Punta Blanca on Roatán: Nature in a Regional Context

Punta Blanca is a town on Roatán with an expat community. It is located about a mile from Oak Ridge.

Getting Around

Just before Punta Gorda, Diamond Rock Road, a gravel road, branches off to the right. Less than a mile along, a sign on the left points to the small community of Punta Blanca. Check the signage and road conditions locally. The approximate distance to Oak Ridge and the turnoff before Punta Gorda are two different points of reference.

Diving and Reefs in the Wider Region

In the wider region, the Punta Blanca Wall dive site is one of the few wall dives in the area. A large sandy area lies at a depth of 35 feet; the wall is usually 60 feet deep and extends down to a sandy area at 100 feet. You can compare the depths: 35 feet for the large sandy area, usually 60 feet for the wall, and 100 feet for the sandy area.

Schools of jacks and individual barracudas often patrol the dive site. The sandy area is also home to spotted drums, spotted moray eels, rays, and flounders.

The reef at the eastern end of Roatán features terraced levels with diverse coral formations, as well as numerous swim-through canyons, caves, and grottoes. While the wall and depths are the focus at Punta Blanca Wall, terraced coral formations and cavities shape the reef at Roatán’s eastern end.

Within the Wider Destination of Islas De La Bahía

Within the wider destination of Islas De La Bahía, Punta Gorda on Roatán has about 3,500 residents, most of whom are Garífuna. Many practice artisanal fishing, while an increasing number are also participating in tourism. The Carnaval de Punta Gorda takes place in April and is associated with Garífuna traditions and Punta culture.

On Guanaja, beginners and experienced divers can go diving; snorkeling is also possible. They may find themselves surrounded by hundreds of fish species and possibly dolphins. Guanaja is part of the 700-kilometer-long Mesoamerican Reef. Compared with Punta Blanca Wall, where the wall and depths are the focus, Guanaja also offers snorkeling and diving opportunities for different experience levels. The 700 kilometers refer to the reef, not to a single dive site.

Utila is known as a place to encounter whale sharks. The island is home to the Swamper, an iguana species endemic there. The ecological structure of Turtle Harbor Park depends on the water regime. Arch's Iguana and Marine Park is home to monkeys, rescued sea turtles, and tarpon. Every year, iguanas are released into the wild there to help support the island’s native reptile population.

Discover more destinations: Utila.

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