Moana Divers Roatan

Located in Half Moon Bay, West End, Moana Divers Roatán offers a dedicated base for divers looking to explore the Bay Islands. The centre is built around a deep connection to the ocean, a sentiment reflected in its name, which means 'Deep Blue' in Rapa Nui.

Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are an experienced diver seeking wreck and drift opportunities, the centre provides a structured and professional environment. Their location allows for easy access to the diverse marine ecosystems that make this part of Honduras so significant for Caribbean diving.

The team is composed of seven professional instructors, ensuring a high level of attention for every diver. The centre operates with a focus on small groups and a personalized approach to both training and recreational diving.

Founded by Mauricio Riquelme and Cristóbal Molina, the centre maintains a professional atmosphere while fostering a sense of community. Instruction is available in English and Spanish, making it accessible for a wide range of international divers.

Beyond standard recreational diving, Moana Divers is actively involved in marine conservation. They work in partnership with the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA), offering training modules focused on conservation to help divers understand and protect their local environment.

As an SSI affiliated centre, Moana Divers offers a comprehensive catalogue of courses. Beginners can start with the Bubblemaker or Scuba Diver programmes, progressing through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to refine their skills or move into professional diving, they offer Peak Performance Buoyancy, Drift Diver, Night Diver, and Wreck Diver specialties. More advanced training includes Rescue Diver, ReActivate, and the full Divemaster programme.

Specialised training is also available in areas such as Underwater Photography, Fish Identification, Boat Diver, and Search and Recovery. They also provide EFR (First Aid) training, which can be taken alongside the Rescue course.

The centre operates boats with a capacity for 8 passengers, allowing for the small-group experience they prioritise. These trips cover local reefs as well as more distant excursions to sites like the Seamounts, Cayos Cochinos, and Guanaja.

For those looking to extend their time underwater, night diving is available. Nitrox is also provided for divers looking to manage their nitrogen loading during multi-dive days.

The centre provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit, including masks, snorkels, and fins. On-site facilities include personal lockers and hot showers to rinse off after a day in the sea.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers who require enriched air for their profiles. The centre is well-equipped to handle everything from basic entry-level needs to more advanced requirements.

The reefs around Roatán are vibrant, featuring a diverse array of hard and soft corals. You will find plenty of architectural interest from brain coral, pillar coral, sea whip, and various species of sea fan (Gorgoniidae), alongside sponges (Porifera) and soft corals (Alcyonacea).

Large pelagics and reef residents are common, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle, spotted eagle rays, and various sharks such as Caribbean reef sharks, Grey reef sharks, and whitetip reef sharks. You may also encounter Manta ray and Whale shark between May and December.

In the mid-water and along the reef structure, look for large groupers (Epinephelus), various Snapper (Lutjanus), Jack (Carangidae), and yellowfin tuna. Schools of blue chromis, silversides, and creole wrasse add constant movement to the seascape.

For macro enthusiasts, the area holds many treasures. Keep an eye out for Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), various Nudibranch, and crustaceans such as Spiny lobster (Palinuridae), Lobster (Homaridae), and various species of shrimp. Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), garden eels (Gorgasia), and anemones also inhabit the sandy patches and crevices.

Roatán is a year-round diving destination, offering consistent access to the water. The local sites vary from shallow reef flats to deeper walls and offshore seamounts.

While the centre offers drift diving and wreck penetration, divers should always be aware of local currents when planning their dives, particularly on more exposed sites or during excursions to the outer islands.