Here's a question for all you folks who have been to Roatan lately.
How is the fish life?
A few of us are thinking about going to Roatan in September and it's been a few years since I have been. I have heard a few people comment that the fish life is really sparse now, perhaps because of overfishing, but sparse none the less. I just returned from a week in Little Cayman and of course the fish life there is very healthy.
Just wanted an honest take from some of you folks. Our other choice is going to Bonaire in the fall but I was just there a few months ago.
Thanks!
DiveMaven
May 24th, 2010, 08:49 AM
We were just there at the beginning of April and found the number of fish on the reefs to be disappointing. It definitely didn't compare to Bonaire or even Maui for number and diversity of marine creatures, including fish.
That said, I'm not sure if it is a perception thing, an expectation thing, or time of year/life cycle thing, but other folks have told me they disagree and on their trips saw a lot of creatures and fish. We'll likely give Roatan another try at another time, just to know for sure.
BDSC
May 24th, 2010, 09:03 AM
Thanks. If we go we are going to book at Reef House Resort. From what I know, they are far enough away from the bigger resorts that the dive sites they visit are said to be more pristine so perhaps the fish life would be better.
RoatanMan
May 24th, 2010, 10:17 AM
We all have perceptions based on what we see.
Sometimes, we can only see what we have seen before, or can see only critters that are large or obvious enough to catch our attention. This is not a slam on newer divers, it's just a universal fact of life.
Certain zones of Roatan vary greatly from others. You can divide the Island into two such defined areas, The North/West and the Southern Shore.
In the North/West, the effect of the Marine Conservation Zone is becoming quite apparent. Larger critters are reappearing, such as bigger fish and crustaceans- but some divers leave with disappointment. It does not compare in fish population to Cozumel or many other more familiar areas. Why? The DM's aren't feeding the fish~ as well they shouldn't! What you are seeing is fairly natural. This area runs from the North from Sandy Bay, AKR, BIBR, IoLR, hooking South and West through Half Moon, West End and West Bay. It is deeper, darker and has stepped wall structures. I refer newer, less experienced divers here in particular. It has remnants of placed wrecks that are deep (their condition is a further testament to the battering this area takes during storms) and fulfills the expectations and desires of many. As a sidenote, it is also "party central" with many bars and restaurants. This is the area that "day-dive" ops dot the area.
The South Shore is a little different- it is entirely AI served. (BFK, FIBR, CCV, RHR) It has a shallow vertical wall that is exposed to Sunlight all day long. When storms come- this is the protected side- so Coral growth is unimpeded. This South Shore area runs from Mary's Place (French Harbour) to the East at Oak Ridge (Calvin's Crack). It is the home for many little and juvenile critters which hide in the walls. Many newer divers walk away with unfulfilled expectations because the DM doesn't take the time to show them Pipefish, tiny colorful Crustaceans, Seahorses and more. Treasures can be found every few feet, but it takes an experienced eye to see what's going on. Stick with your DM. This area is calm, gentle and shallow- ideal for beginners, but they may well be disappointed by the "lack of fish life", whereas older divers will be gawking every 3 feet. It all depends on what you are able to see~ many newer divers can only see the hull shapes of the shallow, intact wrecks... there is so much more, hidden in plain sight.
Reef House Resort, where you have selected, is way far East on the South Shore. It is outside of the shallow wall zone described above, but it has it's own draw. They have good access to Calvin's Crack and it's vertical walls, as well as the sloping walls more apparent nearer to the resort. It is one of three resorts that can legitimately claim a real shore dive (think Night Dive!), although access may be somewhat restricted by more prevalent wave action and surge in that area. The sales mantra team beats the drum in reference to being "further away and more pristine", and although that is true in theory, the area reef itself is geographically less protected, and thus less fragile, so there was inherently a smaller population of critters and florid growth to start with. The slogan really amounts to a shorthand way of saying something entirely different, but the net effect they are trying to convey is the same. After many years of diving there, I prefer the structures about 15 miles west, but RHR offers a distinct flavor advantage.....
More importantly, RHR, which you have chosen is regarded as an excellent choice- see the images at http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd106/Doc_Adelman/Reef%20House%20Resort%20Roatan/ The time is NOW to go to this secluded resort, a glimpse of Roatan's past. Stay with the DM's and take every opportunity to shore dive. Go slowly, look with care- don't be in a rush.
Don't get lost looking for what you're expecting... see something new~ and treasure what is there!
castaways01
May 24th, 2010, 11:54 AM
Hey BDSC,
I was on a couple spots on the south shore, east, last week where Reef House goes. Lots of fish but nothing real big. There was a good size grouper, Eagle Ray and a very big barracuda at Church Wall in Oakridge. Tons of those little button type jelly fish. Still schools of blue tank and small snapper. There are a lot fewer fish than there was before, but I don't think you'll be disappointed. The coral is in very nice shape and the walls east are interesting.
