Dive Site: Al's Garden

About Al's Garden

Al's Garden is a notable dive site located in Roatan, part of Honduras's Bay Islands, a region renowned for its vibrant underwater topography and diverse marine ecosystems. This area is situated along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef globally, fostering a rich environment for marine life. The site's name originates from a mooring named in memory of Alistair Bennie's parents, indicating its location within the established network of reef-friendly moorings maintained by the Roatan Marine Park. These moorings are crucial for protecting the delicate coral structures that define Roatan's diving landscape. Diving in this region typically involves exploring dramatic walls, fringing reefs, and shallow coral gardens. While specific topographical details for Al's Garden are not provided, it is part of a larger system where reefs descend from shallow shelves into significant drop-offs. The general depth range for diving in the Bay Islands extends from 9 meters (30 feet) to 40 meters (130 feet), accommodating various dive profiles from sunlit shallows to deeper wall explorations. The site, like others in Roatan, benefits from the proximity of the Cayman Trench, which contributes to the formation of canyons and impressive reef structures. The marine life in Roatan is abundant and varied, including hawksbill turtles, large manta rays, and a wide array of iridescent fish. Seahorses, octopuses, and a variety of tropical fish are common, along with impressive sponges and colorful corals such as purple sea fans and bright orange elephant ear sponges. Encounters with larger species like whale sharks and dolphins are also possible, particularly in nutrient-rich areas. Night dives offer different experiences, with basket stars, hunting octopuses, and bioluminescent plankton. Diving in Roatan is generally described as easy and relaxing, with most dives conducted from liveaboards or day boats directly from the yacht. Typically, up to five dives per day are offered, including night dives, with an average of 24-27 dives on a 7-night charter. A 3-5 mm wetsuit is recommended due to water temperatures ranging from 24-31°C (75-84°F). Divers should be prepared for potential thermoclines, especially during cooler months.

Dive site facts: Al's Garden

Depth

9–40 m

Current

Moderate

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, Reef

Region / port

Honduras

Coordinates

16.3113° N, 86.5169° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents around Roatan and the Bay Islands are generally manageable, contributing to a relaxing dive experience; however, specific sites, especially remote seamounts, may present stronger currents that require good buoyancy control and experience. Tidal influence and slack conditions are often considered for dive planning. Most dives are conducted from a liveaboard, allowing for entry directly from the boat onto the site's mooring line. Exit typically involves returning to the liveaboard, which often deploys tenders for shore excursions but primarily operates directly for diving. Surge is generally minimal within the protected reef areas, but can be present on exposed sites. Thermoclines are possible, particularly during the winter months, when water temperatures can drop to 22°C (72°F) from a summer average of 25-28°C (78-84°F), which may necessitate a 3-5 mm wetsuit. Visibility is consistently good, ranging from 24 to 45 meters, ensuring clear underwater views, though it can slightly diminish during the rainy season from October to January. This generally permits divers of various certification levels to enjoy the sites, with advanced skills beneficial for navigating stronger currents at specific locations.

Liveaboards diving Al's Garden

These liveaboards may visit Al's Garden on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day