Dive Site: Michelle Sharpe's Smile

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.

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

FAQ

Michelle Sharpe's Smile FAQ

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 guests31.1 m

$309/day