DIving and Snorkeling in guanaja
Sitting between Guatemala and Nicaragua in Central America the beautiful country of Honduras boasts unbelievably clear fresh water,
669 km of Caribbean coastline and the Mesoamerican Great Barrier reef to explore; which is the second largest reef in the world.
North of the mainland in the Caribbean are 3 popular islands called the Bay Islands; which include Roatan, Utila and Guanaja.
669 km of Caribbean coastline and the Mesoamerican Great Barrier reef to explore; which is the second largest reef in the world.
North of the mainland in the Caribbean are 3 popular islands called the Bay Islands; which include Roatan, Utila and Guanaja.
Millions of years ago, giant tectonic plates scraped against one another in titanic clash resulting in the underwater mountain range today we call the Bonacco Ridge and is found in the Bay Islands. The upwelling of magma and the crumbling of rock over millennia created a mountain range that shoots above sea level, forming the Bay Islands. Mountainous, Caribbean islands create a unique paradise full of adventure.
Guanaja is the second largest of the Bay Islands and is a protected marine park hosting some of the best diving in the world. Although Roatan and Utila are popular tourist destinations, Guanaja remains off the map and offers raw adventure amongst some of the friendliest people on Earth.
Divers and snorkelers explore lesser visited coral reefs, vertical walls, caves, and shipwrecks. Rare black coral and sponges all colors shapes and sizes. There are more than 300 identified fish species in Bay Island waters. Scuba divers frequently see Angelfish, Hamlets, Butterfly fish, Creole Wrasse, Grouper, Jackfish, Moray eels, Octopus, Parrotfish, Nurse sharks, turtles and more.
Divers and snorkelers explore lesser visited coral reefs, vertical walls, caves, and shipwrecks. Rare black coral and sponges all colors shapes and sizes. There are more than 300 identified fish species in Bay Island waters. Scuba divers frequently see Angelfish, Hamlets, Butterfly fish, Creole Wrasse, Grouper, Jackfish, Moray eels, Octopus, Parrotfish, Nurse sharks, turtles and more.
There are over 50 named dive sites in Guanaja and only a few scuba operations enjoying them. Many sites offer lively shallow terraces that ideal for beginning scuba and snorkeling, while caves and deep walls offer exploration for the experienced diver.
GUANAJA DIVE SITES:
DONNA M
The Donna M was sunk by George Cundiff, owner of a local dive operation and hotel, as a fish haven and dive location in July of 1986. This 85 foot long shrimp boat now rests on a sandy bottom in 80 feet of water, just inside of a barrier reef. According to George, billions of silver sides have made this wreck their home. Visibility at this site is anywhere between 50 and 100 feet.
GEORGE'S WRECK
This huge steamer, which is approximately 350 feet long, was sunk at George's Key in the 1920's. She now rests on a coral bed with her remains scattered over a large area. Since she sits in only 12 feet of water outside of a reef, divers and snorkelers can also enjoy swimming around this site. Things to be seen in the wreckage include the ship's boilers, plates and shafts. Visibility here has been reported to be anywhere from 75 to 2N feet.
THE JADO TRADER
The Jado Trader is one of the most famous shipwreck dives in the Caribbean. It was sunk in 1987 in order to form an artificial fish haven. This 260 foot long freighter, which was converted into a refrigerator ship, now rests on a sandy bottom, completely intact, in 105 feet of water. Before the town finally decided to have the Jado Trader sunk, she sat in the harbor rusting for five to six years. George Cundiff took the task of sinking the vessel next to Mile Deep Wall. The wreck lies on her starboard side with her bow facing the wall. Visibility here ranges from 80 to over 200 feet. This Ship she has attracted a good amount of fish and is starting to become covered with coral, sponge, and other marine life. Some of the fish to be seen include silver sides, large
grouper, jew fish, and spiny oysters.
Close to the wreck lie two huge coral pinnacles. One of these formations has a volcanic cave inside. They both come to within 20 feet of the surface. Divers will not want to forget their cameras for this site. To say the least, this abandoned freighter turned reef is very photogenic.
GUANAJA DIVE SITES:
DONNA M
The Donna M was sunk by George Cundiff, owner of a local dive operation and hotel, as a fish haven and dive location in July of 1986. This 85 foot long shrimp boat now rests on a sandy bottom in 80 feet of water, just inside of a barrier reef. According to George, billions of silver sides have made this wreck their home. Visibility at this site is anywhere between 50 and 100 feet.
GEORGE'S WRECK
This huge steamer, which is approximately 350 feet long, was sunk at George's Key in the 1920's. She now rests on a coral bed with her remains scattered over a large area. Since she sits in only 12 feet of water outside of a reef, divers and snorkelers can also enjoy swimming around this site. Things to be seen in the wreckage include the ship's boilers, plates and shafts. Visibility here has been reported to be anywhere from 75 to 2N feet.
