Jack Neil Bight - Roatán

Manta Point on Makassar Reef is exactly what it sounds like: a place to find mantas. We’ve drifted this site countless times and it rarely disappoints. It’s a gentle, shallow ride, usually 10-15 metres, so you’ve got plenty of bottom time to just hang back and watch the show. The current here is the secret. It sweeps you along a sandy bottom interspersed with coral patches, delivering nutrients that the mantas adore. We’ve seen them schooling here, sometimes a dozen at once, gliding in for a clean. You’ll hear that distinct soft swoosh as they pass just overhead, their wingtips almost brushing you. We’d suggest arriving just as the tide is beginning to pick up, that seems to be when the action really gets going. Visibility averages about 15 metres, which is perfectly fine for manta spotting. It’s an easy dive, really. Good for newer divers, but even seasoned pros get a kick out of having a manta barrel roll a few feet away. Keep an eye out for eagle rays too, often cruising the same sandy stretches.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.074800, -86.936600
Type
drift

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 Jack Neil Bight

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 Jack Neil Bight

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 at Jack Neil Bight?
Diving at Jack Neil Bight offers a maximum depth of 17 meters. This allows for exploration of the sandy bottom and surrounding hard coral formations. Divers can enjoy a clear turquoise water experience within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Jack Neil Bight?
At Jack Neil Bight, divers will encounter a vibrant underwater landscape featuring a clear turquoise sandy bottom flanked by impressive hard coral formations. The site is rich in marine life, particularly various species of sponges including coral encrusting, scattered pore rope, Horned Rope, Lavender Rope, Thin Rope, Erect Rope, and Barrel Sponges. Additionally, many species of fish can be observed, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
How difficult is the diving at Jack Neil Bight, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Jack Neil Bight is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its nature as a drift dive, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginners. Divers should have some experience managing currents and buoyancy to fully enjoy this site safely.
When is the best time of year to dive at Jack Neil Bight for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Jack Neil Bight for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Jack Neil Bight?
The provided information does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Jack Neil Bight. However, given its intermediate difficulty and drift dive type, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is often recommended for such sites.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at the Jack Neil Bight dive site?
At Jack Neil Bight, divers can expect excellent water conditions with an average visibility of 17 meters and clear turquoise water. As it is a drift dive, currents are a typical feature of this site. This makes for an exciting experience as you glide along the underwater landscape.