Anthony’s Key Resort: Sustainable & Stylish Dive Resort
Located on the top diving island of Roatan, Anthony’s Key Resort takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here time slows down as guests feel at peace among the tall palm trees that overlook the crystal blue waters of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
This vast reef system borders its coastline and twin keys, welcoming everyone from scuba novices to aspiring professionals, or those simply wanting to glide on a stand-up paddle board. Straight off from the shore is the Front Porch Reef shore site where you are sure to spot groupers, moray eels, octopus, and even a small plane wreck. If that’s not enough, jump on one of their 13 custom dive boats and travel to deep wrecks and shark sites.
Nature forms the very bedrock upon which Anthony’s Key Resort and its 56 bungalows are built, driving a strong understanding of and commitment to ecological responsibility. They advocate green practices such as solar energy, no plastic bottles or straws, and coral restoration programs.
Anthony’s Key Resort is an all-inclusive dive and vacation resort on the island of Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras.
Tucked away in Roatan’s lush rainforest and graced by the vibrant Mesoamerican Barrier Reef at its shoreline, Anthony’s Key Resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the heart of the Caribbean’s natural splendor. The resort promises unparalleled scuba diving experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and serene spa indulgences.
Made for Divers
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, runs right by Anthony’s Key Resort. Dive into over 35 sites, from West Bay to Anthony’s Key, and witness vibrant marine life including tropical fish, cute seahorses, reef sharks, and awesome whale sharks. With gentle currents and visibility up to 100 feet (30 m), Roatan offers unparalleled underwater adventures.
For those of you who love a little history when diving there is either the El Aguila or The Odyssey. Just a 2-minute boat ride from the resort, El Aguila is a 230ft freighter home to colorful corals and larger fish such as groupers and snappers. A little further out is the impressive The Odyssey wreck dive site. This 300-foot multi-leveled ship starts at 40 feet and descends to 120 feet, allowing divers of different levels to explore the wreck safely.
The Anthony’s Key Resort dive shop is so well-stocked with dive and snorkel equipment that they guarantee there will always be gear available for all guests. If you bring your own equipment, there are dockside lockers, showers, and rinse tanks so that you and your gear can stay fresh throughout your stay.
The dive shop also offers a range of PADI scuba diving courses, from a simple Discover Scuba course to Open Water and up to Advanced Open Water and specialty courses. For those who want to take their diving to the next level, Anthony’s Key is also a PADI Career Development Center.
Another level of professionalism is Cornerstone Medical Services, which offers dependable healthcare and hyperbaric services to recreational and commercial divers in the region. This location includes an emergency room, an X-ray room, two consultation rooms, a pharmacy, and a hyperbaric chamber.
This chamber is part of the trusted Divers Alert Network (DAN), so you can relax on your holiday.
Lucky Number 13
The famous saying goes that the journey is just as important as the destination, and for scuba divers that means having a comfortable dive boat. Anthony’s Key Resort understands that and has spared no expense when it comes to its fleet of 13 dive boats.
Their range of 42-foot (13 m) to 48-foot (15m) boats have been custom-made for the resort, ensuring comfort and efficiency at all times. All have ample spots for your tanks, a place to secure your dry belongings, a rinse tank for cameras, and a water cooler.
Seven of these are Pro 42-foot (13 m) custom dive boats, which have 44 tank racks and can accommodate up to 15 divers, so there’s plenty of space to set up. With a high V-front, they’re quick and slick over high waves and shallow reefs. Depending on how you like to travel, you can either perch yourself up front, face-to-face with fresh Caribbean air, or chill in the back under the sunroof.
Their remaining six boats consist of two Newton 46-foot (14 m) dive specials, and four Pro 48-foot (15 m) custom dive boats. Their Pro 48 feet has ample room for its 24 divers and two crew members, with space for over double the amount of tanks. These large boats have two tiers, with an additional 100 ft² (9.2m²) fly-bridge so you can stretch your legs and take in those endless blue vistas.
Being Green to Stay Blue
Situated in lush rainforests and alongside the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Anthony’s Key Resort understands that sustainability isn’t just a passing phrase. They make it their mission to honor and protect Roatan’s amazing ecosystems, both above and below the waves.
One big investment was the installation of solar panels, first in 2020 – and then again in 2023. This latest upgrade means that the entire resort can run on solar energy during the day.
In a bid to reuse resources, all the wastewater is collected into tanks to be processed and clarified and used again to irrigate the gardens surrounding the property. Not only does this reduce the overall consumption of water, but also prevents potentially toxic water from entering the neighboring reef system.
