Shark Awareness Week in Roatan and the Bay Islands
Each year, Shark Awareness Week serves as an important global campaign to raise awareness about the critical role sharks play in the health of our oceans. Here in Roatan and the Bay Islands, surrounded by the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, this week takes on special meaning.
Home to a variety of shark species, including Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and seasonal visitors like hammerheads and whale sharks, the waters of the Bay Islands are a natural classroom for understanding the vital connection between sharks, reefs, and sustainable marine tourism.
Why Shark Awareness Week Matters in Roatan
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which stretches along Roatan’s coastline, is a vibrant ecosystem where apex predators like sharks help maintain ecological balance. By keeping other fish populations in check, sharks support the health of coral systems, regulate biodiversity, and play a vital role in reef resilience.
Despite their importance, sharks continue to face increasing threats, such as:
Overfishing and bycatch
The illegal shark fin trade
Habitat loss
Negative public perception driven by media
During Shark Awareness Week, the global message is clear: sharks are not villains—they’re vital guardians of the reef.
The Cara Cara Shark Dive: Roatan’s Only True Shark Encounter
While sharks can occasionally be spotted on various dive sites across Roatan and Utila—such as nurse sharks on shallow reefs, or even a lucky whale shark sighting near deeper drop-offs—only one dive center in Roatan offers a consistent and controlled shark diving experience with Caribbean reef sharks.
That experience is called “Face to Face”, or Cara Cara, and it’s one of the most iconic dives in the Bay Islands.
Cara Cara Shark Dive – What to Expect
Organized exclusively by Waihuka Dive Center, located on the south side of Roatan
Designed for experienced divers only
Attracts 10–15 Caribbean Reef Sharks per dive, mostly large female sharks native to the area
Max depth: ~70 ft (21 meters)
Dive is known for strong currents and requires good buoyancy control
Includes a 30-minute pre-dive safety briefing covering current navigation and shark behavior
This is not your average reef dive. The Cara Cara experience brings you face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most graceful and misunderstood creatures, in a setting that balances thrill and education, conservation and respect.
For shark lovers and thrill-seekers alike, it’s a must-do dive—but only for those with the skills and confidence to focus entirely on their surroundings. You can book your Cara Cara Shark experience here.
Dive Shops and Local Participation in Shark Awareness Week
Local dive centers across Roatan and the Bay Islands participate in Shark Awareness Week through:
Educational reef dives where nurse sharks and other species are sometimes seen
Pre-dive briefings focused on reef safety and shark ecology
Workshops and talks led by marine biologists and conservationists
Social media campaigns and beach cleanups
These community efforts help tourists and residents understand that the presence of sharks is a sign of reef health, not danger.
Conservation Through Responsible Ecotourism
Roatan’s economy depends heavily on its reputation as a world-class dive destination. By preserving sharks and promoting responsible diving practices, the island ensures long-term sustainability for its:
Coral reefs and fish stocks
Tourism industry
Local employment opportunities
Environmental credibility in the global diving community
Visitors who dive ethically—by choosing licensed operators, respecting marine life, and avoiding harmful souvenirs—become ambassadors for ocean protection long after they return home.
How You Can Participate
Whether you're diving in Roatan this July or simply passionate about marine life, there are many ways to support Shark Awareness Week:
Book a dive with for the Cara Cara Shark experience
Choose eco-certified dive shops that emphasize education and conservation
Share what you learn using hashtags like #SharkAwarenessWeek #RoatanSharks #ProtectTheReef
Avoid supporting industries that profit from shark exploitation
Teach others that sharks are endangered, not dangerous
Final Thoughts
Roatan and the Bay Islands are privileged to be home to a dynamic marine environment where sharks are still present—and protected. Celebrating Shark Awareness Week here isn’t just symbolic; it’s a reflection of a growing movement to preserve what makes this region unique.
By diving with purpose and learning more about these amazing creatures, we become part of a global network that values the ocean as much as we do.
Let’s keep working to ensure that future generations can still experience the magic of seeing a shark, face to face.
