Moon Hole - Roatán

Prison Gardens sits on the eastern side of the southern atoll, a dependable spot when the southerly winds pick up. We love this site for its vibrant hard coral formations, particularly the vast plates and branching staghorn. The resident school of Big Eye Trevally are a real highlight, often swirling around divers, completely unfazed by our presence. Look closely at the corals encrusting the monitoring buoys; they're often miniature ecosystems themselves. We've seen Emery's Pygmygoby tucked away here, and the Porcelain corals add delicate splashes of colour. Keep an eye out for Whitetip reef sharks cruising by, and the occasional Yellowmargin triggerfish darting between the coral heads. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to just soak in the beauty of a healthy reef.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.087300, -86.886200
Type
reef

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 Moon Hole

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 Moon Hole

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 for diving at the Moon Hole dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at Moon Hole is 15 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it an excellent location for various training dives, including Buoyancy or Open Water certification.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Moon Hole?
At Moon Hole, divers can explore a large sandy patch encircled by vibrant coral formations. You can expect to encounter large sea stars and abundant macro life, along with black and white-spotted morays. Additionally, by crossing to Ron's Wreck from Moon Hole, there's a chance to spot green morays and lionfish.
Is Moon Hole considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
While Moon Hole is classified with an intermediate difficulty, it is highly recommended and suitable for beginner divers. It's an excellent site for Buoyancy or Open Water training dives, indicating a generally manageable environment for those new to scuba.
What is the best time to dive at Moon Hole for optimal conditions and visibility?
The average visibility at Moon Hole is an impressive 18 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment. However, our current data does not specify a "best time" to dive for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Moon Hole?
Given that Moon Hole is an excellent site for Open Water training dives, an Open Water certification is generally recommended and sufficient. Its intermediate difficulty level means divers with basic certification can comfortably explore this site.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Moon Hole dive site?
Our current data for Moon Hole does not provide specific details regarding typical current or water conditions, such as temperature or wave action. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Roatán for the most up-to-date information before your dive.