We love that it’s so sheltered from the wind, making for reliably calm conditions. With a max depth of 7m, it’s not about grand, dramatic walls here, but rather a slow, deliberate exploration. Keep an eye out for the cleaner mimics darting amongst the coral branches, and we’ve spotted a good number of Schlegel's Parrotfish grazing the shallows. The real joy, though, is the sheer number of turtles that glide by, seemingly unbothered by divers. If you take your time over the sand patches, you might even catch a glimpse of a ray or some of those quirky nudibranchs. It’s a perfect spot for refining buoyancy or just decompressing after a deeper morning dive, especially good for newer divers or anyone craving a peaceful swim.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.414300, -86.386300
Type
reef

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 Dolphins Den

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 Dolphins Den

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

How deep is the Dolphins Den dive site?
The Dolphins Den dive site is a shallow cave/cavern dive, with depths ranging from 5 to 12 meters. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 14 meters.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Dolphins Den?
Divers exploring Dolphins Den can expect to encounter a shallow cave/cavern system. The inner reef side is home to tons of Giant Anemones, and if you're fortunate, you might spot Glassy Sweepers and Silversides within the cave itself. Additionally, the outside of the cave boasts a healthy and vibrant top reef.
What is the difficulty level for diving Dolphins Den, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Dolphins Den dive site is rated with an intermediate difficulty level. While an experienced diver might navigate with natural light, torches are advisable due to the cave/cavern environment. Therefore, it is not typically recommended for beginner divers without appropriate supervision or experience in cavern diving.
What is the best time of year to dive Dolphins Den for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Dolphins Den for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving Dolphins Den?
The provided data does not specify any particular dive certifications required or recommended for diving Dolphins Den. Divers should always ensure they have the appropriate training and experience for intermediate-level cavern dives.
What are the typical current and water conditions at the Dolphins Den dive site?
The available data indicates that Dolphins Den typically offers an average visibility of 20 meters. However, there is no specific information provided regarding typical current or water temperature conditions for this dive site.