6 eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan for a sustainable scuba vacation in Honduras
- EcoOceanEscapes
- Oct 16, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Looking for the best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan? Discover six inspiring properties that are putting sustainability at the fore of their operations.
Located 50 kilometres off the northern coast of Honduras, the sun-drenched island of Roatan is one of the most exciting dive destinations in the Caribbean. It's the most established of the Bay Islands and has long been a go-to vacation spot for underwater enthusiasts from around the globe. It boasts a front-row seat for experiencing everything the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef has to offer, from enchanting coral reefs to up-close encounters with sharks.
In response to the fragility of the region's underwater realm, many of the island’s dive resorts have prioritised sustainability and actively support coral restoration projects throughout the region. In our opinion, this makes Roatan a great choice for divers searching for an eco-friendly scuba vacation in one of Central America’s most beautiful destinations.
In this article, we’ll highlight 6 of the best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan, including luxury retreats, family-friendly resorts and boutique stays. We hope it will help you make a considered choice for your next scuba vacation in Central America
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Best private island dive resort on Roatan
Set on a private island off the south coast of Roatan, this luxurious property has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest boutique hotels in Honduras. It has been nominated for numerous awards and recognised for its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Understandably, we think it is a great choice for divers wanting an eco-friendly scuba vacation in Roatan.
At Barefoot Cay Resort, there are nine oceanfront villas offering magnificent views of the turquoise waters, plus a sparkling swimming pool, a spa and the highly-rated Azure restaurant. Connected by ferry (on the shores of Roatan itself) are five spacious lofts, as well as the in-house dive centre, Barefoot Divers.
Under the guidance of their instructors and divemasters, you can easily explore the exceptional dive sites of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Aside from offering daily dive trips to discover the area's caves, walls and wrecks, Barefoot Divers has an air-conditioned classroom for divers wanting to enhance their skills.
“A perfect place to relax and reconnect.” - Michelle (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
A white pavilion over the sparkling swimming pool at Barefoot Cay Resort on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best dive resort on Roatan with yoga
Located on the southwest coast of Roatan, the Tranquilseas Eco Lodge & Dive Center offers a sustainable experience for nature-loving travellers and divers. We think it's the perfect setting for anyone wanting to explore the underwater wonders of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Each of the lodge's nine rustic guest rooms is named after a different species of local wildlife, fostering a deep connection to the island's ecological systems. The in-house dive team operates from the resort's private dock and offers a range of scuba courses, in addition to fun dives. And for guests looking for complementary wellness experiences, daily yoga classes are led by the lodge's experienced instructors.
This eco-friendly Roatan dive resort prides itself on operating as sustainably as possible, implementing systems to responsibly manage wastewater and utilising only biodegradable cleaning products. Even the hot water is heated using renewable solar energy to minimise the lodge's carbon footprint.
"Best diving lodge experience ever.” - Matias (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
One of the elegant rooms at the Tranquilseas Eco Lodge on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best overwater bungalow resort on Roatan
Positioned directly opposite Anthony’s Key, this eco-friendly Roatan resort features a handful of charming overwater bungalows and hillside cabanas. It's perfectly designed for divers and snorkellers alike, with high-quality rentals, expert instruction and dockside equipment storage available.
When you’re not out exploring the underwater world with the in-house dive team, you can relax beside the pool, laze in one of the hammocks or enjoy a massage at the Ixora Spa. The Ankor Grill sources locally-caught seafood to craft Honduran-inspired cuisine, while the open-air Frangipani Bar serves up craft cocktails accompanied by breathtaking sunsets.
What really sets Anthony's Key Resort apart, in our opinion, is its commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Not only does it harness renewable energy for its operations but it supports coral reef restoration initiatives through partnerships with organisations like PADI's Project AWARE.
"The most amazing week of diving and learning about how to help save the reef.” - Colleen (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
A breezy bar at Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury eco-resort on Roatan
This high-end Roatan eco-resort offers a peaceful escape, with just over 100 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites and bungalows. Each blends modern comforts with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape at the southern edge of West Bay.
Kimpton Grand Roatan boasts a stunning beachside infinity pool where you can lounge the day away, as well as being home to the indulgent Kao Kamasa Spa. Daily dives are offered with the in-house scuba team and yoga classes take place at the resort throughout the week.
When it's time to refuel, this sustainable Roatan resort boasts four exceptional restaurants, all of which serve up inspiring cuisine that celebrates Caribbean flavours.
But Kimpton Grand Roatan is about more than just luxury and indulgence - it's also committed to sustainable practices. The resort utilises renewable energy sources and has implemented initiatives to reduce plastic waste, as well as participating in coral restoration projects to help preserve the health of the local marine ecosystem.
