Turtle Crossing Shallow - Roatán

Fish Rock Cave is an interesting one, a proper ocean cave that cuts 125 metres right through Fish Rock. We’ve found the East Australian Current often delivers clear, warm water here, bringing in a good mix of temperate and tropical critters. Drop down to 24 metres, and you’re likely to find a fair number of grey nurse sharks chilling out, sometimes 20 or 30 of them, plus wobbegongs tucked into the corners. Visibility averages around 14 metres. It's a good spot if you’re comfortable in overhead environments and want to experience something a bit different on the NSW coast.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.292800, -86.602600
Type
cave
Difficulty
beginner

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 Turtle Crossing Shallow

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 Turtle Crossing Shallow

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 are the typical depths for diving at Turtle Crossing Shallow in Roatan?
The primary shallow area at Turtle Crossing Shallow is located at a depth of 20 feet (approximately 6 meters). The maximum depth for this site is 17 meters (about 55 feet). While the main site is shallow, there is a nearby wall that drops to 120 feet (36 meters) for those looking to explore deeper.
What marine life, besides turtles, can divers expect to see at Turtle Crossing Shallow?
Besides the common turtle sightings, divers at Turtle Crossing Shallow can look forward to spotting a variety of other fascinating marine life. Keep an eye out for jaw fish in the sandy areas, and explore the crevices to discover nudibranchs, crabs, and lobsters. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
Is Turtle Crossing Shallow considered an easy or difficult dive site for beginners?
Turtle Crossing Shallow is considered an excellent dive site for beginners, as indicated by its 'beginner' difficulty rating. Its diverse environment with sand patches and reef makes it a great site for all experience levels to enjoy. This makes it a perfect spot for those just starting their diving journey.
What is the best time of year and day to dive Turtle Crossing Shallow for optimal turtle encounters and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal turtle encounters or specific diving conditions at Turtle Crossing Shallow. However, it is noted that spotting turtles is common at this site regardless. For general information on diving seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Turtle Crossing Shallow?
Given that Turtle Crossing Shallow is described as a 'great site for all levels' and has a 'beginner' difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. This certification allows divers to explore the site's depths up to 18 meters (60 feet), which comfortably covers the maximum depth of 17 meters at this location. You can find more information on certifications and equipment on DivePlnr.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Turtle Crossing Shallow?
Divers at Turtle Crossing Shallow can typically expect excellent visibility, with an average of 21 meters (approximately 70 feet). The provided information does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site. Always check with local dive operators for the most current conditions before your dive.