Honduras

Dive Site: Blue House

Intermediate Reef
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Blue House?

About Blue House

Blue House Garden is a unique dive site located in Roatan, Honduras, particularly noted at a depth of 60 feet (18 meters). While specific details about its broader topography are not extensively documented, it is part of Roatan's diverse underwater landscape, which includes sheer walls, vibrant reefs, and intricate formations. The site is recognized for its distinctive, perhaps whimsical, characteristic mentioned in diver accounts. Roatan's reefs generally feature a dramatic topography with walls, canyons, and crevices, supporting a rich ecosystem. The depths around the island cater to various levels of diving, offering shallow reef tops and deeper wall sections. Marine life in the Bay Islands is abundant, with diverse populations of fish, impressive sponges, and lush coral formations. Encounters can include seahorses, lobsters, octopus, and schools of colorful reef fish. Diving in Roatan is typically accessible, with many sites suitable for various certification levels, often characterized by comfortable water temperatures. While specific current information for Blue House Garden is not detailed, Roatan's dive sites generally experience mild to moderate currents depending on location and conditions. Liveaboard operations often allow for multiple dives per day, providing ample opportunity to explore sites like this.

Highlights

Unique underwater gardensNoted at 60 feet depthDiverse reef topographyAbundant marine lifePotential for whimsical encounters

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season

Mar – May & Dec

Best visibility, calm seas, whale shark season begins

Jan – Feb

Good conditions with warm water and decent visibility

Jun – Nov

Rainy season with reduced visibility but second whale shark peak Sep-Dec

Dive site facts: Blue House

Current
Mild to strong depending on site and tide
Visibility
10–40 m
Water temperature
24–31 °C
Entry
Boat / Live drop / Stationary
Level
All levels
Dive type
Reef, Wall, Canyon
Night dive
Possible (on request)
Region / port
Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Coordinates
16.3107, -86.5155

Conditions & Currents

Currents in Roatan are generally gentle, making for relaxed diving conditions, though some sites can experience stronger currents, particularly when tides are going in or out, which can be very strong. Divers should be aware that outward currents can be dangerous if not managed properly, as swimming against them can be difficult. Entry and exit techniques are often boat-based, with options for stationary entries at mooring lines or live drops for drift dives, depending on the site. Visibility is consistently good, ranging from 10 to 40 meters, but can be reduced during the rainy season due to stirred-up sediments, which conversely may attract larger marine life. Thermoclines are not prominently mentioned as a major factor in the sources for Roatan. Divers should always pay close attention to dive briefings, especially for drift dives, to understand current direction, entry/exit procedure

Marine life & sighting chances

Angelfish at the dive site Blue House

Angelfish

common
Seahorses at the dive site Blue House

Seahorses

occasional
Nudibranchs at the dive site Blue House

Nudibranchs

occasional
Rays at the dive site Blue House

Rays

common
Reef sharks at the dive site Blue House

Reef sharks

occasional
Barracudas at the dive site Blue House

Barracudas

occasional
Groupers at the dive site Blue House

Groupers

common
Jacks at the dive site Blue House

Jacks

common
Sea turtles at the dive site Blue House

Sea turtles

occasional
Lobsters at the dive site Blue House

Lobsters

common
Shrimps at the dive site Blue House

Shrimps

common
Octopus at the dive site Blue House

Octopus

common

Underwater photography

Roatan's clear waters, often exceeding 30 meters visibility, create ideal conditions for underwater photography, particularly during the dry season from March to October. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the expansive coral formations, steep walls, and vibrant reef scenes characteristic of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. For macro subjects such as seahorses, nudibranchs, and various shrimps, a macro lens will highlight intricate details. Consistent lighting is usually available, but external strobes or video lights can enhance colors and reduce backscatter, especially in deeper areas or under overhangs. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid disturbing the healthy coral and sand, ensuring respectful interaction with marine life and preserving visibility. Divers should prioritize non-invasive photography, refraining from touching or chasing animals to get a shot.

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Roatan is accessible via international flights to Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB). Dive trips typically involve day boat excursions from various resorts and dive centers located along the island's West Bay, West End, and Sandy Bay areas. A common dive schedule includes a two-tank morning dive returning around noon, followed by an optional single-tank afternoon dive. Night dives can also be arranged with a minimum of four divers and 48-hour notice. Roatan Marine Park fees apply, often purchased as a $10 annual bracelet, which contributes to reef protection. Liveaboards also operate in the Bay Islands, offering broader access to the region. The island's dive operations emphasize short boat rides to sites, with many locations just minutes from shore.