THE JADO TRADER
The Jado Trader is one of the most famous shipwreck dives in the Caribbean. It was sunk in 1987 in order to form an artificial fish haven. This 260 foot long freighter, which was converted into a refrigerator ship, now rests on a sandy bottom, completely intact, in 105 feet of water. Before the town finally decided to have the Jado Trader sunk, she sat in the harbor rusting for five to six years. George Cundiff took the task of sinking the vessel next to Mile Deep Wall. The wreck lies on her starboard side with her bow facing the wall. Visibility here ranges from 80 to over 200 feet. This Ship she has attracted a good amount of fish and is starting to become covered with coral, sponge, and other marine life. Some of the fish to be seen include silver sides, large
grouper, jew fish, and spiny oysters.
Close to the wreck lie two huge coral pinnacles. One of these formations has a volcanic cave inside. They both come to within 20 feet of the surface. Divers will not want to forget their cameras for this site. To say the least, this abandoned freighter turned reef is very photogenic.
MYSTERY WRECK
The Mystery Wreck, also known as No Name Wreck, is a steel hulled vessel about 90 feet in length and is of unknown origin. Somehow she sunk and now rests upside down on a sandy bottom. This wreck lies 50 yards from a coral finger in a depth of 42 feet. Divers can penetrate the stern of the ship which sticks into the mud, but should they venture inside, they may have to share it with a huge grouper, estimated to weigh almost 1,000 pounds, who has chosen to make this wreck his home.
RUTHIE C
The Ruthie C is a 65 foot long vessel which sits in 42 feet of water, directly in front of the Plaza Del Sol Hotel. She was sunk by the hotel owner, George Condiff, in May of 1986 as a dive site. The wreck is now sitting at the base of a wall on a sand and grass bottom. Visibility ranges from 30 to
about 70 feet.
MICHAEL'S ROCK This site is famous for its cracks & crevices. The maximum depth reaches to 70 feet. This is also a good practice dive before you do Black Rock Canyons.
THE PINNACLE: This pinnacle is located in a channel, close to Guanaja Island. It stands on a sandy bottom at 135 feet, very close to the channel wall, & rises 80 feet to a point about 55 feet below the surface. Several varieties of black coral are attached to the pinnacle. The wall of the channel has some gorgeous coral, blue bell tunicates and crinoids along it at depths of only 10 to 30 feet.
BLACK ROCK CANYON: Created by volcanic action, this conglomeration of caves, tunnels, and deep cracks & crevices are one of the most exciting dives around Guanaja. It’s common to turn a corner, or come out of a tunnel and come across a sleeping shark or a big moray eel lounging in a hole. Expect to see plenty of silverside sardines, glassy sweepers, groupers, and barracudas.
Vertigo: This is a site along the barrier reef wall that has some spectacular drop-offs. As is the case along the entire barrier wall, the beauty here is truly unbelievable. The top of the wall is at about 35 feet then drops down to about 160 feet. From here, a sandy shelf juts out 60 feet or so before the wall drops off to oblivion. Look for Black crinoids here.
The Mystery Wreck, also known as No Name Wreck, is a steel hulled vessel about 90 feet in length and is of unknown origin. Somehow she sunk and now rests upside down on a sandy bottom. This wreck lies 50 yards from a coral finger in a depth of 42 feet. Divers can penetrate the stern of the ship which sticks into the mud, but should they venture inside, they may have to share it with a huge grouper, estimated to weigh almost 1,000 pounds, who has chosen to make this wreck his home.
RUTHIE C
The Ruthie C is a 65 foot long vessel which sits in 42 feet of water, directly in front of the Plaza Del Sol Hotel. She was sunk by the hotel owner, George Condiff, in May of 1986 as a dive site. The wreck is now sitting at the base of a wall on a sand and grass bottom. Visibility ranges from 30 to
about 70 feet.
MICHAEL'S ROCK This site is famous for its cracks & crevices. The maximum depth reaches to 70 feet. This is also a good practice dive before you do Black Rock Canyons.
THE PINNACLE: This pinnacle is located in a channel, close to Guanaja Island. It stands on a sandy bottom at 135 feet, very close to the channel wall, & rises 80 feet to a point about 55 feet below the surface. Several varieties of black coral are attached to the pinnacle. The wall of the channel has some gorgeous coral, blue bell tunicates and crinoids along it at depths of only 10 to 30 feet.
BLACK ROCK CANYON: Created by volcanic action, this conglomeration of caves, tunnels, and deep cracks & crevices are one of the most exciting dives around Guanaja. It’s common to turn a corner, or come out of a tunnel and come across a sleeping shark or a big moray eel lounging in a hole. Expect to see plenty of silverside sardines, glassy sweepers, groupers, and barracudas.
