Our team enjoying a sunny surface interval at Barefoot Cay.
It’s that time of year again! We’re moving to the South Side. As seasonal northerly winds descend upon the island, dive operators seek refuge by strategically relocating their boats to to the South shore. There, scuba enthusiasts will be greeted with calmer waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant sea creatures.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Roatan's less traveled aquatic haven. Introducing Roatan’s South Shore!
Diving Roatan’s South Shore: What to Expect
The dive sites found on the south side of Roatan offer an incredible and diverse underwater experience. Showcasing a wide array of marine life, stunning coral formations, and thrilling underwater topography that is a stark contrast from the reef found on the north side of the island. You can expect:
Dramatic Underwater Landscapes:
The south side of Roatan features more dramatic underwater landscapes than that on the north side. Picture deep crevices, numerous canyons, and steep wall drop offs that provide an exhilarating scuba experience for divers of all levels.
Marine Diversity:
While both sides of the island boast rich marine biodiversity, the specific species found in each location and their abundance differ. The south side offers higher chances to encounter larger pelagic species, such as sharks, due to its deeper and more exposed underwater terrain. The north side is more commonly known for its vibrant coral gardens and smaller fish species.
Water Conditions:
When we move south, we dive out of Barefoot Cay. One of the many benefits of this location is that we are further away from channels. Resulting in less runoff and clearer visibility despite potential heavy rainfall.
Popular Dive Sites on Roatan’s South Shore
Let’s dive deeper into some of the more notable and captivating dive sites on Roatan’s South side:
Mary’s Place on Roatan’s South Side; Image by Mickey Charteris
Mary's Place:
This famous dive site is characterized by a deep crevice in the reef wall which is adorned with colorful sponges, sea fans, and soft corals. Divers can navigate through the cliffs and sheers, experiencing an awe-inspiring scene as light filtering through the cracks. Creating a mesmerizing and enchanting play of shadows and rays. Spotted drums, lobsters, and channel clinging crabs can all be found here.
Mr. Bud Wreck:
Diving at the Mr. Bud Wreck offers a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of a sunken cargo ship. Mr. Bud’s structure is covered in corals and sponges, making it an attractive site for underwater exploration and photography. The wreck is also situated on the sandy ocean floor along two coral gardens, creating a diverse and intriguing habitat for marine life such as barracuda, stingrays, sail fin blennies, garden eels, and jawfish.
Calvin’s Crack:
This dive site offers the perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty. Calvin's Crack gets its name from its deep crevice that features a maze of swim-throughs and narrow canyons within the reef. This visually stunning landscape is alive with vibrant corals, sponges, schools of fish, lobsters, and - if you’re lucky - the occasional reef shark sighting.
Getting to the South Side of Roatan
Barefoot Cay Facilities
We pride ourselves on providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for our clients on South Side days, ensuring their journey to the other side is as convenient as possible.
We coordinate all aspects of the transportation process at no additional cost to our clients, including equipment transfers and personal transport. Allowing them to focus solely on their diving adventures without any worries about logistics.
Clients will gather at our shop before boarding a waiting van that will transport them directly to Barefoot Cay. While there, we offer snacks and fresh fruit in addition to our usual complimentary beverages. Following the two morning dives, the van will return them to West End!
A promise of unparalleled underwater adventures.
Diving the South side with Roatan Divers is not just a journey beneath the waves. Our commitment to providing a seamless experience, knowledgeable dive guides, and access to the most captivating dive sites, ensures that every moment spent beneath the surface is nothing short of extraordinary.
