Dive Site: Angus's Aquarium

About Angus's Aquarium

Angus's Aquarium is a highly regarded dive site within Roatan's extensive reef system, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, is celebrated for its pristine waters and rich marine ecosystems, drawing divers year-round. The reef environment here showcases remarkable health, a result of dedicated conservation efforts by groups like the Roatan Marine Park. The site features a range of underwater topography, from vibrant coral gardens to walls and potentially sandy areas, supporting a wide array of marine species. Depths can vary, allowing for exploration at different levels, catering to various diving preferences. While specific details for "Angus's Aquarium" itself are not extensively covered in the sources, the general characteristics of Roatan diving apply: consistently warm water and excellent visibility. Divers can expect to encounter a healthy mix of Caribbean reef fish and larger pelagics depending on the season. The practical diving experience in Roatan typically involves short boat rides from shore to access numerous dive sites. Operations emphasize safety and comfort, with options for multiple dives daily. The relaxed conditions, including gentle currents and warm waters, make it an ideal location for both new and experienced divers to enjoy extended underwater exploration.

Dive site facts: Angus's Aquarium

Depth

5–40 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

18–40 m

Water temperature

24–29 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, wall, coral garden

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

Coordinates

16.3113° N, 86.5159° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents around Roatan's dive sites are generally mild, especially during the summer months when calm seas and low winds prevail. However, conditions can vary seasonally; winter months, particularly December through February, may bring stronger northern winds that can create choppier surface conditions on the north side of the island. When this occurs, dive operations often shift to the calmer south side. Visibility remains consistently good throughout the year, typically ranging from 18 to 30 meters or more, though heavy rains in the wet season (November-February) can temporarily reduce it due to stirred sediments. Divers can anticipate warm water temperatures, ranging from 24-29°C, with January sometimes seeing drops to 22°C, which may warrant a thicker wetsuit for comfort. The calm conditions generally present easy entry and exit, making for relaxed multi-dive days suitable for all le

Marine life & sighting chances

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Angelfish

Year-round · common

Butterflyfish

Year-round · common

Green sea turtle

Year-round · common

Hawksbill sea turtle

Year-round · common

Southern stingray

Year-round · occasional

Spotted eagle ray

Year-round · occasional

Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Grouper

Year-round · occasional

Jacks

Year-round · occasional

Nurse shark

Year-round · occasional

Nudibranch

Year-round · occasional

Seahorse

Year-round · occasional

Silversides

June–July · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at sites like Angus's Aquarium in Roatan generally begins with a short boat ride from the dive center, given the reef's proximity to shore. Entry is usually a backward roll or giant stride from the boat. Divers then descend onto the reef, which often starts in shallow coral gardens and slopes gradually or drops off into walls. The dive profile typically follows the reef structure, exploring canyons, crevices, and swim-throughs. Guides lead divers along these features, pointing out macro life and larger fish. The average depth for many sites is between 12-25 meters, with maximum depths for recreational divers reaching around 30-40 meters. Turn points are determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which divers gradually ascend, often spending the last part of the dive in shallower coral gardens. The safety stop is typically conducted at 5 meters for 3-5 minutes before a boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Angus's Aquarium, like many Roatan dive sites, offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its healthy corals, diverse topography, and abundant marine life. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the expansive reef formations, walls, and schools of fish. Given the consistently good visibility, ambient light can often be sufficient in shallower areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish. For macro subjects such as nudibranchs, seahorses, and shrimps, a dedicated macro lens is essential. Focus on controlled buoyancy to avoid disturbing delicate corals and marine life, as well as maintaining a safe distance from subjects. Patience is key to capturing marine behavior, and approaching subjects slowly will yield better results without stressing the animals.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Hole in the Wall

  Hole in the Wall is a celebrated dive site in Roatan, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second-largest…

• Coco Sea Mount

  Coco Sea Mount is a distinctive offshore dive site near Roatan, characterized by its isolation and exposed blue-water environment.

• Black Coral Wall

  Black Coral I and II are prominent dive sites within Cuba's renowned Jardines de la Reina marine reserve, an area celebrated for its…

• Mary’s Place

  Mary's Place is a legendary dive site situated on the southeast side of Roatán, Honduras, renowned for its dramatic topography.

• Wreck of the Aguila

  The Wreck of the Aguila, affectionately known as 'The Eagle,' is a 60-meter (200-foot) cargo ship purposefully sunk in 1997 to create an…

• Odyssey

  The Odyssey is a significant artificial reef located off Roatan's northern coast in Honduras, deliberately sunk in 2002 after sustaining…

Getting there & logistics

Travelers typically reach Roatan by flying into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB). Dive resorts and operations are concentrated around West Bay and West End. Liveaboards, such as the Roatan Aggressor, depart from the Roatan Yacht Club & Marina for 7-night charters, with diving commencing the day after arrival. Most dive packages include 2-4 boat dives per day, tanks, weights, and often accommodation and meals at dive resorts. The short boat rides to dive sites allow for multiple dives daily with surface intervals back at shore. There are no specific park fees mentioned for general diving, but some specialized activities or day trips to outer islands may incur additional costs. Roatan's laid-back atmosphere and English-speaking population make it an easy destination for international visitors.

Safety & environment

Diving in Roatan is generally considered safe, with dive operations placing a strong emphasis on safety and comfort. It is highly recommended that all divers have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation, as access to advanced medical facilities can be limited on the island. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Roatan itself. Divers should adhere strictly to dive briefings, particularly regarding depth limits, bottom times, and buddy procedures, as emergency evacuation can be a complex process. While currents are generally mild, conditions can change, especially during the wetter season, so maintaining good buoyancy control and situational awareness is crucial. Avoid touching marine life or corals to prevent injury to yourself and damage to the fragile reef ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Angus's Aquarium FAQ

Liveaboards diving Angus's Aquarium

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day