The smallest of the three Bay Islands, Utila's warm Caribbean waters offer stunning coral reefs filled with a rich diversity of marine life and a superb opportunity to experience close encounters with the magnificent whale sharks.
Starting at 3m/10ft below the surface, the pristine reef of Airport Caves is filled with a rich display of impressive sea fans, purple gorgonians and vibrant, encrusting sponges that play host to an array of colourful damselfish and chromis. Descending the reef wall to 12m/39ft, a network of narrow canyons and swim-thrus wind their way through the sand, taking divers on an exciting journey in and out of the overheads and small caverns that dominate the site at this depth. Travelling west from the buoy will lead to the largest tunnel, decorated with beautiful soft corals and bright sponges. Follow the reef to the east and the wall slopes gently downwards to meet the sand at 15m/49ft where eagle rays can be spotted hunting for crustaceans. Continuing south across the sand an array of pipefish, butterflyfish and angelfish make their homes in a second reef that exceeds depths of 30m/98ft. Read more >
Aquarium is an extraordinary mix of three reefs incorporating pretty coral gardens, sandy plains and a stunning wall filled with a rich variety of soft corals, colourful sponges and encrusting corals. The shallow ‘shoreline’ reef stretches west to east parallel to the shore, the rock edges sculpted into archways, caverns and overhangs by millions of years of natural wave erosion. The reef then descends sharply to 9m/30ft, meeting the long, flat, sandy area scattered with fields of mermaid fans and coral outcroppings. As the sand continues to slope southwards the hard and soft coral gardens become denser forming the ‘middle’ reef at a depth of 12m/39ft. Follow the reef to the edge where the wall, decorated with magnificent sea fans, bright green algaes and cup and flower corals drops vertically down into the sand below at 28m/92ft. Read more >
This stunning reef filled with elkhorn and finger corals starts in the shallows at 5m/16ft and runs parallel to the shoreline along the south side of Utila island, reaching a maximum depth at the drop-off of 30m/98ft. Travel east from the buoy where brilliant, red tube sponges and azure vase sponges line the narrow channels that weave their way through to an expanse of sand and rubble. Elysia and headshield slugs take advantage of the fields of pine cone algae, drift algae and mermaid fans to hide from the eyes of their predators. Follow the wall to the west to explore the thriving rock and coral heads filled with sea plumes and gorgonians before reaching the sand where the coral outcroppings become smaller and the sandy plain is populated by brown garden eels and yellowhead jawfish. Read more >
Underwater photographers love the network of sandy channels that traverse across the shallow reef lined with vibrant sea plumes, sea rods and gorgonians. Neon azure vase sponges and vibrant red and orange tube sponge colonies create a striking contrast against the deep greens, browns and yellows of the brain and maze corals that encrust the rocky slopes as they make their way down the sand to 21m/69ft. Follow the deep crack in the wall to the east and pass by a pristine field of black coral that adorns the wall, creating an eerie atmosphere as it leads the way to a stunning pinnacle of pillar corals. Read more >
This magnificent sea mound is located 2miles/3.2km off the south coast of Utila. Towering up from depths of 40m/131ft, the peak of the mound sits 9m/30ft below the surface of the water. Due to its exposed location, the area is continuously fed by a rich, microbiotic soup of plankton providing a wealth of nutrients for the abundance of fish and invertebrates that inhabit Black Hills. Fields of golden gorgonians, lush sea plumes, sea rods and impressive purple sea fans adorn the sweeping slopes as they descend into deep water. Pristine brain coral boulders, lettuce corals, colonies of sheet corals and encrusting orange and green cup corals compete for every inch of space over the sea mound’s rocky surface, providing shelter and protection for a huge diversity of tropical reef fish and crustaceans. Read more >
The overhangs and shallow caverns of Blackish Point were formed before the ice age, carved into the black, volcanic rock by centuries of waves crashing into the north side of the island before parts of it finally became submerged. The top of the wall, abundant with sea plumes, sits at 9m/30ft, dropping to an area of stunning coral gardens and overhangs between 15-22m/49-72ft. Follow the wall east along the overhangs to find scorpionfish, spiny lobsters and moray eels hiding amongst the cracks and crevices before heading down to 24m/79ft where a series of shallow caves make for interesting exploration as the reef gives way to a sloping sandy plain. Read more >
