Explore North Side of Guanaja

Nestled in the heart of Guanaja, the North Side offers divers an unparalleled underwater adventure, making it a premier destination for dive enthusiasts. Its unique dive environments range from the intricate volcanic rock formations at Michael’s Rock to the awe-inspiring depths of Black Rock Canyon. Here, divers can explore a labyrinth of cracks, crevices, and caves, each teeming with vibrant marine life. The island’s underwater scenery is nothing short of spectacular, with the added allure of tunnels and arches carved by nature over centuries. One of the most intriguing spots, The Pinnacle, is renowned for its abundant coral gardens, where divers can marvel at an array of colorful corals, including the elusive black coral. The North Side's dive sites are typically accessed via boat, offering both shore and liveaboard diving options. The region promises encounters with an array of marine creatures, from playful dolphins to majestic rays, making every dive a memorable exploration beneath the waves. Seasonal shifts bring dynamic changes in marine life, keeping divers returning to witness the ever-evolving spectacle that is the North Side.

Courses and Events

Divemaster

The Divemaster program represents the first formal step toward a professional diving career. It is designed for divers who wish to expand their competence, credibility, and leadership in the water while becoming ambassadors for safe, responsible diving. To begin the program, candidates must present a minimum of 40 verified/logged dives and hold certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, and Night & Limited Visibility, or alternatively demonstrate at least five verified dives in each of these areas, in addition to Diver Stress & Rescue. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are certified as Dive Guides. For those intending to transform their passion into a profession—whether by guiding certified divers, delivering ecology-focused programs, assisting instructors, or progressing toward instructor-level training—the next stage is the Divemaster Upgrade. This requires a minimum of 60 verified/logged dives. The upgrade may be completed immediately after the Dive Guide rating or at any later stage through independent study of the Science of Diving materials and successful completion of the Digital Final Exam, resulting in full SSI Professional status. Participants may further enrich their training by combining the Divemaster internship with a Coral Restoration Internship, or by volunteering in our sea turtle monitoring program, which oversees 20–28 active nests located approximately five minutes by boat from Guanaja Dive Center. These options provide meaningful conservation experience alongside professional dive training.

01 March +8 More
EUR 1,050.75
USD 1,250.00

The best Months to dive in North Side of Guanaja

The North Side of Guanaja offers favorable diving conditions throughout the year, making it a popular destination for divers. Water temperatures typically range from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F, providing a comfortable environment for extended dives. Visibility in this area is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and coral formations. While diving is possible year-round, divers should be aware of seasonal variations that may impact their experience. The rainy season, from October to January, can occasionally reduce visibility and increase currents. Additionally, the trade winds, which are more pronounced from February to June, may lead to choppier surface conditions. However, these factors rarely hinder diving activities, and with proper planning, divers can enjoy the underwater beauty of Guanaja at any time of the year.

Dive Centers

Toop North Side of Guanaja Dive Sites

Spotted Bay

Located on the north side of Guanaja, Spotted Bay offers a vibrant coral garden teeming with parrotfish, barracudas, and angelfish. This easy dive site is ideal for both scuba and freediving enthusiasts. It features stunning underwater rock formations and is part of a protected marine reserve.

Jado Trader Wreck

The Jado Trader Wreck is a haven for advanced divers, with its sunken cargo ship attracting schools of jacks and snappers. This technical dive site is best explored with scuba gear and offers a fascinating glimpse into artificial reefs. Strong currents and depth require experienced divers.

Michael's Rock

Michael's Rock is perfect for both scuba diving and freediving, offering an easy to moderate adventure. The site is famous for its large barrel sponges and colorful coral formations. You can often spot sea turtles and eagle rays gliding through the waters.

Pelican Reef

Pelican Reef is a vibrant coral reef known for its rich biodiversity, including clownfish, moray eels, and octopuses. This easy-level scuba diving site offers breathtaking underwater scenery with its coral gardens and is part of a marine park dedicated to conservation efforts.

Shark Plateau

A dive site for the bold, Shark Plateau offers an advanced scuba diving experience. Divers can encounter reef sharks and nurse sharks patrolling the depths. The site features dramatic drop-offs and is known for its thrilling underwater topography and rich marine life.