"Everything was amazing! The facilities and amenities are outstanding. So detail-oriented!” - Esther (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable dive resorts on Roatan
An aerial view of The Resort at Marble Hill (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best adults-only dive resort in Roatan
Set across 12 hectares on the (quiet) northeast side of Roatan, this boutique retreat is an exceptional adults-only dive resort. Its standalone suites are the epitome of tropical luxury, each boasting stunning ocean views, spacious living areas and private balconies or terraces.
Staying here means enjoying unparalleled access to the Mesoamerican Reef, directly from the resort's private dock. Its PADI 5-Star dive centre facilitates daily dives to more than 30 nearby sites, with a guide-to-diver ratio of 5:1. All-inclusive packages include two daily dives, plus complimentary use of the resort's kayaks and paddleboards.
Guests can indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences at the four on-site restaurants, which are supplied by the property's own dairy farm and vegetable garden. Further cementing the resort's dedication to minimising its environmental impact are its responsible water usage and innovative waste reduction initiatives, including towel and linen reuse, no single-use plastics and food waste composting.
"Beautiful, relaxing oasis with attentive and wonderful staff.” - Laura (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly hotels on Roatan
One of the stylish suites at Arca - an eco-friendly boutique hotel on Roatan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly boutique hotel on Roatan
Previously known as Island Pearl, this eco-conscious Roatan hotel underwent a significant transformation in 2022 and is now helmed by a family deeply invested in sustainability. Their vision extends beyond simply providing luxurious accommodations - it aims to enrich the lives of Roatan's inhabitants. We're impressed that Arca manages to do all of this while creating a boutique retreat that was previously lacking in the West Bay area.
Located directly on the beachfront, Arca features just a handful of beautifully appointed suites, each featuring a light, organic design that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. To enhance the vacation experience, this sustainable Roatan resort has partnered with West Bay Divers (located just down the beach) to offer guests professional and convenient access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
"Amazing beachfront stay!” - Rowan (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts on Roatan
Best time to dive in Roatan
The best time to dive in Roatan is undoubtedly during the dry season, which extends from March through September. This window of favourable weather conditions allows visitors to make the most of the exceptional underwater visibility and calm, glassy seas that characterise this tropical island paradise.
By avoiding the rainy months of January and February, when the islands are subjected to downpours and powerful storm systems, divers can explore a far wider range of the Bay Islands' marine attractions. It's worth noting that while Central America's hurricane season runs from June through October, the Bay Islands themselves are rarely impacted, allowing for a relatively stable and predictable diving season.
With water temperatures ranging from a comfortable 25 to 29 degrees Celsius (77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit), most divers will find a 3mm wetsuit to be more than sufficient to keep them warm and comfortable throughout their explorations.
FAQs about diving in Roatan
Does Roatan have good scuba diving?
Roatan offers exceptional scuba diving opportunities, making it a top destination in Honduras for both novice and experienced divers. The island is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, which boasts an incredible diversity of marine life.
On a dive vacation in Roatan, you can explore coral gardens, underwater caves and shipwrecks, accompanied by warm, clear waters and excellent visibility (often exceeding 30 metres/100 feet). Additionally, there are numerous dive shops in Roatan to guide divers to the best sites, as well as experienced instructors leading certification courses.
Is the diving better in Roatan or Utila?
Both Roatan and Utila offer unique underwater adventures and incredible dive experiences, with easy access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. That being said, they cater to slightly different markets.
While Roatan offers a more developed diving infrastructure and a greater choice of luxury dive resorts, Utila's charm lies in its relaxed vibe. It’s popular for its laid-back atmosphere and affordability, attracting a younger crowd and lots of backpackers.
Neither has better diving than the other - it’s more about the experience you want to have on your dive vacation in Honduras and the budget you have available.
Do I need a wetsuit to dive in Roatan?
If you’re diving in Roatan, it's generally advisable to wear a wetsuit for both thermal protection and comfort. During the cooler months, you might need a full 3mm wetsuit to keep you warm during dives. In the warmer seasons, a shorty wetsuit or even just a rashguard might suffice.
When deciding on whether to wear a wetsuit or not during your dive vacation in Roatan, it’s important to consider your sensitivity to cold, the depth of your dives and their duration.
When is the best time to dive in Roatan?
The ideal time to dive in Roatan is during the dry season, which lasts from March to September. During this period, you can expect glassy waters and good visibility.
By steering clear of the rainy months of January and February, when the islands experience heavy rains and strong storm systems, you’ll be able to access a broader array of the Bay Islands' marine wonders.
It's important to mention that although Central America's hurricane season occurs from June to October, the Bay Islands are seldom affected.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.