Dive Site: Carib Point

About Carib Point

Carib Point is a distinctive shallow fringing reef and hardbottom site located off Roatán's north shore, specifically in the Sandy Bay/West End area. This dive is frequently utilized by operators for checkout, refresher, and training dives, especially when conditions on the outer reef are less favorable. The topography transitions from coral heads at 8 meters to a gradual slope reaching 18 meters, creating diverse depth zones that support varied marine communities, making it accessible for a range of experience levels. The site's reef structure features extensive hard coral formations interspersed with cleaning stations, where giant moray eels maintain permanent territories. These cleaning stations, active with yellowtail damselfish and cleaner wrasse, serve as focal points for larger resident species, including goliath groupers. The site's position relative to Roatán's north shore current patterns attracts pelagic species, with grey reef sharks and green sea turtles commonly seen. Diving here allows for long bottom times due to its shallow profile, making it ideal for relaxed photography. It is also a practical choice when wind chop discourages longer boat rides or for divers seeking a gentler second dive after deeper wall sites. The main interest is concentrated in the top few meters where light and color are most vibrant. Mandatory Roatán Marine Park fees of US$10 annually are required, collected by dive operators. The entire island of Roatán is situated on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system globally, and is actively protected by the Roatán Marine Park since 2005, contributing to the health and abundance of its reefs, including Carib Point.

Dive site facts: Carib Point

Depth

8–18 m (max 45m in some sources, but actual site is shallower)

Current

Mild, localized currents possible

Visibility

15–25 m (50–80 ft)

Water temperature

25–31°C (77–88°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water, Beginner friendly

Dive type

Reef, Training, Photography

Region / port

Roatán, Honduras

Coordinates

16.3151° N, 86.5165° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Carib Point are typically mild, making for relaxed diving conditions, though localized currents can strengthen along points or with wind-driven surface flow. Divers generally descend along an anchor line to approximately 12 meters, where coral formations become immediately apparent. Visibility ranges between 15-25 meters (50-80 feet), offering clear views of the reef. Water temperatures range from 25°C in winter to 29-31°C in late summer, often allowing divers to wear a 3mm shorty or dive skin, or even ditch wetsuits entirely in warmer months. The shallow profile of the site means longer bottom times are possible, but divers must remain vigilant about no-decompression limits and manage ascent rates carefully. As it is a nearshore site, boat traffic is a hazard, necessitating the use of a DSMB if surfacing away from the boat.

Marine life & sighting chances

Spotted eagle ray

Year-round · common

Southern stingray

Year-round · common

Giant moray eel

common

Green moray eel

occasional

Goliath grouper

occasional

Grey reef shark

occasional

Green sea turtle

common

Yellowtail damselfish

common

Pederson cleaner shrimp

common

Blue tang

common

Sergeant major

common

Caribbean spiny lobster

occasional

Flamingo tongue snail

occasional

Nurse shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Carib Point typically begin with a descent along the anchor line to approximately 12 meters, where the vibrant coral formations become immediately evident. The main dive route follows the reef's contour from northeast to southwest, generally maintaining depths between 10-16 meters. Divers will explore extensive hard coral structures, scattered coral heads, and sandy patches. Swim-throughs are present within large coral formations, characterized by wide passages suitable even for novice divers. Cleaning stations, marked by increased fish activity, offer opportunities to observe giant moray eels and other reef inhabitants. Eagle rays frequently appear along the sandy channels that cut through the reef. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent along the shallower sections of the reef, passing through areas of recovering staghorn and elkhorn corals, before a mandatory safety stop at 5 meters near the anchor line prior to surfacing.

Underwater photography

Carib Point is excellent for wide-angle photography due to its clear visibility and healthy coral formations, as well as for capturing pelagic encounters such as eagle rays and reef sharks. A fisheye or wide-angle lens would be ideal to encompass the expansive reef and its larger inhabitants. Macro photographers will find ample subjects by focusing on cleaning stations, where cleaner shrimp, small crabs, blennies, and leaf sea slugs can be found in the rubble and sponge habitats. Good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the shallow reef and its delicate residents. When photographing marine life, maintain a respectful distance and avoid chasing or stressing animals, especially the resident moray eels at their cleaning stations or grazing sea turtles.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Calvin’s Crack

  Calvin’s Crack is a renowned dive site located near the southern coast of Roatán, one of Honduras's Bay Islands.

• Patti's Place & The Train Station

  Patti's Place and The Train Station offers divers an engaging experience on Roatan, part of the immense Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

• Media Luna

  Media Luna is a premier advanced dive site located on the eastern side of Roatan, Honduras, distinguishable by its unique half-moon shaped…

• The Seamounts

  The Seamounts, located in the Cayos Cochinos marine reserve off Honduras, offer a unique diving experience distinct from the typical…

• Carib Wall

  Carib Wall is a renowned dive site located in Carib Bight, on the island of Roatan in Honduras.

Getting there & logistics

Roatán is served by Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), with various direct flights available from North America and other parts of Central America. Dive trips to Carib Point typically involve short boat rides from local dive shops, particularly those on the east side of the island near Carib Bight or Sandy Bay/West End. These sites are easily accessible within 15 minutes of departure. Most dive operators in Roatán offer multi-day dive packages or daily two-tank morning dives, often returning to shore for surface intervals and lunch before afternoon dives. All divers are required to pay a mandatory US$10 annual Roatán Marine Park fee, collected by dive operators, which supports the conservation efforts for these reefs.

Safety & environment

For emergency situations, recompression chamber support is available on Roatán, serving the Bay Islands. Divers should coordinate emergency response through their local dive operators and the island's EMS. Given the shallow profile of Carib Point, divers must be mindful of no-decompression limits, especially during extended bottom times, and maintain careful ascent rates. The presence of boat traffic in nearshore areas requires divers to use a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) if surfacing away from the boat to enhance visibility to vessels. Comprehensive dive insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and recompression treatment. Divers should always follow their guide's instructions and adhere to responsible diving practices to minimize risks.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Carib Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Carib Point

These liveaboards may visit Carib Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day