Unfortunately, the little tropicals are disappearing at an alarming rate - I blame the Lionfish - as I see more and more of them on the reef and even on coral clusters in shallow water. They have big appetites for those cute colorful guys. Too bad - so sad.
BDSC
May 24th, 2010, 12:34 PM
Thanks. I think in the end we are going to go and stay there. It will be my 4th trip to Roatan and I was pretty happy with the other trips but it's been a few years. I'd also like to do more video of macro stuff and maybe this would be a good oportunity to experiment around and try some of that. Maybe video my first seahorse.
retroflex
May 25th, 2010, 12:07 AM
It's true that the East End is considerably less visited by divers. Their biggest problem is likely to be Lionfish. In the RMP (Roatan Marine Park (http://www.roatanmarinepark.com)), the number of dive shops, and therefore divers, has managed to keep an active and positive control over the lionfish populations. They are by no means gone, but it's under steady control. In lesser dived areas of the island, we have heard reports of far bigger numbers of lionfish sightings, and by consequence, less of anything else. Either way, enjoy your dive vacation, I've had a plan on the back burner to a while for the ABCs (I want to see it for myself too!) :) (and yes, there is seasonal variation with what you are likely to see, or at least, what size the creatures you are likely to see will be)
gbf
May 25th, 2010, 08:56 AM
bdsc,
hang with David (RHR divemaster) and you'll get your seahorse video.
He is the seahorse whisperer.
BDSC
May 25th, 2010, 09:14 AM
bdsc,
hang with David (RHR divemaster) and you'll get your seahorse video.
He is the seahorse whisperer.
I'll remember that. Thanks!
BrewingDiver
May 25th, 2010, 11:38 AM
We dove with and styaed at RHR in April. This was our first time there so I can't compare it to other places in Roatan. We were somewhat disappointed in the fish life. Now, I have developed a pretty good eye for small stuff since I like to photograph it. For example, I found an arrow blenny, some tunicates, and other tiny stuff so that works for me. And David does indeed find sea horses, among other critters, so it's helpful to stay near him.
But, we saw only one sting ray, no sharks and only a few small grouper. Even grunts and snappers were few and far between. We did see a couple schools of spadefish for the first time, and some large chub.
Really the best part was the very impressive sponges and coral and very large sea fans. Plus, the entire floor was covered with coral and sponges, all in great shape.
For the week, we saw about 5 or 6 lionfish, which David will happily spear.
SEVADiver
May 26th, 2010, 08:14 AM
We made our first trip to Roatan in April. We stayed at AKR (we loved it there) and dove mainly north side. I thought the fish life was great. Maybe a notch less than Little Cayman or Grand Turk, but definitely on par with most of the other places in the Caribbean. I saw more unique things in Roatan (several large sea horses, toad fish, scorpion fish) then I had in other places. Also lots of turtles, crabs, lobster, groupers, eels and large schools of small/medium reef fish. Definitely on our short list of places to return to.
Dive n00b
May 27th, 2010, 12:56 AM
Late to the party, but I was in Roatan for the first time last month. After reading a lot of the posts here, I almost expected to be disappointed with the marine life.
Truth is, I was absolutely blown away. Never in my life have I seen that many fish and/or coral that lush.
I must admit that I am not the most seasoned diver in the world, but compared to the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, diving in Roatan was like jumping into a fully stocked aquarium.
Now I'm sure with the increased tourism to Roatan in recent years its not like it used to be, but if this is your first Roatan experience, I highly doubt that you'll be disappointed.
Just my two cents!
Happy Diving!
BDSC
May 27th, 2010, 05:46 AM
Well we are now booked at the Reef House Resort for September and really looking forward to it. The reviews of the place are really really good and it will be nice to return to Roatan and see how things are for myself. It's been a few years.
Al Mialkovsky
May 27th, 2010, 06:07 AM
We've been to AKR four times now. We love the diving but if you talk to any local they'll tell you what is obvious and that is the island is way over fished. The people are poor there mostly. Fishing is what they do. There are lobster fisherman (divers)who suffer from DCS on a regular basis.
You'll see lots of little things and an occasional decent sized school of fish but it's a shadow of what it was.
CODMAN
May 27th, 2010, 08:20 AM
You'll see lots of little things and an occasional decent sized school of fish but it's a shadow of what it was.
That's pretty much the case with all reefs/ fish populations under pressure from Human activities...:popcorn:
But people have to remember that it depends what you are looking for. If Fish for you mean big schools of pelagics and sharks... then Roatan has dismal fish populations...:popcorn: For someone looking for small fish and invertebrates, it's pretty good (maybe even great)! Remember: healthy reefs don't always mean lots of big pelagic fish!
You don't travel to dive Lembeh straights in Indonesia (arguably the muck diving capital of the world) expecting to see schooling Tuna! You need to know what to expect when you choose a destination. And that's what Scubaboard really excels at; giving tons of information from divers about equipment and destinations. Anybody reading up a bit on this forum will get what is in my oppinion a very thorough and realistic insight into what to expect as marine life on Roatan. If you read through it, and still expect sharks, tuna and manta rays... :dork2::dork2:
Just my 0.02$ on this...
