Shark Swim

Out past the east end of Roatán there is a shallow sandbar with no hotels, no roads and no crowds. The water sits about three to four feet deep and runs so clear you can pick out every ripple in the sand. You wade in, and within a few minutes the nurse sharks come to you.

Ten or so circle through, wild and completely unbothered, sliding past your legs close enough to touch. Big stingrays cruise the bottom alongside them. Nurse sharks are gentle bottom feeders with small mouths and no interest in people, so the thing that sounds terrifying turns out to be oddly peaceful. Because you can stand the whole time, even nervous swimmers tend to stay in far longer than they planned.

Highlights

• Wild nurse sharks in three to four feet of clear water
• Big stingrays cruising the sand beside you
• A remote sandbar with no crowds and no buildings
• Shallow enough to stand, so strong swimming is not required
• Your guide is in the water with you the whole time

Know before you go

• It is a long boat ride out, so plan on this filling most of your cruise day
• Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen
• A waterproof phone case or GoPro earns its keep here
• Sea conditions decide the day, we confirm with you before you commit
• The sharks are docile, but always follow your guide's lead in the water