About Michelle Sharpe's Smile
Michelle Sharpe's Smile is a notable dive site located on the West End Wall of Roatan, Honduras, specifically near coordinates 16.309708, -86.584708. This site was newly established through a community-led 'Name a Dive Site' program, where a mooring was dedicated by Chris Sharpe in memory of his wife, Michelle Sharpe. This initiative underscores the Roatan Marine Park's efforts to expand and maintain marine infrastructure for safer and more sustainable diving. The dive site is part of Roatan's extensive reef system, characterized by steep walls and stunning shallow areas that are typical of the island's southern shores during certain weather patterns. While specific topographical details for this exact site are not provided, its location on a 'wall' suggests a dive profile that involves exploring vertical coral formations and associated marine life at various depths. Being a relatively new site, detailed marine life seasonality isn't specified, but the surrounding West End area is renowned for its diverse Caribbean reef inhabitants. Divers can anticipate encountering various fish, crustaceans, and corals common to healthy Caribbean reefs. The practical dive experience at Michelle Sharpe's Smile involves accessing the site via boat, typically from nearby dive operations in the West End. The presence of a dedicated mooring indicates a direct and regulated entry point, contributing to the preservation of the reef by preventing anchor damage. This systematic approach to dive site management ensures a sustained and enjoyable experience for divers.
Highlights
Newly established dive siteWest End Wall locationDedicated mooring buoyCommunity-funded conservationPart of Roatan Marine Park efforts
Season calendar
Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season
Mar – May & Dec
Best visibility, calm seas, whale shark season begins
Jan – Feb
Good conditions with warm water and decent visibility
Jun – Nov
Rainy season with reduced visibility but second whale shark peak Sep-Dec
Dive site facts: Michelle Sharpe's Smile
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Boat from mooring
- Level
- Intermediate
- Dive type
- Reef, Wall
- Region / port
- West End, Roatan, Honduras
- Coordinates
- 16.309708, -86.584708
Conditions & Currents
Moderate currents can run here, so plan drift entries and stay close to the group. It is usually briefed as a dive for intermediate divers. It can be dived from a liveaboard or a day boat, depending on where you start the trip. Tide, wind and season all shift the picture from day to day, so the crew's briefing on the boat always overrides any general description.
Combine with nearby dive sites
- Todd's Last Dance
Near Pablo's in West Bay
- The Bucks Stop Here
Located in West End
- Divey McDive Face
Near Lawson Rock Channel
- Satoshi’s Grave
Near Palmetto
Getting there & logistics
Access to Michelle Sharpe's Smile is primarily through dive operators based in the West End of Roatan. The site is part of the Roatan Marine Park's network of moorings, which are regularly maintained. Divers typically reach the site via day boats, and it is common for this site to be part of a multi-dive itinerary exploring the diverse reefs around Roatan. The 'Name a Dive Site' program, under which Michelle Sharpe's Smile was created, involves a one-time fee of $2,500 for dedication and an annual $100 maintenance fee, ensuring continued infrastructure support for dive tourism.
Safety & environment
Dive safety at Michelle Sharpe's Smile, like all sites in Roatan, benefits from the Roatan Marine Park's efforts in maintaining boating safety and moorings. Divers should ensure they have appropriate insurance coverage that includes dive-specific medical and evacuation benefits. Site-specific hazards might include occasional currents, common to wall dives, though specific current information is not detailed for this particular site. Adhering to the dive brief and maintaining proper buoyancy control are crucial, especially when navigating delicate wall ecosystems. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Coxen Hole, Roatan.
Who it suits, and who it doesn't
Suited for
- Divers interested in supporting marine conservation efforts
- Divers who appreciate newly established and maintained dive sites
- Divers exploring Roatan's West End reef system
- Divers seeking well-managed boat diving experiences
Less suited for
- Divers seeking extensive historical wreck details
- Divers expecting dedicated macro or muck diving environments
- Divers who prefer shore-entry access
FAQ
Michelle Sharpe's Smile FAQ
What is the significance of the name 'Michelle Sharpe's Smile'?
The dive site 'Michelle Sharpe's Smile' was named by Chris Sharpe in loving memory of his wife, Michelle Sharpe, who recently passed away. This dedication was made possible through the Roatan Marine Park's 'Name a Dive Site' program, which allows individuals to commemorate loved ones while contributing to marine conservation efforts.
Where is Michelle Sharpe's Smile located?
Michelle Sharpe's Smile is located on the West End Wall of Roatan, Honduras. It is situated within the broader West End diving area, which is known for its vibrant reef ecosystems and steep wall formations. The specific coordinates are 16.309708, -86.584708.
How does Michelle Sharpe's Smile contribute to marine conservation?
The establishment of Michelle Sharpe's Smile, like other sites named through the 'Name a Dive Site' program, directly supports the Roatan Marine Park. Funds from this program contribute to the installation and ongoing maintenance of dive moorings, which prevent anchor damage to the fragile coral reefs and promote sustainable diving practices across Roatan.
Is Michelle Sharpe's Smile accessible to all levels of divers?
While the specific dive profile is not detailed, its location on the West End Wall suggests it is suitable for a range of divers. Wall dives typically offer varying depths and can be enjoyed by both experienced and less experienced divers, depending on the route taken and current conditions. Always check with local dive operators for current conditions and recommendations.
Why dive Michelle Sharpe's Smile from a liveaboard?
Michelle Sharpe's Smile is one of Honduras's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Michelle Sharpe's Smile on their Honduras itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Michelle Sharpe's Smile
These liveaboards may visit Michelle Sharpe's Smile on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Roatan Aggressor
Honduras
18 guests31 m
Dive sites similar to Michelle Sharpe's Smile
Same character, same waters, six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes, then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS
3 Fathom Wall
Cayman Islands
3 Fathom Wall is an exciting and fish-filled dive site located in the Cayman Islands, specifically at the intersection of the renowned Bloody Bay Wall.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- ≤ 3000 m
- Theme
- Reef
While specific details for a dive site named "3 Riff" are not present in the provided sources, general diving conditions and characteristics for the Dominican Republic…
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 30–55 m
- Theme
- Reef
The dive site known as 3 Rocks is located off the coast of Sosúa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, offering an accessible and lively underwater experience.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 2–8 m
- Theme
- Reef
4 Amigos is a notable dive site located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, an area renowned for its extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the world's second-longest.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 9–40 m
- Theme
- Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS
6 Toed Cat
Mexico
The dive site known as "6 Toed Cat" is not a recognized dive location in Mexico; rather, it refers to the polydactyl felines, many with six toes, that inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- —
- Theme
- Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS
Aaron's Backyard
Honduras
Aaron's Backyard is a noted dive site within the Roatan Marine Park in Honduras, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 9–40 m
- Theme
- Reef