West End - Roatán

The Ancient Mariner is an intentional wreck, a 75-foot tugboat sitting upright in about 70 feet of water. She’s often subject to some current, making it a drift-friendly dive for those comfortable with the flow. We often spot schools of grunts and snapper taking shelter within the hull, and there are usually a few resident green morays peeking from crevices. It’s a good choice for divers wanting a straightforward wreck with consistent resident fish life.

Location
Roatán, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.098600, -86.985100
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

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 West End

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 West End

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 dive depths and types of dive sites found in West End?
West End offers reef dives with typical depths ranging from 10 to 25 meters. The maximum depth for diving here is 22 meters, making it accessible for various certification levels. Divers can explore gentle sloping walls adorned with vibrant soft corals.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to encounter at West End?
Divers at West End can expect to encounter beautiful underwater formations, including gentle sloping walls covered in vibrant soft corals. The marine life here is diverse, featuring standard species common to the region, with a higher likelihood of spotting nurse sharks and green morays. Keep an eye out for an occasional turtle as well.
Is West End suitable for beginner divers, or are the dive sites more challenging?
West End is considered an easy dive suitable for all levels of divers, including beginners. It features gentle sloping walls and generally experiences little to no current, providing a relaxed diving experience. While the overall difficulty is classified as intermediate, its calm conditions make it very accessible.
When is the best time of year to go diving in West End for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify a best time of year for diving in West End. However, it is noted as a great location to get out of the winds and waves when they are blowing from the south east, suggesting it offers sheltered conditions during such times. For general information on optimal diving seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to explore the dive sites in West End?
Given that West End is described as an easy dive suitable for all levels, an Open Water Diver certification would typically be sufficient to explore many parts of the site. With a maximum depth of 22 meters, divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would be able to access the full depth range.
What are the usual water conditions, visibility, and currents like when diving in West End?
Divers at West End can expect favorable water conditions, as it's a sheltered spot from south-easterly winds and waves. The site generally experiences little to no current, making for relaxed dives. Visibility is typically excellent, averaging around 18 meters.