Al Mialkovsky
May 27th, 2010, 11:12 AM
Codman I knew what to expect when I went there and I know what it was like there just a few years ago. The government of Honduras is doing their best to bring the seriously depleted fish population back. Which of course means curtailing the activities of the population.
Diving there is still fun and if you avoid the stormy season it can be excellent. We don 't go there in the summer and fall as that is hurricane season and you might find yourself doing things other than diving although it's certainly cheap then.
14 Hurricanes predicted for this season in the Atlantic.
BDSC
May 27th, 2010, 11:57 AM
Actually, one of the good things about Roatan is they don't get many hurricanes at all so in general, the summer and fall is a great time because it is so cheap. I think they have had one major hurricane in the past 10 years or so.
RoatanMan
May 27th, 2010, 12:28 PM
We've been to AKR four times now.... I knew what to expect when I went there and I know what it was like there just a few years ago..
AKR is on the North/West. Try the South side for a totally different perspective on life....
Actually, one of the good things about Roatan is they don't get many hurricanes at all so in general, the summer and fall is a great time because it is so cheap. I think they have had one major hurricane in the past 10 years or so.
Hurricane Mitch 1998 Major damage and lots many deaths
Hurricane Wilma 2005
Al Mialkovsky
May 27th, 2010, 06:18 PM
Wilma torn up some buildings at AKR.
Dove the south side too, great diving. We plan to go back on the starving instructor plan.
RTBDiver
May 27th, 2010, 06:34 PM
Hurricane Mitch 1998 Major damage and lots many deaths
Hurricane Wilma 2005
Wilma did not even hit the Island with Hurricane force, there was some damage to docks and places right on the north shore but mainly from waves, not hurricane winds.
Wendy Moul
June 6th, 2010, 08:48 PM
We were at Reef House this May and last year 2009 we were at Fantasy Island the same week. In my opinion the diving at Reef House was far superior to the West end as there were many more fish and critters. Davit is by far the best Dive Master as he enjoys showing off even the smallest creature for you to view, he also keeps a very good eye on the divers as there were several beginners who were having difficulty. As someone posted he is a seahorse whisperer, this is true, and I saw at least one on every dive. I also have to say that Mike at the Reef House is awesome! The place is clean, rustic (which is to my liking) and excellent food, I just can't say enough I enjoyed it so much, but if you are looking for a 5 star resort with lots of staff waiting on you this is not the place for you. Thanks Mike and Davit for an awesome trip we will be back!!
kuma1720
June 6th, 2010, 10:38 PM
We have stayed at West Bay and can tell you there is sea life, but clearly it appears to be overfished. You will rarely ever see a lobster or for that a barracuda?? For some odd reason the locals fish barracudas. So sadly they have not curtailed there fishing practices within the park, but you do run into smaller critters. Overall excellent diving.
I am making my comparison to the Florida Keys and other places that I have dove over the years. With this said I am still returning and should be there this weekend.
RTBDiver
June 6th, 2010, 11:26 PM
For some odd reason the locals fish barracudas. So sadly they have not curtailed there fishing practices within the park,
.
That odd reason most likely has something to do with survival, most honduran locals cannot just bip over to Gio's for dinner.
LavaSurfer
June 7th, 2010, 04:28 PM
That odd reason most likely has something to do with survival, most honduran locals cannot just bip over to Gio's for dinner.
Ah Oh! Did someone forget to tell the locals to put their lives on hold for the tourists?
Sorry! Just my 2 cents!
To the OP, Might be too late but there are fish in Roatan. RoatanMan pretty much covered anything I would have said but I can tell you that when diving there I see plenty of eels, lobsters, Cuda, and basic reef fish. The area around AKR and Spooky channel seems a bit dead but better now than 5 years ago.
BDSC
June 7th, 2010, 08:03 PM
Well right now our little group as of today is up to 12 folks going. I've read so many good things about the Reef House Resort I'm really looking forward to staying there.
Bigmac1
June 7th, 2010, 09:00 PM
We stayed at Fantasy Island and the dives were great. We saw sea horses and all sorts of large fish and small fish and we saw a buch of nurse sharks sleeping in holes and caves. I have a couple of nice pictures of lobsters also.
I think Roatan is a great place to dive even though the only thing we did at West Inn was drink and eat.
Bigmac1
June 7th, 2010, 09:01 PM
Sorry, I mean West End.
billyparker1
June 8th, 2010, 03:49 PM
You will rarely ever see a lobster or for that a barracuda??
I did fourteen dives in the West End (Sueno Del Mar) from
5/21 - 5/28 and I saw dozens of lobsters and cuda
several times as well. More than I saw in Cozumel in
January 2010 during sixteen dives. How many is alot?
Maybe I was just lucky but I saw plenty at Roatan. It was
a worthy trip.
