Considering Roatan & looking for dive opinions on underwater life

[Coco7]

My husband and I have mostly dove in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, and Bonaire. We just got back from a trip to Jamaica (not specifically for the diving but for a great resort we enjoy there). Planning another trip just to dive but because the fish life in Jamaica is in such a sad state, we'd like to go somewhere with lots of underwater life for the next trip. I know that none of the first three places will disappoint, but we wouldn't mind trying somewhere new. We were in Roatan years ago for a cruise stop, but just snorkeled because our kids were along. We are considering booking a trip to Anthony's Key Resort, but some reviews have me concerned for the fish life in Roatan. Several commented that the lionfish problem has greatly affected the fish populations and diversity.

Have you found that to be the case? Any other dive-oriented resorts on other islands that you'd suggest? We're considering doing the Divemaster course this trip if we have time. Would love to lionfish hunt if possible, as well.

Thanks for any helpful advice you can offer!

 

[Midge907]

I stayed at CoCo View last year, and thought that the fish population was pretty decent myself, maybe not spectacular. Lots of free swimming eels mixed in also. Choose wisely between the resorts, as CCV has some awesome shore diving and the pool is open 24/7.

 

[Doc]

As Midge907 alludes- there is more to life than "fish" that "swim by". In this specific area, the well protected shallow reef structure is home to the nursery for hundreds of species that hide within the colors of the walls. Little stuff, quite colorful, but still visible to the slow and careful observer. This area on the South side of Roatan around CCV is unique in the Caribbean due to this geography plus the amount of direct Sunlight exposure it gets all day long.

Lionfish hunting is done after a class and permitting process- not available to us short-term visitors... at least not from reputable dive ops. The island sees it as a safety issue and also as a way to prevent the taking of game fish. Many DMs get lost while leading dives and concentrate on their hunting versus taking you on a "naturalist tour".

Again, as Midge907 says... chose wisely.

Roatan images from the South Side: Roatan South side CoCoView Photos by Doc_Adelman | Photobucket

There is an ongoing and steady decline of "fish life" everywhere in the Caribbean. It's what man does. Of your list in the OP, the only islands you mention that I have been to in the last 20 years is Cayman and Bonaire. All I can say is- you wouldn't believe the startling changes since 1970. The decline in all of the Caribbean islands has accelerated since 2000 in dramatic ways. I have done thousands of dives there and for me, Roatan is barely recognizable. For other Caribbean islands that have current available dive infrastructure, the Bay Islands hold the current first place in locations that have life remaining on the reef. See it now. Other islands will be developed (if the economy ever improves) for dive tourism and that development itself is what kills the reef- not 10,000 divers... it's what is needed to support them when they are dry and on-shore.

See it now.

 

[dmoore19]

We stayed on AKR (Anthony's Key) august 2012. We had been there in 2010 and I didn't notice a difference in the fish life. Yes we saw lionfish but didn't see them in abundance. We had a wonderful time at AKR and the people there remembered us from the first trip, they treat you like family there. We will return to AKR again.

Though I have never been to Utilla, I know a few people that have been there and love it.

 

[Ozwald]

The resort (AKR) was descent. The food and the dive operation were good. The actual dives themselves were unimpressive. Also, I wasn't overly impressed with the "rustic" accomadations.

 

[dmoore19]

The resort (AKR) was descent. The food and the dive operation were good. The actual dives themselves were unimpressive. Also, I wasn't overly impressed with the "rustic" accomadations.

Did you have a Key Superior or did you stay on the Hillside? They are building new ones on the Key.

We got evacuated for 1 night due to Hurricane Ernesto. We went to Infinity Bay and the condo made of stone. We were quite pleased to return to the "Rustic" accommodations at AKR. YMMV

 

[Red Dirt]

I've only been on two dive trips--Roatan in March 2012 and Grand Cayman over Thanksgiving. I didn't get a true feel for Cayman, since the water was too rough to dive the north wall. So, comparing the west side of Cayman to Roatan, I felt Roatan had higher fish numbers, and larger examples of them.

We stayed at Tranquilseas, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Far smaller than AKR, very intimate, and very laid back.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Coco7]

Sounds like the consensus is that there are healthy reefs and plenty of macro life worth seeing, yet perhaps not the larger quantity/size of fish. We are still considering it, and will be sure to check out the other resorts mentioned. Thanks you all for your feedback!

 

[dmoore19]

Our last trip to Roatan we had a pod of wild Dolphins come along side the boat. The captain stopped the boat, we got in with snorkels and masks and played around for around 10-15 minutes. AKR has a trip that goes for a shark dive. AKR has a dolphin dive and a dolphin snorkel. Turtles on most dives, Groupers on some of the dives and a reasonable probability of seeing a nurse shark or 2 or 3......

 

[chillyinCanada]

In all my dives in Roatan, I've only ever seen two nurse sharks and they were being VERY shy. (Belize is quite the opposite for nurse sharks). However, free-swimming morays off West End are common. I've noticed a decrease in the fish life, an increase in lionfish and assume they are related. That said, still enjoy each and every dive. Roatan is the only place that I've had 20-30 squid circle around me, spectacular. See at least one turtle on most every dive and there was a grouper that insisted on cuddling. Hope that grouper is still around.

Lots of people enjoy the dive resort atmosphere, but I prefer to be in West End. Accommodations range from rustic to luxurious. For $45 a night, I don't expect much. My room is not pretty, but I get a double bed, single bed, kitchenette, satellite TV, a great deck with hammock and a really cool night watchman. Dives are $30 a piece, $40 with 32% nitrox. Most of the dive ops are great, though there are a couple of suspect ops. The resorts generally have nicer boats than the West End ops, but it's all a trade off.

I too have had wonderful wild dolphin experiences off West End.