Dive Site: The Odyssey Wreck

About The Odyssey Wreck

The Odyssey Wreck, a massive commercial freighter stretching 300 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 85 feet tall, was intentionally scuttled in 2002 to become an artificial reef. After sustaining fire damage during rebuilding, its new purpose provides an extraordinary underwater habitat off Roatan's northern coast, now hosting a full reef ecosystem. Its deepest point rests at 33 meters (110 feet), making it an advanced deep dive. The wreck's structure is adorned with soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, transforming its hull into a living, vibrant spectacle. Penetration is possible for certified wreck divers, revealing the ship's interior where green moray eels and nurse sharks find refuge. Beyond the wreck itself, the surrounding reef wall offers an extension to the dive, allowing for extended bottom time and further exploration of diverse marine life. This combination of wreck and wall diving makes the Odyssey a unique and compelling experience in Roatan. The site boasts excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), providing clear views of the extensive colonization and varied marine inhabitants.

Dive site facts: The Odyssey Wreck

Depth

33 m (110 ft)

Typical dive

33 m, 45-60 min

Current

Moderate

Visibility

18–30+ m (60–100+ ft)

Water temperature

27–31°C (79–88°F)

Entry

Boat only

Level

Advanced, Deep Diver

Dive type

Wreck, Deep, Wall, Artificial Reef

Region / port

Roatan, Honduras

Coordinates

16.295, -86.525

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Odyssey Wreck are generally moderate, especially around the main structure. However, conditions can vary, particularly given its proximity to the reef wall where currents might be trickier, demanding advanced diver skills. While often mild, occasional moderate currents have been reported, which can influence drift and bottom time for divers, especially those attempting wreck penetration. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, though localized sediment stirring can occur. Divers should always confirm current conditions with their dive operator on the day of the dive and plan their entry, exit, and gas consumption accordingly.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nurse Shark

common

Green Moray Eel

common

Snapper

common

Jack

common

Sea Turtle

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Reef Shark

rare

Tarpon

occasional

Lobster

common

Seahorse

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive to the Odyssey Wreck typically begins with a descent along the mooring line directly to the wreck's stern, which rests at a maximum depth of 33 meters (110 feet) on a sandy bottom. Divers explore the vast exterior of the 300-foot vessel, observing the extensive coral growth and marine life that have colonized the hull. For certified wreck divers, careful penetration into the interior compartments is possible, revealing resident green moray eels and nurse sharks. After thoroughly exploring the wreck's main structure, the dive plan often includes a gradual ascent to the shallower surrounding reef wall. This allows for an extended bottom time in more accessible depths, observing reef fish and corals before beginning the safety stop.

Underwater photography

The Odyssey Wreck presents fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. Its sheer size and the dramatic colonization of corals, sponges, and sea fans call for wide-angle lenses to capture the entire structure or large sections of it. Natural light can be quite good given Roatan's typical visibility, but strobes are essential to bring out the true colors at depth and inside darker areas. For macro enthusiasts, the extensive coral growth and numerous hiding spots along the wreck host a variety of smaller creatures, including tiny crabs and anemone residents. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially near the wreck's delicate growth and for those venturing inside, to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging the fragile ecosystem. Patience is key when seeking out resident nurse sharks or morays within the wreck's confines.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• El Aguila Wreck

  Another significant artificial reef and popular wreck dive in Roatan, broken into three pieces.

• Mary's Place

  Famous for its dramatic vertical walls and crevices, providing excellent opportunities for unique photographic compositions.

• Gibson Bight

  Known for its small shallow canyons and a dramatic reef crack at 90 feet, offering diverse marine life.

• Jado Trader Wreck

  The Jado Trader Wreck, located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, offers a fantastic wreck diving experience.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Odyssey Wreck typically involves boat trips departing from various operators in Roatan, particularly from West End and West Bay. The nearest major airport is Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) in Roatan. Most dive packages include daily boat dives to sites like the Odyssey, often as part of a two-tank morning trip or specialized wreck diving excursions. While not specifically a marine park with separate fees, operators usually factor any relevant costs into their dive packages. Liveaboards operating in the Bay Islands can also visit the Odyssey, allowing divers to explore multiple sites across the region without daily transfers.

Safety & environment

Diving the Odyssey Wreck requires advanced certification, and due to its depth of 33 meters (110 feet), a deep diver specialty is highly recommended. Wreck penetration is strictly regulated, requiring a dedicated wreck diver certification from most Roatan operators to ensure safety within overhead environments. Divers should always carry appropriate safety equipment, including a surface marker buoy. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Roatan, typically in Coxen Hole. All divers must have comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as medical facilities for serious dive accidents can be limited on the island. Always dive with a reputable operator and adhere to their safety briefings and guidelines.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Odyssey Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Odyssey Wreck

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day