Jackson's Dive Center

Jackson's Dive Center is a cornerstone of the West End diving community in Roatán, Honduras. Founded by Rino Jackson, the centre has been a fixture of the local reef for over two decades. Today, the business remains family-run, maintaining the deep local knowledge that comes from generations of diving these waters.

Situated on West End Road, the centre provides straightforward access to the water via Half Moon Bay. Whether you are looking for a relaxed reef exploration or specific macro photography sessions, the shop is designed to cater to divers who prefer a more personal, less commercialised atmosphere.

The team is composed of experienced instructors, divemasters, and captains who have spent years navigating the local seascape. As an SSI affiliated centre, they provide structured training and guided excursions with a strict focus on small groups. You can expect an average of only three divers per guide, ensuring that the pace of the dive suits your personal requirements.

Because the centre is family-operated, there is a strong emphasis on individual attention. This makes it a suitable environment for those who may feel overwhelmed in larger groups, including beginners or those focused on the slow, methodical work of macro photography.

Jackson's Dive Center offers a full range of SSI Dive Courses. This includes everything from initial certifications for those new to the water to more advanced training for experienced divers.

To make the learning process more efficient, the centre utilises the SSI online portal, allowing you to complete your theoretical studies before you even arrive on the island. This ensures that your time in the water is focused on practical skills and enjoyment.

The centre is equipped to handle the needs of both local divers and those travelling to the island. While specific compressor brands are not listed, the shop provides the necessary infrastructure to support daily dive schedules, including three trips per day.

For those not travelling with a full kit, a range of equipment is available for hire. The team can assist with the necessary kit to ensure you are comfortable on the reef, whether you are doing a single exploration dive or a multi-day programme.

The reefs around West End are a vibrant tapestry of hard and soft corals. You will find a diverse architecture of life including Brain coral (Diploria), pillar coral, and various sea whips. The landscape is further enriched by sponges, such as the elephant ear sponge and barrel sponge, alongside colourful soft corals (Alcyonacea) and Gorgonian (Gorgonacea) fans.

Large pelagics and reef residents are a regular feature of the local waters. You can expect to encounter Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi), Nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), and various species of Grouper (Epinephelinae). Schools of fish, including Jacks (Carangidae), Snappers (Lutjanidae), and blue chromis, move constantly through the reef structure, often accompanied by Barracuda (Sphyraena) and yellowfin tuna.

For those with an eye for the smaller details, the macro life is exceptional. The area is home to various Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) and sea slugs, including the pink flamingo sea slug and lettuce sea slugs. You may also spot Seahorse (Hippocampus), pygmy filefish, and various crustaceans such as mantis shrimp, scaly-tailed mantis shrimps, and striped coral shrimp.

In the sandy areas and reef flats, look for Garden eel (Gorgasia) and Garden eel (Heterocongrinae) swaying in the current. Other interesting inhabitants include Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), various species of crabs, and even the elusive seahorse. Turtles, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), are also part of the local ecosystem.

The centre operates seven days a week, offering three dive trips per day. They also provide specialised timings, including night dives and dawn dives, to suit different diving preferences and light conditions.