Dive Site: Dixies

About Dixies

Dixies offers an engaging dive experience on Roatan's fringing reef, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. This site is characterized by its impressive wall formations, which plunge from shallow reefs to greater depths, showcasing the island's unique underwater topography. The diverse environment supports a rich variety of marine species, from colorful reef fish to larger pelagics. The site's structure allows for various dive profiles, catering to different skill levels as you navigate from the sun-dappled shallows along the dramatic drop-off. The coral architecture, including towering sponges and intricate gorgonians, creates a dynamic landscape that changes with depth and light. Marine life sightings at Dixies are consistently rewarding, with frequent encounters of reef inhabitants. The clear Caribbean waters, often exceeding 30 meters of visibility, enhance the experience, allowing for detailed observation of the reef's tapestry. While diving conditions are generally favorable year-round, specific seasons can enhance certain aspects, such as even calmer seas or warmer water temperatures. Diving at Dixies typically involves exploring the wall, often with a gentle current assisting movement along the reef. The proximity to other renowned sites on Roatan's north side allows for its inclusion in varied dive itineraries, providing a comprehensive view of the island's celebrated underwater world.

Dive site facts: Dixies

Depth

5–30+ m

Current

Mild drift

Visibility

18–36 m

Water temperature

24–29°C (75–84°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels, comfortable with walls

Dive type

Wall, reef, drift

Night dive

Possible in Roatan

Region / port

Roatan, Honduras

Coordinates

16.3033° N, 86.5412° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Dixies are generally mild, characteristic of many Roatan dive sites, often providing a gentle drift along the wall. These conditions are typically manageable for divers of various experience levels, contributing to a relaxed exploration of the reef. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging from 18 to 30 meters or better throughout the year, with peak visibility potentially reaching 36 meters during the dry season, particularly in March and April. Water temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 24-27°C (75–80°F) in January to April, and peaking at 25-29°C (78-84°F) from June to October. While Roatan experiences a wet season from November to February, rain usually occurs in the early morning and rarely cancels dives, though it can stir up some sediment. Divers should plan for a 3mm wetsuit, considering a 5mm in cooler months or if they tend to get cold easily.

Marine life & sighting chances

Parrotfish

common

Angelfish

common

Butterflyfish

common

Seahorses

occasional

Nudibranchs

occasional

Rays

occasional

Reef sharks

occasional

Barracudas

occasional

Groupers

occasional

Jacks (schools)

occasional

Sea turtles

occasional

Spotted drums

common

Moray eels

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Dixies typically begins with a boat entry directly over the reef, descending to the edge of the wall. The dive profile often involves exploring the vibrant coral-covered wall, which drops steeply from shallow depths. Divers generally follow the natural contours of the reef, allowing a mild current to assist in a gentle drift. You'll observe intricate coral formations, including large sponges and sea plumes, alongside a variety of reef fish. The dive progresses along the wall, maintaining a comfortable depth to maximize bottom time and explore crevices and overhangs. The turn point is determined by air consumption and planned bottom time. As the dive concludes, divers gradually ascend the wall into shallower areas for their safety stop, often observing more macro life or schooling fish in the sunlit upper reef, before a surface interval and boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Dixies provides excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography along its dramatic wall, capturing the expanse of the reef, large sponges, and schooling fish. Consider a wide-angle lens to encompass the scale of the coral structures and the clear blue water. For macro subjects like seahorses or nudibranchs, a macro lens will be beneficial. Strobes are essential to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially as you descend deeper along the wall. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate reef and to position yourself for stable shots in potentially light currents. Be mindful of your fin kicks and proximity to the wall when framing your shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Hole in the Wall

  Known for its unique tunnel and canyon system.

• MB's Wall

  MB's Wall is a prominent dive site located in Roatan, Honduras, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier…

• Glory to Ukraine

  Roatan, nestled within the Bay Islands of Honduras, is a premier Caribbean diving destination known for its diverse underwater landscapes…

• Haller Deep

  Haller Deep is a prominent dive site in Roatan, Honduras, distinguished by its significant depth and dramatic underwater landscape.

• Angus's Aquarium

  Angus's Aquarium is a highly regarded dive site within Roatan's extensive reef system, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Getting there & logistics

Roatan is the primary access point for diving Dixies, with flights typically arriving at Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB). Dive operators are abundant, particularly in West End, and Dixies is frequently included in daily boat dives from these centers. Most dive centers offer packages that combine multiple dives across various sites. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving Dixies itself, as it's typically managed through registered dive centers. Liveaboards also operate in the Bay Islands, offering week-long cruises that can include Roatan sites. Divers should plan for a trip duration that allows for multiple days of diving to experience the variety of sites available on Roatan's fringing reef.

Safety & environment

For dive safety in Roatan, it is crucial to carry personal dive insurance that covers recompression chamber treatment and medical evacuation. While the exact location of the nearest recompression chamber is not specified, Roatan is a well-established dive destination, implying access to such facilities, though evacuation may be necessary for severe cases. Divers should always dive within their certification limits and follow the guidance of their dive guides, especially when navigating wall dives and mild currents. Staying hydrated and being aware of potential boat traffic near surface intervals are also important considerations for diver safety in this popular region.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Dixies FAQ

Liveaboards diving Dixies

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day