Visit The Beautiful Reefs Of Roatán In Honduras
Roatán’s reefs are one of the richest ecosystems in biodiversity in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful. Therefore, in this article we discover everything you need to know about them, as well as the possibilities offered by their environment. Are you accompanying us on this journey to the depths?
The reefs of Roatán , a spectacle of great beauty
The reefs of Roatán are part of the Mesoameican Reef System, which has an extension of more than a thousand kilometers and occupies various areas: from the Yucatan peninsula to Belize, passing through Guatemala and Honduras. However, the reef in question is the most valuable natural resource and one of the most beautiful.
Regarding the fauna, in the area there are a large number of giant sponges, colorful gorgonians and black coral. Among the immense diversity of corals, we should also mention the staghorn and elk coral, or the green and red brain-shaped coral. All of them are home to numerous colorful fish.
Scuba Diving on the reefs of Roatán
Scuba diving is the best way to get to know the beauty of Roatán’s reefs. In addition, these are dives that do not present any difficulty due to the little current and the shallow water depth, so that anyone can live this unique experience without any kind of shock.
One of the outstanding places to dive is Mary’s Place, one of the most spectacular and where you can dive among seahorses and colorful fish. Also noteworthy is Valley of the Kings, a wall with tall coral pillars; and Bear’s Den, an overhead lit cave system of great beauty.
Equally recommended are Spooku Channel, to experience a dark and mysterious dive where fossilized rocks and corals predominate; Hole in the Wall, which is a crack in the reef; Herbie’s fantasy, where to see huge tubular sponges; Mandy’s Eel Garden, Fish Den, Lightouse Reef, Peter’s Place, Front Porch and much more.
For those who want more intense emotions, they can go to the Waihuka Dive Center diving club, since it organizes the Face to Face dive , which consists of going down to an area of the reef to see up close how sharks eat and swim. It is an exciting and unique experience.
Data of interest
On the other hand, you have to take into account some data when choosing the best time to get to know the beautiful reefs of Roatán. Thus, although you can go at any time of the year, the rains occur from October to January.
Once submerged, visibility is good and the water temperature ranges between 25 and 27 degrees. Perfect, therefore, to enjoy in the depths.
What to see around the island of Roatán
The island of Roatán is part of the so-called Bay Islands, one of the eighteen departments of Honduras. Along with the one in question, the largest are the Útila and Guanaja islands, although there are other smaller ones such as Barbareta, Morat and Santa Elena, as well as more than sixty keys.
Útila is also a very good destination for scuba diving. But if something is known worldwide, it is because within its marine reserve area you can see whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, which can measure up to fifteen meters.
In addition to diving, you must climb to the top of Pumking Hill, a hill that rises about four hundred meters above sea level that is populated by trees and green grasslands. In the place you will find several freshwater caves, as well as beaches that constitute a true paradise.
From there we move to the other large island, Guanaja, visited by divers, but also by nature lovers who want to know first-hand the biodiversity it houses. It can be used in the same way to practice some sport, such as kitesurfing in front of a key of white sand and turquoise waters.