HAWTHORNE TRADER - Roatán

The *Hawthorne Trader* is one of Roatán's true characters, a 71-meter freighter that decided to call the reef home after an explosion way back in 1970. We love how much of it is still so intact, a real testament to its build quality. It sits upright, mostly, with the bow shallower, starting around 10 meters, and the stern dropping to about 30. You can spend a good chunk of a no-decompression dive exploring the cargo holds, where shafts of light pierce through, illuminating schools of silversides that flicker like disco balls. Look for resident groupers peering out from the shadows and moray eels tucked into every crevice. Our favourite part is the engine room, accessible if you're comfortable with some tighter spaces; it’s a bit silty, but the machinery is still surprisingly recognisable. We'd suggest going early in the morning, before the dive boats arrive, for the best chance to see the wreck come alive with cruising reef sharks or a passing eagle ray. This site is brilliant for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a good backstory and divers keen on seeing how nature reclaims man-made structures.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.316668, -86.550000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 HAWTHORNE TRADER

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 HAWTHORNE TRADER

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 depth range for diving the "HAWTHORNE TRADER" dive site?
The "HAWTHORNE TRADER" dive site is noted with a depth of 0m. This suggests it is an exceptionally shallow wreck, with parts potentially at or just below the surface, offering a unique diving experience. For more information on diving in the area, visit our page on Roatán.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at "HAWTHORNE TRADER"?
Divers visiting the "HAWTHORNE TRADER" can expect to explore the significant underwater features of a sunken carrier vessel. This impressive wreck, measuring 71m x 10.7m, showcases its hull and superstructure. The site is classified as a wreck, offering a unique historical exploration opportunity.
How difficult is the "HAWTHORNE TRADER" dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The "HAWTHORNE TRADER" dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This indicates it is more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills and comfort level for an intermediate-rated wreck dive.
What are the best times of year or specific months to dive "HAWTHORNE TRADER" for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or specific months for optimal diving conditions at the "HAWTHORNE TRADER" dive site. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at "HAWTHORNE TRADER"?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, the "HAWTHORNE TRADER" is an intermediate difficulty dive site. Therefore, it is recommended that divers possess certifications and experience beyond entry-level, ensuring they are comfortable and proficient with the challenges of an intermediate wreck dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the "HAWTHORNE TRADER" dive site?
The provided information for the "HAWTHORNE TRADER" dive site does not include details regarding typical current conditions or visibility. For general diving conditions in Roatán, it is advisable to check local dive operator reports.