The Perfect Roatan Day Trip to Paradise
Experience an untouched oasis above and below the water.
Looking for the ultimate Cayos Cochinos tour from Roatan? Imagine this: the warm sun on your skin, soft island music in the background, a belly full of fresh-caught fish. The rhythmic sound of waves gently lulling you into pure bliss. You’ve just wrapped up an epic morning of diving in sites most divers only dream about. And your day’s far from over.
This is more than just a trip—it’s a Sun Divers Special Day Trip to Cayos Cochinos & Seamounts. Unforgettable experiences and untouched beauty await.
From the moment we depart from Half Moon Bay, we’re on a mission to create a next-level adventure. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to give you the kind of bucket-list experience that stays with you forever.
What You’ll Find in our Cayos Cochinos Day Trip Guide
How to Get to Cayos Cochinos from Roatan
Cayos Cochinos, Honduras is located approximately 26 miles (42km) from Roatan. You can only reach Cayos Cochinos by boat, and the trip is best made when sea conditions are at their calmest. This means little to no wind or waves.
Hop on on of our custom dive boats and we’ll head south towards the stunning, protected marine area. Did you know that Cayos made Time Magazine’s list of the World’s Greatest Places?
Your Cayos Cochinos Tour Itinerary
Known also as the Hog Islands, Cayos Cochinos is made up of two main islands called Cayos Menor and Cayos Grande. The chain of islands also has 13 smaller uninhabited cays that are perfect for snorkeling.
Bring your phone or camera—seriously, you’ll want to capture every second of this journey.
Dive One: The Roatan Seamounts
About 30 minutes from Roatan, the seamounts emerge like hidden giants beneath the surface. These underwater mountains rise from the ocean floor to as shallow as 40 feet (12 meters) below. Their structure creates some of the most vibrant dive sites near Roatan & Cayos Cochinos.
The seamounts are alive with color and movement—nutrient-rich currents feed the healthy coral reefs, making it a hotspot for marine life. Look out for flamingo tongue snails clinging to soft corals, schools of Atlantic spadefish drifting effortlessly, and sleek barracudas hovering nearby.
Diving the seamounts is like stepping back in time—this is the Caribbean as it was 20 years ago.
Up ahead you’ll see Cayos Cochinos appear through the sun rays like a remote oasis. But don’t let your eyes fool you: this paradise is real and our expert captain’s know the exact route to get there.
Surface Interval: Welcome to Cayos Cochinos
After your first dive, we’ll cruise to the heart of Cayos Cochinos Honduras, a remote archipelago known for its unspoiled beauty. We’ll check in at the Cayos Cochinos Visitors Center on Cayo Menor. This cay is perfect for snapping some photos of the white sand beaches, sunbathing iguanas, and seashells dotting the shoreline.
Dive Two: Exploring Cayos Cochinos
Next stop: Pelican Point. This shallow dive starts around 20 feet (6 meters) and is packed with life. You’ll find vibrant corals like Elkhorn, Staghorn, Brain, and Black create a stunning underwater landscape. Watch for tarpon gliding by and pike blennies peeking from their burrows.
With caverns, overhangs, and colorful reef fish around every corner, this dive is a true highlight.
Pro tip: bring a dive torch to explore hidden crevices—you never know what surprises you’ll find!
Lunch Stop: Island Feast & Garifuna Culture
We’ll anchor just offshore from a pristine beach for a traditional island-style lunch: freshly grilled whole fish, rice, beans, and ice-cold drinks.
We’re visiting a traditional Garifuna fishing village, home to the Afro-Indigenous Garifuna people who first arrived in Roatan in 1797 after being exiled by the British. Their rich heritage is a vibrant blend of West African, Caribbean, and Central American cultures. After initially seeking refuge in Punta Gorda, Roatan, the Garifuna have since established communities throughout Roatan and the Bay Islands—including right here in Cayos Cochinos.
As you soak up the view, these local Garifuna Islanders will share their vibrant culture through music and dance. Feel free to join in — it’s all part of the experience and the fun.
