Maccallum Girls - Roatán

Panama, just west of Avatiu harbour, is one of our favourite little spots on Rarotonga’s fringing reef. It’s got a bit of a local legend feel, named for the graveyard on shore – don't worry, the vibe underwater is far from spooky. We love dropping onto the hard coral formations here, particularly the large Porites bommies and the bright, stinging fire corals that seem to glow. It’s an easy dive, topping out at 17 metres, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled in the sandy patches between the coral; we’ve had some fantastic encounters with Darkglove Hermit Crabs scuttling about and the occasional shy Bristletoothed Surgeonfish. There's a decent chance of seeing False-eyed Pufferfish eyeing you suspiciously, or the distinctive Blackbelly Triplefin darting in and out of the crevices. We often find ourselves drifting slowly here, just enjoying the quiet, punctuated by the occasional Parrotfish crunching on coral. If you appreciate the smaller, more intricate life on a reef, rather than chasing big pelagics, Panama is definitely worth your time.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.329800, -86.480700
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 Maccallum Girls

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 Maccallum Girls

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 Maccallum Girls in Roatan?
The maximum depth for diving at Maccallum Girls is 19 meters. While a typical depth range isn't explicitly stated, divers can expect to explore this beautiful reef site within this limit. This depth makes it accessible for a range of certified divers.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Maccallum Girls?
Divers at Maccallum Girls can expect to encounter a large variety of hard and soft corals, including many sea fans like venus and wide-mesh, as well as sea plumes and corky sea fingers. The site is also home to many small fish and offers the chance to spot occasional green eels out in the open. This vibrant marine life makes for an exciting dive experience.
How challenging is the Maccallum Girls dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Maccallum Girls dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not explicitly unsuitable for beginners, its intermediate rating suggests that some prior diving experience or advanced training would be beneficial. Divers should assess their comfort level with intermediate conditions before planning a dive here.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Maccallum Girls for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Maccallum Girls for optimal visibility and conditions. However, the site typically offers an average visibility of 10 meters. For general information on optimal diving times in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels recommended for Maccallum Girls?
Given that Maccallum Girls is an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. While specific certifications aren't listed, divers should be comfortable with various conditions and have good buoyancy control. This ensures a safe and enjoyable exploration of the site's maximum depth of 19 meters.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at the Maccallum Girls dive site?
At the Maccallum Girls dive site, divers can expect an average water visibility of 10 meters. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time current information before your dive.