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Central America: A Different Kind of Dive Vacation

Divers looking for something really different in a dive vacation definitely need to go to Central America. In many places of this unique reason, diving (and travel) is the way it was 25 years ago. From history to culture to rarely explored diving, several of Central America’s destinations also make for great dive vacations.

The top four Central America targets when it comes to diving and more are probably the Bay Islands of Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama. Each have their own draws, but all definitely offer a unique experience both above and below the surface.

Divers planning a trip to Central America should keep in mind that accommodations and other tourism services and amenities generally tend to be a bit more rustic than those found at other major (and more mature) dive destinations. Some of the resorts may also be a bit harder to reach than, say, the Florida Keys. But these variables somehow seem to make Central America even more alluring to those who love adventure (and adventurous diving).

The Bay Islands Beckon

Situated 30 miles off the northern coast of Honduras in the western Caribbean, the Bay Islands are located atop the Bonacca Ridge. Known as ‘Islas de la Bahia,’ the Bay Islands consist of four main islands and lots of little ones. Roatan is the largest and most popular, while Utila, Barbareta, and Guanaja draw continued interest. In between Roatan and the mainland, the Cayos Cochinos islands are also of interest to divers.

Divers (and jets) can simply head into Roatan and go in any direction for great diving. The Bay Islands generally feature quite shallow dropoffs, with most starting at 25 to 50 feet and just a hundred yards or more offshore. The giant mounds of hard coral are a highlight, as are the colorful walls of soft corals and sponges and the fish-filled Bay of Honduras. Joining Belize’s underwater world, it’s part of the second longest living barrier reef system in the world (Australia’s is the longest). Currents are infrequent and if one side of an island has rough conditions, the other side is generally calm.

Flights to Roatan connect through the mainland of Honduras, offering an ideal opportunity for visiting divers to visit this fascinating country before or after a stay in the Bay Islands. Mayan ruins, rain forests, whitewater rafting, and more await those who can draw themselves away from the diving waters.

Belize, Please

Generally running about 30 miles off the coast of Belize, the 185-mile barrier reef system (part of the aforementioned second largest system in the world) features stunning array of diving and dive resorts to suit any need. Belize will please even the most discerning diver.

There are many possible Belize dive destinations. Ambergris Caye is the largest island, with the small town of San Pedro somewhat of a dive mecca today. Ten minutes away, Ho Chan Marine Park (the first in Central America) provides a perfect example of Belize officials efforts to keep their underwater world pristine. From ideal visibility, walls starting at 30 feet, and the promise of pelagics, Belize diving is better than ever.

Turneffe Islands and Glover’s Reef provide additional opportunities, with an incredible amount of virtually unexplored diving along a virtually unbroken reef. Finally, Lighthouse Reef features the famed Great Blue Hole, immortalized by Jacques Cousteau and featuring incredible stalactites hanging from the ceilings of underwater caves.

As with Honduras, Belize offers lots of ecotourism opportunities on the mainland. If you’ve come this far, you might as well stay a few days for some fascinating surface intervals.

Costa Rica Rules

If you follow the rules, you can see lots of sharks and more in Costa Rica. The first and foremost rule is to head to the Cocos Island, located 300 miles southwest of the mainland. This uninhabited World Heritage Site is reached only by live-aboard boats making the 1 1/2-day trip, but it’s well worth it once there.

Though the conditions can be tough, the shark sightings can be sensational, with hundreds of hammerheads and other species the norm. Add in lots of other big fish drawn to Cocos and this is a true pelagic paradise. If you’re looking for a truly unique live-aboard experience with once-in-a-lifetime diving, then Cocos Island can rule for you.

Mainland Costa Rica features additional diving possibilities, along with an incredible array of ecotourism opportunities that range from rain forests to rafting and much more. Other diving opportunities include Cano(XXSusan--the ‘n’ needs one of those Spanish pronunciation symbols and I can’t find it on my software!) Island and the Gulf of Papagayo have become more popular, along with the Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay. After diving and other outdoors activities, be sure to allow a day or two for Costa Rica’s historic capital city of San Jose.

Panama Perfecto

With jurisdiction of the Panama Canal given to Panama last year, there’s been renewed interest in this Central American country. Considering that you can spend the morning exploring the Caribbean coastline (more than 400 miles)above or below the surface and do the same thing on the Pacific (more than 750miles) in the afternoon, this narrow country has big things to offer adventurous travelers.

With more than 1,500 islands situated off its coastlines, Panama offers some excellent protected diving, with lots of pelagic possibilities in the Pacific (Coiba Island and Islas de los Perlas are top choices) and abundant colorful coral in the Caribbean (Bocas del Toro and Isla Grande are grand). Another unique option is diving in parts (Gatun Lake) of the historic Panama Canal, with wrecks and equipment from its storied past submerged in water where the Pacific and Caribbean meet.

On land, Panama is beginning to welcome more than cruise ship passengers transiting the ‘Bit Ditch.’ Divers and other ecotourists are coming for the perfect climate, history, and lost of outdoors opportunities on both coasts and inland.

Thus, the Bay Islands of Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama all provide perfect reasons to put Central America on your map of adventurous dive vacations. Just be sure to pack your passport, c-card, and lots of film!