Looking for a keepsake? Local artisans will have handmade souvenirs available. Bring some extra Lempira to support their beautiful craft.
Snorkeling the Cayos Cochinos Cays
After lunch, we’ll make one last stop at a tiny coral cay surrounded by crystal-clear waters. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise with sea stars, colorful fish, and vibrant coral gardens. Whether you’re snorkeling, floating, or just kicking back on the beach, this is the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Bonus: Fishing on the Way Back to Roatan
As we cruise back to Roatan, we’ll troll for fish along the way—maybe we’ll land a small tuna for some fresh sashimi or ceviche. If we’re lucky, you’ll hear the reel squeal as the fish bite. But if not, we’ve got plenty of snacks and good vibes to carry us home.
The Perfect Cayos Cochinos Tour from Roatan
By the time we pull back into Half Moon Bay, you’ll have salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and stories you’ll be telling for years. Cayos Cochinos is one of the most beautiful and exclusive day trips from Roatan, and we’re stoked to share it with you.
How to Book Your Cayos Cochinos Tour with Sun Divers
Ready to dive into paradise? The Cayos Cochinos day trip is highly weather dependent, so it cannot be booked in advance. But if you share your interest in the trip with us when booking your dive trip, we’ll make note and make sure you get dibs on the first opportunity!
Cayos Cochinos Tour FAQs
What is Cayos Cochinos and why is it special?
Cayos Cochinos is a protected marine area and island chain located off the northern coast of Honduras. Known for its pristine reefs, vibrant marine life, and untouched beaches, it offers some of the most exclusive and uncrowded diving and snorkeling experiences near Roatan.
How long is the Cayos Cochinos tour from Roatan?
The full-day tour typically lasts around 7-8 hours, including travel time, two dives, a local lunch, cultural experiences and a snorkeling stop.
How far is Cayos Cochinos from Roatan?
Cayos Cochinos is approximately a 45-minute boat ride from Roatan, depending on sea conditions and the dive sites selected for the day.
What should I bring on the Cayos Cochinos tour?
We recommend bringing:
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Sunscreen (reef-safe only)
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Hat, sunglasses, and rash guard
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Towel and bathing suit cover up
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Camera or phone for photos
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Small cash (Lempira) for souvenirs or tips
What’s included in the Cayos Cochinos day trip?
The Cayos Cochinos Tour from Roatan with Sun Divers includes:
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Round-trip boat transportation from Roatan to Cayos Cochinos
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Two guided dives (generally Seamounts & Cayos Cochinos dive sites)
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Island-style lunch and cultural experience at a Garifuna fishing village
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Snorkeling stop at a coral cay
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Refreshments, including beer, snacks, and good vibes all day!
Do I need to be a certified diver to join the trip?
Divers should be advanced certified and will have to do at least one check out dive with us. Non-divers are welcome to join the tour for snorkeling, island hopping, cultural experiences, and all other activities. Spots are in high demand and first priority is given to divers who have booked their dive vacations with Sun Divers.
Are there any additional fees or park entrance costs?
Yes, Cayos Cochinos is a protected area, and a small marine park entrance fee may apply. Sun Divers includes this in your tour cost.
Can snorkelers join the Cayos Cochinos tour from Roatan?
Snorkelers are welcome to join the tour, however spaces are prioritized for divers first and dive site selection may not always be conducive to snorkeling. If you’re interested in a tour that is specifically for snorkelers, we’re always happy to recommend reputable operators.
How do I book the Cayos Cochinos tour with Sun Divers?
You can reach out to Sun Divers directly through our website, by email, or by stopping by our dive shop in Half Moon Bay, Roatán. Since this tour is highly weather dependent, we don’t book it in advance. Priority is given to divers who’ve planned their dive vacation with us.
If you’re interested in joining a trip to Cayos Cochinos, just let us know when you book your dives—we’ll add you to the list and reach out if the opportunity arises!
