Dive Site: Forty-Foot Point

About Forty-Foot Point

Forty-Foot Point is a popular dive site situated in Roatán, Honduras, celebrated for its active marine ecosystem. Divers frequently encounter impressive schools of jacks and barracuda here, along with free-swimming moray eels that add to the dynamic underwater scenery. The site is a key feature on many dive schedules due to its rich biodiversity and convenient location. The topography of Forty-Foot Point likely consists of the typical Roatán reef structure, which includes a shallow reef plate transitioning into a deeper wall, characteristic of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. While specific depths for this particular site are not detailed, Roatán's dive sites generally range from shallow reef exploration to deeper wall dives, offering varied environments for marine life. Marine life sightings are consistent, with jacks, barracuda, and moray eels being common. These species contribute to a lively dive experience, making Forty-Foot Point a rewarding visit. Roatán generally boasts excellent water conditions year-round, supporting a healthy reef ecosystem and diverse animal populations. Diving at Forty-Foot Point is typically managed via boat entry. The site is accessible for various skill levels, allowing divers to enjoy its abundant life and explore its features comfortably. Its reputation for vibrant schools of fish and resident morays ensures a memorable underwater adventure.

Dive site facts: Forty-Foot Point

Depth

12–40 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

27–31 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wall, coral reef, big_animals

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Roatán, Honduras

Coordinates

16.2897° N, 86.5129° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Forty-Foot Point are generally described as gentle, contributing to the site's accessibility and pleasant diving experience. While specific current strength for this particular site is not detailed, Roatán's dive sites often feature mild to moderate currents which typically allow for relaxed drift dives. Entry and exit are usually smooth boat operations. Visibility in Roatán is consistently excellent, often ranging from 20 to 40 meters, ensuring clear views of the abundant marine life. Divers should nonetheless always be aware of local conditions and plan their dive accordingly, though extreme conditions are uncommon here.

Marine life & sighting chances

Jack

common

Barracuda

common

Green moray eel

common

Creole wrasse

common

Blue chromis

common

Black durgon

common

Grouper

common

Octopus

occasional

Reef fish species

common

Pelagic fish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Forty-Foot Point often begins with a boat drop, allowing for immediate immersion into the active ecosystem. Divers then descend along the reef, exploring the vibrant corals and seeking out the signature schools of jacks and barracuda, as well as free-swimming moray eels. The dive generally follows the contours of the wall or reef edge, with a gradual progression of depth to enjoy the varied marine life at different levels. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits. The safety stop is usually conducted in the shallower, colourful reef areas, providing additional time to observe smaller reef creatures before ascending to the surface.

Underwater photography

Forty-Foot Point offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse marine life. For capturing the large schools of jacks and barracuda, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended. Clear water conditions often allow for stunning ambient light shots, but strobes will help bring out the true colors of the corals and fish. For smaller subjects like the moray eels or other reef inhabitants, a macro lens can yield intricate detail. Pay close attention to your buoyancy to avoid disturbing the delicate coral formations, especially when maneuvering for shots. Ethical photography also means giving marine life space, particularly the free-swimming morays.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mary's Place

  Famous for its deep cracks and crevices through the reef.

• Calvin's Crack

  A dramatic crevice starting at 30 ft and exiting at 80 ft on the wall.

• El Aguila Wreck

  An artificial reef with resident moray and black grouper.

• Gold Chain Reef

  Gold Chain Reef is a celebrated dive site located off the coast of Roatan, Honduras, within the vast Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Roatán, Honduras, is primarily through Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB). Most dive trips involve staying at a resort or liveaboard, with dive operators providing boat transportation to sites like Forty-Foot Point, which is typically a short boat ride away. Resorts like CoCo View often include complimentary ground transfers from the airport. Dive packages commonly feature multiple boat dives per day, with tanks and weights provided. Roatán dive itineraries frequently combine various reef, wall, and wreck dives, allowing divers to experience the full spectrum of the island's underwater offerings during week-long stays. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving Forty-Foot Point itself beyond general dive package costs.

Safety & environment

For dive safety in Roatán, the nearest recompression chamber is located at Anthony's Key Resort, providing essential medical support in case of decompression sickness. Divers should always have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as medical facilities on the island can be limited for complex cases. Site-specific hazards at Forty-Foot Point are minimal, generally aligning with the mild conditions common in Roatán; however, divers should always monitor their air consumption and no-decompression limits. Adherence to responsible diving practices, including maintaining proper buoyancy and respecting marine life, is expected. All dive operations typically provide thorough briefings before each dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Forty-Foot Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Forty-Foot Point

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day