Dive Site: Newman's Wall

About Newman's Wall

Newman's Wall is a celebrated dive site located off the southern coast of Roatan, specifically accessible from resorts like CoCo View. It forms part of the expansive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, offering diverse underwater topography characteristic of the Bay Islands. The wall begins after a shallow cut, transitioning from grassy shallows to a dramatic drop-off, making it suitable for a range of dive experiences from shore or boat. It is particularly noted for concentrating a high abundance of marine life, especially smaller varieties, within a relatively compact area, akin to the quality found in Bonaire. The site's topography features a narrow cut leading to the main wall, where depths can reach beyond 65 feet. Adjacent to the wall, divers can explore the wreck of the 165-foot coastal freighter *Prince Albert*, accompanied by a DC-3 airplane just off its bow. The shallow areas are rich in snappers, grunts, damselfish, squirrelfish, and butterflyfish, while the deeper sections of the wall reveal a bustling ecosystem. While specific seasonality for Newman's Wall isn't detailed, Roatan's dry season (March to October) generally offers optimal visibility and calm seas, enhancing the experience at wall sites. Cooler water temperatures and increased rainfall during the wet season (November to February) can still provide excellent diving, sometimes drawing larger schools of fish. The site's diverse habitats support a mix of both macro and larger reef inhabitants throughout the year. Diving Newman's Wall often begins with a shore entry through the shallow cut, progressing towards the wall. This setup allows for flexible dive profiles, including combining reef exploration with wreck penetration. Its easy accessibility and rich biodiversity make it a popular spot for multiple dives, accommodating both relaxed exploration and more focused macro photography sessions.

Dive site facts: Newman's Wall

Depth

5–65+ feet (2–20+ m)

Current

Mild

Visibility

60–100+ feet (18–30+ m)

Water temperature

75–88°F (24–31°C)

Entry

Shore / Boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wall, wreck, reef, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

Coordinates

16.2317° N, 86.6689° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Newman's Wall are generally mild, especially when accessed from a protected shore entry point like CoCo View Resort. The dive typically begins in a narrow, shallow cut that leads to the main wall, where water movement remains manageable. While the main wall does drop off significantly, the nearshore location helps mitigate strong oceanic currents. Divers should anticipate calm conditions ideal for leisurely exploration and photography. Visibility typically ranges from 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters) or better, though it can occasionally be reduced during the rainy season as sediments stir. Surface conditions are usually calm, making entry and exit straightforward.

Marine life & sighting chances

Spotted eagle ray

occasional

Southern stingray

occasional

Iridescent reef squid

common

Snapper

common

Grunt

common

Damselfish

common

Squirrelfish

common

Butterflyfish

common

Hawksbill turtle

occasional

Creole wrasse

common

Blue and white cleaner shrimp

occasional

Seahorse

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Moray eel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Newman's Wall often begins with a straightforward shore entry through a narrow, grassy cut. Upon entering the water, divers navigate this shallow channel where numerous reef fish like snappers and grunts are abundant. The route then leads to the main wall, which drops off to depths exceeding 65 feet. Around 65 feet, divers encounter the wreck of the 165-foot freighter *Prince Albert*, with a DC-3 airplane situated nearby, offering an interesting multi-level exploration. The dive typically involves exploring the wreck and adjacent wall, maintaining a depth between 60 and 80 feet, allowing for ample bottom time. For the return, divers ascend slowly along the wall, exploring shallower coral formations and sandy bowls where iridescent reef squid are often seen. Safety stops are comfortably conducted in the shallow, protected cut before exiting.

Underwater photography

Newman's Wall offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and concentrated marine life. For wide-angle shots, capture the expansive wall and the impressive *Prince Albert* wreck with the DC-3 plane. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is ideal to convey the scale of these features. For macro subjects, the shallow cut and reef plateau are teeming with smaller creatures like nudibranchs, seahorses, and cleaner shrimp; a macro lens will be invaluable here. Natural light is sufficient in the shallows, but strobes or video lights are recommended for deeper sections of the wall and inside the wreck to restore color and highlight intricate details. Practicing excellent buoyancy is crucial, especially around the delicate corals and when maneuvering inside the wreck, to avoid stirring up silt and ensure clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• El Aguila Wreck

  El Aguila, meaning "The Eagle," is widely regarded as Roatan's premier wreck dive.

• Odyssey

  The Odyssey is a significant artificial reef located off Roatan's northern coast in Honduras, deliberately sunk in 2002 after sustaining…

• Mary's Place

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

• Black Coral Wall

  Black Coral I and II are prominent dive sites within Cuba's renowned Jardines de la Reina marine reserve, an area celebrated for its…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Newman's Wall is typically arranged through dive resorts on Roatan's south side, such as CoCo View Resort. Roatan's international airport (RTB) receives direct flights from major U.S. cities like Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans. Most dive packages include accommodation, meals, and multiple boat dives, with shore diving often available directly from the resort. For Newman's Wall, a shore entry via a narrow cut from the resort's 'Front Porch' is common, though boat access is also possible for other parts of the site. Trips usually span seven days, providing ample opportunity to explore this and other nearby sites. Park fees are generally incorporated into resort packages or dive operator rates, simplifying the process for divers.

Safety & environment

While diving Newman's Wall, adhere strictly to dive computer limits and maintain proper buoyancy, especially when exploring the wreck of the *Prince Albert* or navigating inside the DC-3 plane. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Roatan, typically accessible within a short boat ride and drive from most dive sites on the island. In case of a dive emergency requiring evacuation, the process involves local medical stabilization followed by potential air transport to a more advanced facility on the mainland or abroad, underscoring the importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and be aware of your surroundings, especially regarding overhead environments within the wreck.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Newman's Wall FAQ

Liveaboards diving Newman's Wall

These liveaboards may visit Newman's Wall on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day