To ensure that the reef system stays strong and healthy, in 2016 Anthony’s Key Resort and Roatan Institute for Marine Science initiated a coral reef nursery program. Thanks to guests volunteering, Anthony’s Key Resort has “rehomed” broken corals using artificial structures. In less than a decade, fragments have more than tripled in size.
This work toward coral restoration means Anthony’s Key Resort has been certified as 100% AWARE per PADI’s environmental initiative, PADI AWARE. This certification means that they regularly participate in underwater clean-ups and can offer the AWARE specialty course.
Take a Ride on the Wild Side
Apart from catering extensively to scuba divers and snorkelers, Anthony’s Key Resort offers other activities for those who want to connect with Roatan’s beautiful natural surroundings. Through the resort, guests can go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, horseback riding, take a canopy tour, or visit Maya Key.
If you are a guest of Anthony’s Key Resort, grab one of the kayaks or stand-up paddle boards available for your use throughout the day. Taking a kayak or SUP is a serene way to cruise around and soak up some sun. And, since the resort is split between the mainland and Anthony’s Key itself, it’s a great way to easily travel between the two at any time. There are, of course, water taxis so you don’t need to be paddling over to dinner in your new sundress.
Another unique way to discover the captivating landscape of Roatan from a unique perspective is on horseback. For a modest additional charge, indulge in a leisurely equestrian journey, traversing the golden sands and meandering into town. Tailored for the novice rider, this serene excursion promises a soothing and idyllic blend of nature and culture.
For a more extreme adventure, embark on an exhilarating canopy tour at Gumbalimba Park, launching from a dizzying 60-foot-high platform. Journey across 17 platforms through Roatan’s lush foliage, interspersed with two nature walks. Unwind with a tour through Gumbalimba Park, which includes a botanical garden and reptile house.
Additionally, every week-long package offers an exclusive voyage to Maya Key. Directly on the other side of the island, Maya Key offers an opportunity to learn more about the island’s culture, history, flora, and fauna.
Unwind in Paradise: The Resort
Discover Anthony’s Key Resort’s newly refurbished Ankor Seafood Grill, a culinary haven where tradition meets splendor. Begin with traditional breakfast favorites; transition to a variety of lunchtime signatures; and end the day with a rotating dinner menu that promises to excite. And don’t miss the special Island Fiesta Night buffet every Wednesday.
Just next door is Ankor Bar and the Dockside Lounge and Patio, where you can grab a locally sourced Honduran coffee or indulge in a refreshing margarita after your dive day. Although alcohol is not included in any of the packages, there is a daily happy hour at several bars.
Situated in the heart of Anthony’s Key is the resort’s freshwater oasis: the pool, the AKR Pool Bar, and the Ixora Spa. Relax on poolside loungers, or elevate your spirits on the AKR Pool Bar’s high stools. The pool is also often used for scuba diving training, which offers an added piece of mind for students who enjoy a relaxed learning environment.
Overlooking the serene pool is the chic AKR Pool Bar, and steps away you can rejuvenate at the Ixora Spa, which boasts two massage rooms, a dedicated facial room, and a lounge area for manicures and pedicures.
One with Nature: Accommodation
Spread across 11 serene acres, Anthony’s Key Resort features 56 serene bungalows. Choose between the Hill Superior, cocooned in palm trees, or indulge in waterfront luxury with the Key Superior and Key Deluxe.
Keeping with its ties to nature, Anthony’s Key Resort offers secluded wooden bungalows, each their own slice of heaven. Shunning modern distractions like televisions and telephones, Anthony’s Key Resort invites guests to unwind in hammocks, tuning into Roatan’s melody. Kick off your shoes and leave the busy world behind. These bungalows may seem simple but you would be mistaken to think that the accommodation is unsophisticated. Each bungalow has creature comforts, including a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and air conditioning.
Nestled in the heart of Roatan’s rich rainforest, Anthony’s Key Resort celebrates over 50 years of enchanting guests with its charm. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, Anthony’s Key Resort is the perfect place to feel at one with the beautiful surrounding ecosystem.
All images and videos credited to Photo Roatan AKR
Anthony’s Key Resort is an all-inclusive dive and vacation resort on the island of Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras.
Tucked away in Roatan’s lush rainforest and graced by the vibrant Mesoamerican Barrier Reef at its shoreline, Anthony’s Key Resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the heart of the Caribbean’s natural splendor. The resort promises unparalleled scuba diving experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and serene spa indulgences.
