Roatan

Diving is relaxed but still demands discipline. Reefs may start shallower than 10 m, but walls and wrecks reach well beyond recreational limits, so stay within training and build experience before deeper or more complex dives. Choose operators with solid briefings, small groups, and clear emergency plans.

Use an SMB for blue water ascents, especially near busy boat corridors. Confirm oxygen and first aid are on board and that staff know chamber procedures. Treat tight canyons and swim throughs as overhead environments and only enter if you have the buoyancy, trim, and visibility to avoid contact. If you feel off after a dive, report it and call DAN early.

Roatan has limited but improving medical care. The Cornerstone Hyperbaric Chamber and clinic near Anthony's Key handles dive incidents and some general care and works with DAN. Clinics like Clinica Esperanza and private hospitals such as Cemesa offer outpatient and some inpatient services. The public hospital in Coxen Hole has had serious infrastructure issues.

For major illness or trauma, evacuation to mainland or home may be necessary. Carry dive accident and travel insurance with evacuation, bring enough personal medications, and know where the nearest clinic is to your lodging. Coverage is strong in populated areas and weaker in the far east.

Within the Bay Islands National Marine Park it is illegal to remove corals, sponges, sea fans, turtles, sharks, conch, lobster, parrotfish, tangs, and more. Roatan Marine Park maintains moorings and promotes simple rules: do not touch or stand on the reef, keep fins and gear off the bottom, avoid chasing animals, and secure dangly hoses and cameras.

Use reef safe sunscreen, wear rashguards for sun, and pack out trash. Join properly licensed lionfish removals if you want to help, and choose operators that support coral nurseries and NGOs. Refusing single use plastics and tipping guides who enforce rules are small but powerful signals.