Dive Site: Inside Outside

Dive site facts: Inside Outside

Depth

35–120 ft

Current

Mild

Visibility

80–100 ft

Water temperature

24–29°C (75–84°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water Diver and above

Dive type

Reef, wall, swim-through

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Roatan, Honduras

Coordinates

16.3477° N, 86.5873° W

Conditions & Currents

Roatan's dive sites, including Inside Outside, typically experience gentle currents, allowing for comfortable exploration. While the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System can have varying conditions, this particular site is known for relatively mild water movement, contributing to its generally excellent visibility. Entry is usually from a boat, with divers descending onto the reef. Visibility here is consistently strong, ranging from 80 to 100 feet. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, with highs of 25-29°C (78-84°F) from June to October and lows of 24-27°C (75-80°F) from January to April. These conditions make Inside Outside suitable for a broad range of divers, from those recently certified to more experienced individuals, without significant concerns for strong currents or challenging entry/exit procedures.

Marine life & sighting chances

Parrotfish

common

Small tropical fish

common

Small crabs

occasional

Hard corals

common

Soft corals

common

Sponges

common

Angelfish

occasional

Butterflyfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Inside Outside begins at a permanent mooring on the reef shelf, where you descend to the upper part of the reef at depths between 35 to 45 feet. The dive then proceeds through the distinctive cracks and numerous swim-throughs that define the site, allowing divers to navigate between coral formations. Gradually, the dive route extends towards the outer wall, which drops to a maximum depth of 120 feet, offering a broader view of the reef structure and deeper marine life. Divers can explore along this wall before slowly ascending back towards the shallower reef. The safety stop is conducted at the usual 15 feet within the vibrant, shallower sections of the reef, providing an opportunity to observe more small tropical fish and corals before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Inside Outside presents excellent opportunities for wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. The numerous cracks and swim-throughs are ideal for wide-angle shots, capturing the dramatic reef architecture and the feeling of immersion. External strobes are recommended to illuminate the vibrant colors of hard and soft corals and sponges, especially within shaded crevices. For macro enthusiasts, the abundance of small tropical fish and small crabs offers countless subjects. Good buoyancy control is crucial to navigate the swim-throughs without disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems. Clear visibility, often 80-100 feet, ensures strong image quality, making this site rewarding for photographers of all levels.

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.

• 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…

• Mary's Place

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

• Menagerhea’s Reef

  Menagerhea’s Reef is a renowned dive site located in Roatan, Honduras, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

• 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

Diving Inside Outside typically involves flying into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) in Roatan. Resorts like Coco View, located on the protected south shore, provide custom dive boats for daily excursions to sites including Inside Outside. Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their return date, though U.S. citizens do not require a visa for short tourist trips. Small departure or tourism fees may apply. Most dive trips are multi-day packages offered by resorts, allowing divers to explore numerous sites. Roatan is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which can sometimes involve park fees or marine park regulations, so checking with your dive operator is advisable.

Safety & environment

For diving in Roatan, including Inside Outside, having comprehensive dive insurance, such as through DAN (Divers Alert Network), is highly recommended. This covers dive-specific emergencies, like recompression chamber treatment, which is not typically covered by standard health insurance. Trip-cancellation and travel-medical insurance are also crucial to protect your investment and cover any unforeseen medical events or travel disruptions. While the nearest recompression chamber is likely on Roatan, confirming its exact location and operational status with local dive operators is prudent. Site-specific hazards at Inside Outside are minimal, primarily requiring good buoyancy control within the swim-throughs to avoid contact with corals. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow their briefing guidelines for local conditions and emergency procedures.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Inside Outside FAQ

Liveaboards diving Inside Outside

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31 m