General Roatan Diving Question

[sslkrissi]

Hello,
I have been looking into spending my one day in Roatan at Cocoview in order to get a taste of what Roatan has to offer. I have read several threads that seem to indicate that Roatan is more known for seeing small types of aquatic animals versus the larger more recognizable things that a new diver like myself would be looking for. So, what I am trying to ask, is what is the diving in Roatan like? What is it that makes Roatan one of the top dive destinations (according to several articles that I have read) What can expect to see? Is there a specific place I could go where I would be more likely to see turtles, sharks, etc? Should I skip diving in Roatan and dive in Grand Cayman instead, if I am looking for these type of things?

Thank you

 

[SoSiouxme]

Hi,

You can check out my underwater photos and see for yourself. I'm sure other people can direct you to their underwater photos, as well.

You can see both large and small in Roatan.

 

[farsidefan1]

When you say "your one day in Roatan" are you saying that you are already committed to Roatan ? They have a shark dive at Roatan which is pretty darn exciting. Also at that dive you will see a large grouper, a large moray eel and a bunch of other tropical fish fighting for the leftover scraps. Pretty great stuff for a one dive adventure. Lots of big stuff. Cocoview staff will help you get on the trip. The staff there is GREAT. I have stayed there, Anthonys and Fantasy Island. All are very nice> Funnest staff at Coco.

 

[Doc]

Is there a specific place I could go where I would be more likely to see turtles, sharks, etc? Should I skip diving in Roatan and dive in Grand Cayman instead, if I am looking for these type of things?

Turtles, Grand Cayman
Sharks, Roatan

 

[sslkrissi]

SoSiouxme - Thanks for sharing! What sites did those pictures come from in Roatan?

farsidefan1 - Yes, I will be in Roatan for one day on a cruise ship. I have read about the shark dive and would absolutely LOVE to do it, but I don't think it is for beginners. When I read the description of the shark dive, it says that it is done at 70 feet. I also don't think that they allow cruise ship divers to do it for some reason. I will be completing my open water certification in about a week and this will likely be my first dive after certification. Do you know of another shark dive in Roatan that I would be able to do?

Roatanman - When you say sharks in Roatan, do you mean on one of the "shark dives" or will I see them on pretty much any dive. Based on several recommendations, I am looking at cocoview.

Thanks everyone

 

[Doc]

Roatanman - When you say sharks in Roatan, do you mean on one of the "shark dives" or will I see them on pretty much any dive.

The "Shark Dive" is pretty well described on ScubaBoard. It is basically a foolproof dive even for noobs, but then again, every so often along comes a better fool. The dive op is called Waihuka and the site is Cara a Cara. and you'll have the whole deal laid out for you. There are quite often serious currents and the small open boat is a bit challenging, but again- please search here first.

I don't really believe that and cruise ship cares what you dive, as long as they get a cut of the action. In this case, apparently from what you are saying- they aren't getting a piece of the action for the Roatan Shark Dive.

If you want to see Caribbean Sharks upon command, pretty much so the only way to do it (from a cruise ship available dive) is to go to any Canned Shark Feed/Rodeo.

Skip CoCoView. You go to CCV for quieter more gentle things. Juveniles, Squid, Spotted Eagle Rays... things that are easily spooked or overlooked by all but the most comfortable diver. These things will come to you in time. As you are growing tired of seeing Shark feeds, your dive style should have reached a point where the South side of Roatan will start to make more and more sense for your new goals. For now- get comfortable, have a ball, see the cool Apex predators.

There are certain dives on Cayman that are well known for Turtle encounters- used to be some just North of the Turtle Farm, but it's been many years since I have gone to Cayman. Maybe someone else will chime in or or go to Caymans forum?

 

[sslkrissi]

Roatanman - I just did a search and found several dive operations in Roatan that offer the shark dive. However, when I said that I don't think they allow cruise ship divers to go on the shark dive, what I meant was that I don't think the dive operators in Roatan make this trip available to cruise ship divers. I am basing this solely off of seeing this stated on the following website: Roatan Scuba Diving - Dive Sites- Wall Diving - Wreck Diving - Bay Islands

It states, "Shark feeding scuba dives are available with two days notice for only $ 85.00
(not available to cruise ship visitors)"

I am hoping that maybe it is just that one dive operator and I will contact the others to find out tomorrow.

My only other concern is that as an open water certified diver, I am only allowed to dive to 60 feet. But, everything I am reading states that the shark dive takes place at around 70 feet. Will that be a problem?

Thanks

 

[Papa_Bear]

Roatan is one of my favorite dive locations and you can see more pictures and video here:Two Tanked Productions HD & SD Underwater Productions and video services

 

[Papa_Bear]

I think it is a timing issue! The ship will not stay unless you book their excursion! Try AKR for the dolphin dive or BIBR for a two tank dive like spooky channel and Bears Den!

 

[Doc]

I think it is a timing issue! The ship will not stay unless you book their excursion!

I'm afraid that even this urban myth isn't really true. The ships don't care if you booked with them or not- they're leaving. It may have some impact for who pays for your trip to catch up with the ship.

My only other concern is that as an open water certified diver, I am only allowed to dive to 60 feet. But, everything I am reading states that the shark dive takes place at around 70 feet. Will that be a problem?

Do you have concerns? If not, then go. Your fixation upon depth as a determining factor, be it 10 feet deeper than your "certification limit" or more... your fixation on this is the hallmark of a greater problem.

You started another thread by stating the desire for "extra care" from a dive operation during your visit to Roatan.

Now you want to exceed your "depth limit" and go on a Shark Dive. A Shark Dive in potential strong currents doing backroll entries off of small boats and reboarding on vertical ladders (that thing I mentioned earlier). This is the thing that you completely glossed over in terms of previous real world advice, concentrating instead upon the depth issue. What you don't understand is that which you are being warned about could definitely kill you. You would likely hear the briefing for the Shark dive but probably not comprehend what is being said. It is not an intelligence issue, but a lack of prior experience issue.

Any secure diver can handle the Shark Dive on the worst of days, but only if they understand what is being said in the pre dive talk. The guides are skilled at describing conditions and equipment (ropes and processes) to divers who have not yet confronted these issues. If you are fiddling with your BC, your mask, and whatever else, you could be on the Nicaragua Express.



Go to AKR and do the Dolphin encounter.