Safety & environment

Roatan Dive Center maintains a strong emphasis on diver safety, carrying DAN oxygen and first aid kits on all boats. Divers are expected to adhere to a responsible diver code, including maintaining excellent buoyancy, not touching corals or marine life, and using designated entry/exit points. Emergency evacuation protocols typically involve local medical facilities, with the nearest recompression chamber likely on the island or nearby. Divers are advised to have comprehensive dive insurance. Site-specific hazards include potentially strong currents, particularly when tides are moving in or out, which requires careful attention during dive briefings. Divers should always plan conservative dive profiles, including a 3 to 5-minute safety stop, and manage air consumption effectively, with maximum bottom times typically around 60 minutes.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

  • New divers and those undergoing training
  • Underwater photographers seeking clear water and varied subjects
  • Families and mixed groups with snorkelers
  • Divers desiring a relaxed, multi-dive day
  • Those who appreciate healthy coral reefs

Less suited for

  • Divers seeking extreme or highly challenging currents on every dive
  • Those uninterested in reef ecology and conservation
  • Budget travelers during peak season (December-February)
  • Divers who prefer solitary dive experiences (can be crowded at peak times)

FAQ

Blue House FAQ

What marine life can I expect to see at dive sites around Roatan?
Dive sites in Roatan are rich with Caribbean marine life. You can commonly spot parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and various schools of jacks. Smaller creatures like seahorses and nudibranchs are present, alongside larger animals such as rays, groupers, barracudas, and occasional reef sharks and sea turtles. Lobsters, shrimps, and octopus are also guaranteed sightings at some locations.
What are the typical water temperatures and visibility conditions in Roatan?
Water temperatures in Roatan generally range from highs of 29-31°C from June through October, and lows of 24-27°C from January to April, with some January temperatures dropping to 22°C. Visibility is consistently good year-round, typically ranging from 10 to 40 meters, though it can extend to 36 meters during the dry season (March to May) and may reduce slightly during the rainy season.
Are there strong currents, and what do I need to know about them?
While many Roatan sites feature gentle conditions, some areas can experience very strong currents, particularly during tidal changes. Outgoing currents, in particular, can be dangerous as swimming against them is difficult. Dive briefings are essential for understanding specific current directions and appropriate entry, navigation, and exit procedures, especially for drift dives.
What are the best months to visit Roatan for diving?
Roatan is considered an excellent year-round diving destination. March through October, the dry season, offers warmer waters and the best visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for photographers. The wet season, November through February, still provides great diving, with the added potential for larger marine life attracted by stirred-up sediments, despite some rainfall.
How are dive trips typically organized in Roatan?
Most dive operations in Roatan offer two-tank morning dives, returning to shore around noon, followed by an optional single-tank afternoon dive. Night dives are available upon request, usually requiring a minimum of four divers and advance notice. Dive sites are typically chosen based on daily conditions and diver preferences, with an emphasis on short boat rides to minimize travel time.
What kind of dive training or experience is recommended for Roatan?
Roatan is suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced individuals. The generally calm conditions and healthy reefs make it an ideal location for new divers and those seeking training. However, experience with currents can be beneficial for certain sites, and advanced certifications may open up opportunities for deeper or more challenging dives.

Why dive Blue House from a liveaboard?

Blue House is one of Honduras's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Blue House on their Honduras itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Blue House

These liveaboards may visit Blue House on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Roatan Aggressor liveaboard at Blue House

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31 m

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3 Fathom Wall

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Suitable for
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Current
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Access
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Depth
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Theme
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3 Riff

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While specific details for a dive site named "3 Riff" are not present in the provided sources, general diving conditions and characteristics for the Dominican Republic…

Suitable for
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Current
Mild
Access
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Depth
30–55 m
Theme
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3 Rocks

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Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Dayboat
Depth
2–8 m
Theme
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4 Amigos

Honduras

4 Amigos is a notable dive site located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, an area renowned for its extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the world's second-longest.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
9–40 m
Theme
Reef
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The dive site known as "6 Toed Cat" is not a recognized dive location in Mexico; rather, it refers to the polydactyl felines, many with six toes, that inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
—
Theme
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Aaron's Backyard is a noted dive site within the Roatan Marine Park in Honduras, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
9–40 m
Theme
Reef

Dive Blue House from a liveaboard.

Three to four guided dives a day on Blue House and the other signature sites in Honduras, sleeping right above the reef.