Coconut Tree Divers

Coconut Tree Divers is an established PADI 5 Star IDC centre located at Half Moon Bay in West End, Roatan. Having operated for over 24 years, the centre has become a staple of the local diving community, offering a social and professional atmosphere for all levels of divers.

The location is exceptionally convenient, situated just a short walk from the local accommodation and restaurants of West End. The centre benefits from its own private jetty, providing immediate access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef without the need for long transit times to reach the water.

As an Instructor Development Centre (IDC), the team is highly qualified to take divers from their initial Open Water certification through to professional levels. They provide training for Divemaster and Instructor candidates, maintaining a high standard of professional instruction.

The team is multilingual, capable of conducting dives and instruction in English, French, and Spanish. This makes the centre a versatile choice for international divers looking for clear communication during technical or professional courses.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. This includes Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver, as well as Emergency First Response training.

For those looking to advance their career, the centre offers Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses (IDC). They also specialise in technical diving, providing courses in Trimix and Sidemount training.

The centre operates large platform boats equipped with aluminium ladders to facilitate easy entry and exit for divers. These vessels are designed to accommodate groups comfortably while providing a stable platform for gear management and surface intervals.

For those heading out on boat dives, the morning rendezvous is at 09:00. The boats allow you to explore a wide variety of the surrounding area, with access to more than 80 different dive sites around Roatan.

The centre provides a full range of equipment for hire, including regulators, BCDs, and exposure protection. For those looking to document their dives, Canon cameras are also available for rent.

Technical divers will find the necessary support on-site, as the centre is equipped to handle rebreather and Trimix diving. For emergencies, the closest hyperbaric chamber is located at the Cornerstone Medical Center in Anthony's Key Resort, just a 5-minute taxi ride away.

The reef is alive with a diverse array of fish, including various Snappers (Lutjanidae), Grouper (Epinephelinae), and large groupers. You will frequently see Barracuda (Sphyraena), Jack (Carangidae), and schools of silversides moving through the water column. Smaller residents such as blue chromis, creole wrasse, and juvenile drummers are common sights across the reef.

Large pelagics and mobile species add excitement to the dives, with Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), and various turtles regularly appearing. You may also encounter Eagle ray (Aetobatus), Spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), and large tarpons cruising the area.

The reef structure itself is built from a rich tapestry of life, including Brain coral (Diploria), pillar coral, and various soft corals (Alcyonacea). Gorgonian (Gorgonacea) fans and sea whips provide colour and shelter for many species, while sponges and sea whips decorate the seabed.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) and pink flamingo sea slugs to various crustaceans. Keep an eye out for the Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Seahorse (Hippocampus), and various species of shrimp, such as Cleaner shrimp (Lysmata) and striped coral shrimp, tucked away in the reef crevices.

The area is accessible year-round, though divers may find themselves moving towards Flowers Bay between October and January if necessary. Visibility is generally excellent, typically ranging between 20 and 30 metres.

When planning your dives, be aware that the local environment is a protected area. Divers are asked to contribute to the conservation of the Roatan Marine Park through a local fee.