EL AGUILA - Roatán

El Aguila, a former cargo ship, was scuttled just off Utila in 1997, later moved to Roatán and sunk again near Dixon Cove. Now she lies in three main pieces, courtesy of Hurricane Mitch, which ripped through just a year after her second sinking. We actually prefer her this way; it means more swim-throughs and interesting angles to explore. Our favourite part is dropping down onto the bow, usually around 20 metres, then making our way back towards the stern. You can poke around the hold, which is full of schooling snapper and grunts, or peer into the engine room, though it’s a tight squeeze. Look for the resident green moray eel often peeking out from a pipe. Visibility here is typically good, often 20 metres plus, and the currents are generally mild, making it a relaxed wreck dive. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light filtering through the deck plating and into the holds is incredible. It’s a fantastic wreck for open water divers looking for something beyond a reef, but still shallow enough to allow for plenty of bottom time.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.083334, -87.000000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 EL AGUILA

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 EL AGUILA

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 of the El Aguila dive site in Roatan?
The provided data indicates that the El Aguila dive site in Roatan has a depth of 0m. While wrecks often have varying depths, this is the specific depth information available for this site.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the El Aguila shipwreck?
The El Aguila is a fascinating carrier vessel that was sunk on October 23, 1989. Divers can expect to explore the wreck's impressive hull and superstructure, which are still visible. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting diverse ecosystems. For more general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
What is the recommended experience level or difficulty for diving the El Aguila wreck?
Diving the El Aguila wreck in Roatan is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions. It's an excellent site for those looking to advance their diving skills.
What are the required diving certifications to explore the El Aguila dive site?
The provided data for the El Aguila dive site does not specify any particular diving certifications required. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Roatan for their specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the El Aguila dive site?
The provided data for the El Aguila dive site does not include specific information on typical current or visibility conditions. To get the most up-to-date details, it's always best to consult with local dive centers in Roatan before your dive.
When is the best time of year to dive the El Aguila shipwreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the El Aguila shipwreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you can explore our When to Dive section, or contact local dive operators in Roatan for their expert advice.