Conservation

When you come to Roatan for diving and snorkeling, you will be enjoying the beauty of the second largest barrier reef of the world.

In January 2005 the Marine Park office opened its doors, patrolling the coast line for poachers, installing mooring lines and enforcing the environmental laws of the Bay Islands, Honduras.

Since then many activities have been added: beach clean ups and other educational programs with local schools, improving marine infrastructure, designing tourist education programs and more.

Anyone who enjoys these waters can actively do something in keeping our reef in good shape. So when you return in years it’ll be still as pretty:

Please do not touch coral

It is not a rock. Corals are made of colonies of little animals that draw calcium carbonate out of the sea water to build a skeletal structure in various shapes and sizes.

Do not take anything out of the sea

No matter if it is live or dead, do not take anything out of the sea. Even smaller shells can be a new home for a crab.

Do not buy conch shells, sea horses or black coral jewelry

Under Honduran law it is prohibited to export these items and in many countries it is prohibited to import them. They look miuch nicer when they are alive and in their habitat! Have you ever looked a conch into the eyes?

Divers and underwater photographers

Please be careful when you are underwater and/or taking pictures. Do not use the reef as your tri-pod. Watch your bouyancy.

Understand and respect underwater life

Using them as "toys" or food for other animals can leave a trail of destruction, disrupt local ecosystems and rob other divers of experiencing these creatures.

Pick up trash

Bottles, plastic, shoes, fishing lines. Encrusted items shall stay as you might damage more by taking them away.

Every diver receives a bracelet/token that is valid for the entire year and costs only U$10. The Roatan Marine Park is a non-profit organization. It depends on membership fees and donations. Please do your part too!