Dive Site: The Seamounts

About The Seamounts

The Seamounts, located in the Cayos Cochinos marine reserve off Honduras, offer a unique diving experience distinct from the typical fringing reefs of the Bay Islands. These underwater mountains rise dramatically from the deep ocean floor, serving as nutrient-rich focal points that attract large schools of pelagic fish. The area, part of a strictly protected marine reserve since 1993, benefits from an absence of commercial fishing, contributing to its pristine condition and abundant marine life. Diving here involves exploring the pinnacles and walls of these seamounts, where depths can range significantly, typically from around 12 meters to 35 meters. The topography supports dense, healthy hard and soft corals, giant barrel sponges, and gorgonian sea fans, even when pelagic action is quiet. These structures create a vibrant habitat for both schooling fish and various reef creatures. While the exact name "The Seamounts" isn't explicitly tied to a single, named site like Roatan Banks (Cocos Seamount) or CJ's Garden in the sources, the general description of Cayos Cochinos highlights seamounts as key dive features where pelagic fish school. Divers visiting Cayos Cochinos can expect these types of dives. Conditions at these offshore sites often feature moderate currents, which are part of what attracts the larger marine life, and excellent visibility typically exceeding 25 meters. Access to The Seamounts is primarily via day trips from La Ceiba or Sambo Creek on the mainland, or occasionally from Roatan-based operators, including liveaboards that incorporate Cayos Cochinos into their itineraries. The dive experience focuses on encountering large schools of fish in a pristine, protected environment with very few other divers present, making it a highly rewarding destination for those seeking vibrant pelagic action.

Dive site facts: The Seamounts

Depth

12–35 m

Current

Moderate

Visibility

25–30+ m

Water temperature

25–29 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate to advanced

Dive type

Pinnacle, wall, big animals, coral garden

Region / port

Cayos Cochinos, Honduras

Coordinates

16.2597° N, 86.6139° W

Conditions & Currents

Diving at The Seamounts often involves moderate currents, particularly around pinnacles like Roatan Banks, where upwellings bring nutrients that attract schooling fish. These currents are an integral part of the dynamic ecosystem and contribute to the rich marine life observed. Divers should be prepared for drift diving scenarios, utilizing the currents to explore the seamount structures. Visibility is consistently excellent, often between 25 to 30 meters or more, providing clear views of the vibrant marine action. Entry techniques may vary but are typically boat entries, and divers should maintain good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the pristine corals. While specific thermoclines are not detailed for The Seamounts, general Cayos Cochinos water temperatures range from 25–29 °C. Awareness of current strength and direction is crucial for planning dives, especially for managing air

Marine life & sighting chances

Horse-eye jacks

common

Cubera snapper

common

Barracuda

common

Large grouper

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Hawksbill turtle

occasional

Queen angelfish

occasional

French angelfish

occasional

Schoolmaster snapper

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Southern stingray

occasional

Banded coral shrimp

occasional

Reef sharks

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving The Seamounts typically begins with a boat entry, often as a negative entry to descend quickly to the top of the pinnacle, which can be as shallow as 12 meters. The dive then follows the seamount structure, exploring its walls and plateaus. Divers will typically circle the seamount, observing the massive schools of jacks, snapper, and barracuda that congregate in the moderate currents. The route usually involves a gradual ascent along the coral-encrusted slopes, allowing exploration of healthy hard and soft corals, giant barrel sponges, and gorgonian sea fans. Turn points are often dictated by air consumption and depth limits, with the deepest parts reaching around 35 meters. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower sections of the seamount or mid-water, depending on conditions and boat positioning. Given the often moderate currents, divers should maintain awareness of their position relative to the boat and be prepared for potential drift. The pristine nature of the site means strict buoyancy control is essential to protect the delicate corals.

Underwater photography

The Seamounts offer exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the dramatic underwater topography and the immense schools of pelagic fish. A wide-angle lens is essential for encompassing the vast schools of jacks, snapper, and barracuda that frequently block out the light. Strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the healthy hard and soft corals and the deep-water gorgonians. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging the pristine reef structures, especially when positioning for shots in currents. Be prepared for dynamic lighting conditions due to the schooling fish. For macro subjects on the coral-rich walls, a macro lens can capture the smaller creatures, though the primary draw is the large-scale pelagic action. Respect marine life by observing from a distance and avoid chasing or disturbing fish for a shot.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pelican Point

  A general all-around site with healthy corals and good macro, located in Cayos Cochinos.

• Lion's Head

  Suitable for newer divers and macro photographers, featuring large coral heads and channels in Cayos Cochinos.

Getting there & logistics

Access to The Seamounts, situated in the Cayos Cochinos marine reserve, is primarily through day trips from mainland Honduras departure points such as La Ceiba and the Garifuna village of Sambo Creek, with boat journeys typically lasting 1 to 1.5 hours. Roatan-based operators also offer day trips or overnighters, though these tend to be more expensive due to the longer crossing. Some Honduras liveaboards include Cayos Cochinos in their itineraries, offering a more extensive exploration. The nearest international airport for Cayos Cochinos is Golosón International Airport (LCE) in La Ceiba. An entry fee is required, which directly supports the Honduras Coral Reef Fund (HCRF) for park management and protection. Trip lengths vary, from single day trips to multi-day liveaboard excursions, often combining dives with beach lunches on the small islands.

Safety & environment

Diving at The Seamounts requires careful consideration of safety, particularly due to the potential for moderate currents and deeper dive profiles. Divers should be proficient in current diving techniques and maintain excellent buoyancy control. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Roatan, which is a significant distance away, making emergency evacuation a concern. Divers Alert Network (DAN) insurance or similar comprehensive dive accident insurance is highly recommended. All divers should ensure their equipment is in excellent working condition and consider carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) for drift dives or in case of separation. Always dive with a buddy and follow the dive guide's instructions. Respect the marine reserve rules, which prohibit touching or collecting marine life and fishing, to preserve the pristine environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Seamounts FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Seamounts

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day