Vertigo: This is a site along the barrier reef wall that has some spectacular drop-offs. As is the case along the entire barrier wall, the beauty here is truly unbelievable. The top of the wall is at about 35 feet then drops down to about 160 feet. From here, a sandy shelf juts out 60 feet or so before the wall drops off to oblivion. Look for Black crinoids here.
DIVE PACKAGES
DIVE REQUIREMENTS
Must be a minimum of 10 years of age to participate in this tour
Participants must hold PADI or similar dive certification,
Must complete a medical release form and must have been diving in the last 2 years.
If you do not hold a dive qualification or have not been diving for over 2 years, please opt for our DISCOVER dive program
Must be a minimum of 10 years of age to participate in this tour
Participants must hold PADI or similar dive certification,
Must complete a medical release form and must have been diving in the last 2 years.
If you do not hold a dive qualification or have not been diving for over 2 years, please opt for our DISCOVER dive program
Discover DivingIf you want to try scuba diving, but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is for you. This is a fantastic way for those with little or no experience to enter the wonderful world of scuba diving in the beautiful waters of Guanaja. The course consists of a brief knowledge review going over some basics and then practicing skills in the swimming pool. After lunch, you’re off on the afternoon boat for a 1-tank boat dive to a maximum depth of 40 ft under the supervision of your instructor.
$140USD per person
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OPEN WATER DIVE CERTIFICATIONThe Open Water Diver Course is the first step in becoming a certified, recreational diver. The course consists of three main phases: Knowledge Development to understand basic principles of scuba diving, confined water dives to learn basic scuba skills and open water dives to use your skills and explore! Want to spend less vacation time in the classroom and more time in the ocean? Then complete the eLearning portion of the course at home before arriving!
$475USD PER PERSONPLUS $285 for Padi eLearning and $190 for eLearning module
INCLUDES DIVE GEAR, ACADEMIC TRAINING MATERIALS, CLASSROOM FEES, AND SHALLOW WATER TRAINING SESSIONS & 4 DIVES
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Open water referral dives UpThis course is for students who have completed their class and pool training with their local dive shop before traveling to Guanaja. This is a great way to get to know divers in your own community before heading our way with your Student Referral Letter to complete your open water dives in our clear, warm water.
$250 USD PER PERSON
INCLUDES DIVE GEAR, CERTIFICATION FEES, CLASSROOM FEES & 4 DIVES
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RENTALS
BCD: $10.00 / $50.00Daily / Weekly
REGULATOR: $20.00 / $100.00Daily / Weekly
MASK/FINS/SNORKEL: $10.00 / $50.00Daily / Weekly
FULL SET OF GEAR: $40.00 / $200.00Daily / Weekly
DIVE LIGHT: $10.00 / $50.00Daily / Weekly
DIVE COMPUTER$10.00 / $50.00Daily / Weekly
We also have wet suits, but in a limited quantity, so you may wish to consider bringing your own
REGULATOR: $20.00 / $100.00Daily / Weekly
MASK/FINS/SNORKEL: $10.00 / $50.00Daily / Weekly
FULL SET OF GEAR: $40.00 / $200.00Daily / Weekly
DIVE LIGHT: $10.00 / $50.00Daily / Weekly
DIVE COMPUTER$10.00 / $50.00Daily / Weekly
We also have wet suits, but in a limited quantity, so you may wish to consider bringing your own
WE WORK WITH THE MOST KNOWLEDGABLE AND EXPERIENCED TEAM
G & G's clearwater PARADISE
George is the owner of Clearwater Paradise Resort and has 9,000+ dives under his belt, with nearly 30 years experience. He owned Clearwater Divers dive shop in Austin, Texas for 16+ years before following his longtime dream and relocating to the tropics. He has experience in all levels of diving, is a PADI diver from OW to DM and also studied the NAUI program up to DM level (with no crossovers), became a PDIC Instructor in ‘97 with over 4,000 dives under his belt, and in 2002, became PDIC Instructor Trainer #11903. George was an avid certified Cave Diver through the 90’s and into the 2000’s, and he earned the Wakula Award for 500 safe cave dives and moved along, after 678 cave dives. He was also a commercial underwater construction specialist that worked on the Inks Lake bridge, the Red Bud Trail bridge, and the Pedestrian Crossing bridge across Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas area, along with numerous other commercial diving jobs before he retired from that part of his diving career to construct and open Clearwater Paradise Resort.
George and all his Dive Masters keep their certifications through PDIC current.
George and all his Dive Masters keep their certifications through PDIC current.
CLARK's KEY
Clark's Key staff includes Course Directors, Master Instructors, and Master Scuba Diver Trainers with over 40 years of knowledge and experience. They believe in high standards in dive education. Their goal is to make sure you’re confident and comfortable in your diving skills so you become safe divers with excitement for the sport. From discovery dives through professional training we can help you achieve all of your diving goals.and Clearwater Paradise for diving needs. Their dive staff is very knowledgable of the local dive sites. Weather permitting on all dives.