Scuba Diving Adventures at Mahogany Bay on Isla Roatan

Exploring the Caribbean on a Dinogo cruise has been an incredible experience! My mom and I embarked on a Jeep tour in Cozumel, snorkeled in Belize at the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and finally arrived at our last destination – Mahogany Bay on Isla Roatán, Honduras.

Mahogany Bay, situated on the tranquil isle of Roatán, is renowned for its exceptional diving. It is part of the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea, featuring dive sites with visibility ranging from 50 to 100 feet. Nearly 95% of the Caribbean's known coral species can be found here! If diving isn’t your thing, Mahogany Bay also boasts butterfly and iguana reserves, along with vibrant botanical gardens.

Scuba diving has always topped my bucket list, so I was overjoyed to discover the Beginner’s Scuba shore excursion that didn’t require a C-card! With a few hours to spare before our dive, we decided to wander around Mahogany Bay. Right outside our balcony, I spotted the rusty remains of an old shipwreck jutting through the water. It sparked my curiosity about the hidden treasures beneath Mahogany Bay! It turns out that partially submerged ships are quite common here, and some were deliberately sunk for diving.

The first thing that grabs your attention upon disembarking from your Dinogo ship at the Isla Roatan port are the enchanting flying chairs. It’s a short 5-minute ride that takes you 67 feet above the vibrant tree canopy for a scenic chairlift journey to Mahogany Beach. For just $12, you can enjoy an all-day pass. However, we opted to explore the local boutiques on foot instead.

The tropical climate in Mahogany Bay is warm and humid. We even encountered a few light rain showers while making our way along the trail to the beach. However, Mahogany Beach is stunning, featuring crystal-clear blue waters and powdery white sands. You can unwind on beach loungers or mats, or rent a clam shell for a more private experience.

Unique souvenirs to pick up on the island include intricately carved wooden items, native hand-painted ceramics, and pumice stones.

Feeling comfortable while scuba diving is essential, so we started by practicing our skills in shallow waters. The instructors guided us on how to breathe underwater using the regulator, swim with fins, and clear water from our masks. To qualify for diving, you need to demonstrate these skills to the instructors. Unfortunately, my mom wasn't comfortable using the regulator, so she decided to relax on the boat instead.

Then, we set sail for deeper waters!

I really enjoyed this excursion because the small group size ensured that we received personalized attention from the instructors. The three of us followed our instructor as we dived down to 30 feet underwater. The view from the ocean floor is absolutely surreal. Unfortunately, Anthony’s Key Resort didn’t permit the use of GoPros or waterproof cameras for safety reasons during scuba diving, but they did offer a professional underwater video for purchase. In the screenshot below, that’s me on the left!

Floating effortlessly over the vibrant coral reefs while being surrounded by colorful tropical fish was truly mesmerizing. We even had the chance to swim alongside a sea turtle!

Get ready to dive in the next time you’re in the Caribbean for unforgettable adventures! I’m heading back to the Dinogo ship and I’m absolutely famished. Keep an eye out for a list of must-try dishes on Dinogo!