Dive Site: Odyssey

About Odyssey

The Odyssey is a significant artificial reef located off Roatan's northern coast in Honduras, deliberately sunk in 2002 after sustaining fire damage during a rebuild. This commercial freighter, measuring 300 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 85 feet tall, was scuttled to create an underwater habitat, and over two decades, its hull has developed into a thriving ecosystem. Its substantial size makes it one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean. The wreck's deepest point lies at 33-34 meters (110 feet), making it an advanced deep dive. It rests on a sandy bottom, close to a reef wall, allowing for a unique combination of wreck and wall diving within a single profile. The vessel's structure is now adorned with soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, providing shelter and sustenance for a diverse array of marine species. While the main attraction is the wreck itself, the surrounding reef provides an opportunity to extend bottom time and observe additional marine life. Divers can explore the exterior of the massive ship, and for those with proper certification, penetration is possible. The site offers a dynamic experience, showcasing the intricate relationship between a man-made structure and natural reef colonization. Visibility here can extend to 30 meters (100 feet) or more, contributing to an exceptional diving experience. The Odyssey is accessed by boat, typically operated by various dive centers in Roatan, offering a challenging yet rewarding dive for experienced individuals.

Dive site facts: Odyssey

Depth

33–34 m (110 ft)

Current

Moderate / Variable

Visibility

18–30 m (60–100 ft)+

Water temperature

24–29°C (75–84°F)

Entry

Boat only

Level

Advanced, wreck diver certification for penetration

Dive type

Wreck, deep, artificial reef

Region / port

Roatan, Honduras

Coordinates

16.3505° N, 86.5467° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Odyssey Wreck can be variable, with some diver reviews noting moderate conditions, particularly for advanced divers. While not always strong, their potential presence requires good buoyancy control and careful dive planning, especially considering the depth and the wreck's structure. Entry to the site is typically via boat, and divers descend directly onto the wreck or the adjacent reef. The wreck's position near a reef wall means that currents may interact with topography, potentially creating localized effects. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching 18 to 30 meters (60 to 100 feet) or more, though rainfall during the wet season can stir up sediments and reduce it. Water temperatures range from 24-29°C (75-84°F) year-round, so thermoclines are not a primary concern but thermal protection is advised for comfort on deeper, longer dives. Dive operators will prov

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eels

common

Nurse sharks

common

Snapper

common

Jacks

common

Sea turtles

Year-round · occasional

Eagle rays

Year-round · occasional

Reef sharks

Year-round · occasional

Lobsters

occasional

Tarpon

occasional

Seahorses

Year-round · occasional

Green moray eels

common

Whale sharks

March-April (peak) · rare

Manta rays

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Odyssey wreck typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent to the wreck's deck, which sits at approximately 30 meters (100 feet). The deepest point of the wreck is at 33-34 meters (110 feet). Divers generally explore the exterior of the 300-foot-long vessel, observing the expansive hull, cargo holds, and superstructure now heavily encrusted with corals. For divers with appropriate wreck penetration certification, interior exploration is a significant highlight, offering glimpses into the ship's former life. The dive plan often includes a controlled ascent from the wreck to the surrounding reef wall, which is shallower and allows for extended bottom time and further marine life observation. This transition helps manage nitrogen loading on a deep profile. Safety stops are conducted on the shallower sections of the reef or in the open water during the final ascent, ensuring a gradual return to the surface.

Underwater photography

The Odyssey Wreck provides exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the immense scale of the 300-foot freighter and its dramatic transformation into an artificial reef. A wide-angle lens is essential to encompass the entire ship, its large features like the bridge, and the surrounding reef. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft corals, sponges, and sea fans that now adorn the hull, counteracting the loss of color at depth. For close-up shots of marine life such as moray eels, nurse sharks, or schooling fish, a macro lens can also be valuable, especially in the shallower sections of the adjacent reef. When venturing into wreck penetration, proper lighting is crucial, and photographers must exercise extreme care to maintain perfect buoyancy to avoid disturbing silt and damaging delicate ecosystems. Always prioritize safety and environmental protection over getting a shot.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• El Aguila

  Another famous Roatan wreck, also deep and for advanced divers.

• Front Porch

  A nearby reef site with shallower depths.

• Mary's Place

  Roatan's most famous reef dive, known for swim-throughs formed by tectonic activity.

Getting there & logistics

The Odyssey Wreck is situated off the coast of Roatan, Honduras, within the Bay Islands. Access to Roatan is typically via Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), with flights available from various international hubs. Divers usually depart for the Odyssey from dive centers located in popular areas like West End or West Bay. Operators such as Anthony's Key Resort and Roatan Divers frequently organize trips to this site. Most dive trips are daily excursions from shore-based resorts, often combining two to three dives per day. Liveaboards operating in the Honduras Bay Islands also include the Odyssey in their itineraries. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site, but general costs for dive operators and boat access apply. This advanced wreck dive is often combined with other deep or challenging sites, as well as shallower reef dives, to offer a diverse dive vacation.

Safety & environment

Diving the Odyssey Wreck, due to its significant depth of 33-34 meters (110 feet), necessitates strict adherence to advanced diving protocols. Divers should be Advanced Open Water certified, and those wishing to penetrate the wreck must hold a valid Wreck Diver certification; Roatan operators enforce this strictly. Excellent buoyancy control, precise gas management, and a robust understanding of deep diving procedures are critical. The nearest recompression chamber is located on Roatan. Evacuation in a dive emergency would typically involve rapid transport to the chamber or, for severe cases, air evacuation from the island, which underscores the importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers both medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Site-specific hazards include potential currents, entanglement risks associated with wreck structures, and the possibility of silt-outs during penetration. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and never exceed your training or comfort levels.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Odyssey FAQ

Liveaboards diving Odyssey

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day