Dive Site: Phlipper's Peace

About Phlipper's Peace

Phlipper's Peace is a distinguished dive site located in Roatan, Honduras, forming an integral part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world's second-largest barrier reef. This site is celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity and crystal-clear Caribbean waters that maintain warm temperatures throughout the year. The topography transitions from shallow reef areas and sand patches to vibrant coral gardens, which then lead to steep drop-offs and impressive walls that descend into significant depths. Divers here frequently encounter an array of species, including colorful reef fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, alongside larger inhabitants such as barracudas and schools of jacks. The warmer months, particularly July, are ideal for encountering sea turtles and various rays. The site's diverse ecosystem supports both macro life, like seahorses and nudibranchs, and occasional sightings of larger pelagics, which are often more prevalent during specific seasonal migrations. The practical dive experience at Phlipper's Peace benefits from Roatan's generally calm conditions and excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters. Entry is typically via boat, with dive shops operating primarily from the West End, offering convenient access to numerous sites. Divers can expect to navigate varied underwater landscapes, from intricate reef formations to expansive wall sections, making it a compelling destination for a range of skill levels.

Dive site facts: Phlipper's Peace

Depth

5–40 m+

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

18–36 m

Water temperature

24–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water Diver+

Dive type

Reef, wall, drift

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Roatan, Honduras

Coordinates

16.3090° N, 86.5873° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at dive sites around Roatan, such as Phlipper's Peace, are generally gentle, contributing to an enjoyable and relaxed dive experience. However, conditions can vary, particularly during the winter months when stronger northern winds may lead to choppier surface conditions, even if underwater currents remain mild. While some sites, like 'The Point', are known for allowing divers to drift, Phlipper's Peace typically offers more stable conditions suitable for exploration. Visibility remains excellent year-round, often exceeding 30 meters, though heavy rains in January can stir up sediments and temporarily reduce it. Entry is usually via boat, and the short distances to sites from the West End allow for convenient surface intervals. Divers should be prepared for varying exposure protection needs, as water temperatures fluctuate from 24-29°C, with the coolest temperatures occurring fr

Marine life & sighting chances

Parrotfish

common

Angelfish

common

Butterflyfish

common

Seahorses

occasional

Nudibranchs

occasional

Rays

occasional

Reef sharks

occasional

Barracudas

occasional

Groupers

occasional

Jacks

occasional

Sea turtles

occasional

Moray Eels

occasional

Whale sharks

March-April (peak) · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Phlipper's Peace begins with a boat entry, often descending directly onto a shallow reef or sandy patch. Divers then navigate towards the impressive wall, which is a key feature of many Roatan sites, characterized by abundant hard and soft corals. The dive progresses along the wall, exploring its crevices and overhangs, with depths varying but commonly staying within the 12-25 meter range for recreational limits. The site allows for gradual depth progression, moving through coral gardens before reaching the main drop-off. The turn point is determined by air consumption and bottom time, typically allowing exploration along a significant section of the reef. The ascent usually follows the wall back towards shallower areas, concluding with a safety stop at 5 meters over a vibrant coral garden or reef flat, providing an excellent opportunity to observe macro life.

Underwater photography

Phlipper's Peace offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle reefscapes on its dramatic walls to macro subjects nestled within coral formations. For capturing the expansive beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a wide-angle lens is recommended, especially for showcasing the vibrant coral colors and schooling fish along the wall. External strobes are crucial to bring out true colors at depth and counteract backscatter, particularly in the often-clear waters. Practicing excellent buoyancy is essential to avoid damaging fragile corals and to maintain stable shots. When photographing marine life, approach slowly and respectfully, allowing animals like seahorses or nudibranchs to acclimate to your presence without disturbance. Patience will yield the best results, whether you are focusing on the intricate details of macro life or the grandeur of the reef structure.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Hole in the Wall

  Hole in the Wall is a celebrated dive site in Roatan, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second-largest…

• Coco Sea Mount

  Coco Sea Mount is a distinctive offshore dive site near Roatan, characterized by its isolation and exposed blue-water environment.

• 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…

• Inside Outside

  The Inside Outside dive site in Roatan, Honduras, earns its name from the abundant cracks and swim-throughs that characterize its unique…

• Anka’s Place

  Anka’s Place is a dive site located on Roatan, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, which forms part of the second largest barrier reef…

• Chimney’s

  The "Chimney's" dive site, located in Roatan, Honduras, is renowned for its distinctive topography, characterized by interconnected…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Phlipper's Peace typically originates from dive operators in Roatan, Honduras, specifically from the West End, West Bay, or Sandy Bay areas. Divers usually fly into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) on Roatan. Most dive packages include transfers from the airport to accommodations, which are often bundled with dive trips. Day trips are standard, with dive shops making short boat rides to the sites and often returning to shore between dives. Trip lengths vary, but a typical stay for divers is one week. There are no specific permits or significant fees mentioned for diving this site beyond standard dive operator costs, although participation in the Roatan Marine Park efforts is encouraged. The site is commonly combined with other nearby reef and wall dives as part of a multi-day itinerary.

Safety & environment

For divers exploring Phlipper's Peace, the nearest recompression chamber is located on Roatan itself, providing essential support in case of decompression sickness. However, comprehensive dive insurance is highly recommended, as emergency evacuation from remote dive sites can be complex and costly. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to generally calm conditions, but divers should always monitor their air consumption and bottom time, especially when exploring deeper sections of the wall. Adherence to responsible diving practices, such as maintaining neutral buoyancy to protect the reef and avoiding contact with marine life, is paramount. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow dive guide instructions, and be aware of your buddy's status to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Phlipper's Peace FAQ

Liveaboards diving Phlipper's Peace

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day