The wall at CJ's Drop Off is the deepest in the Turtle Harbour Marine Reserve dropping down to 300m/984ft deep. The buoy is surrounded by a shallow reef plateau, 5-9m/16-30ft, that spreads across to the edge of the wall filled with pristine brain corals and vibrant tube sponges. Sandy channels weave their way between the coral gardens creating mini canyons adorned with sea fans, gorgonians and sea plumes. The wall itself runs parallel to the coastline and features huge, towering rocky chimneys, great for exploring the nooks and crannies for moray eels, king crab and spiny lobster. Read more >
Off the south west shore of Utila and only accessible by boat lay eleven cays surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and sand channels. Diamond Cay is the most south westerly of these cays and its fringing reef is filled with pillar corals, gorgonians and encrusting star corals and home to an exotic array of blennies, jawfish and damselfish. At its shallowest the reef starts at 8m/26ft, a mix of coral gardens and sandy channels that lead to the top edge of the wall before it drops down to the sandy bottom at 30m/98ft before gradually sloping off to a maximum depth of 40m/131ft. Read more >
Duppy Waters ('Duppy' meaning 'Ghost') takes its name from tales of the site being haunted by eerie lights at night-time. This unusual site comprises of a huge, rocky wall with a sand channel at either end. The top of the reef sits at 10m/33ft and the wall drops vertically to over 50m/164ft. A broad, sandy channel to the west carves its way through the reef, gradually sloping down to the wall ridge before cascading over the top and tumbling down to a rocky shelf at 30m/98ft. Travelling east impressive, sheer chimneys are chiseled out of the rock face plunging down to depths of more than 50m/164ft. Read more >
Standing upright 30m/98ft at its deepest point, the Halliburton cargo ship was sunk by the Utila Dive Operators Association to create an artificial reef and dive exploration and training site. The ship is 99m/100ft long and almost entirely intact with very little corrosion. To the port side (north side) of the wreck scattered coral formations are spread across the sandy sea floor that eventually slopes up to meet Lighthouse Reef. There are two fixed buoys for the site, the east buoy descending to the bow and the west buoy to the stern of the boat. Read more >
Running parallel to the shore an expanse of shallow reef is blanketed with fields of sea plums, sea rods and lush gorgonians punctuated by hard coral gardens, small overhangs and crevices. The sheer, rocky wall drops down to depths of 21m/70ft carving channels and canyons into the sand where great barracuda and tarpon may be seen patrolling for food. Travel west of the buoy over a large area of volcanic rock populated with yellowhead jawfish, sailfin blennies and sand tilefish, before arriving at the larger coral heads and rock formations filled with an interesting collection of critters. Read more >
Across the large, shallow sand channel of Jack Neal Beach golden gorgonians and small hard coral outcroppings provide tiny eco-systems for dusky damselfish and juvenile wrasse. On either side of the channel the fringing hard and soft coral reefs that start in the shallows of the beach gradually slope southwards reaching depths of 5-9m/16-30ft before tumbling down to meet the sandy bottom 18/21m/59-69ft below. Head east along the top of the reef for a network of sandy channels adorned with stunning elkhorn corals and impressive sea fans. Alternatively, follow the reef to the west for an abundance of soft corals and stony brain corals that are frequently visited by hawksbill and green turtles. Read more >
Stretching from the shoreline a maze of sandy channels and pathways weave their way through the shallows to the reef edge 4.5m/15ft below the surface. It is not unusual to experience close encounters with hawksbill turtles and nurse sharks amongst the rocky overhangs and narrow, sandy canyons as the reef gradually tumbles down to a depth of 30m/98ft. Some would consider Laberynth to be the most impressive of the walled sites on the south side of Utila island with such a spectacular array of soft corals, encrusting corals and vibrant sponges painting rainbows of purple, orange, yellow and green across the ocean floor. Travel west to explore shady swim-thrus and an impressive coral head that rises up from 30m/98ft filled with stunning brain and pillar corals, providing shelter for a myriad of tropical fish and crustaceans. Read more >
A vibrant, thriving reef that slopes gently into the soft white sands that surround the south side of Utila island. The shallows of the reef are abundant with delicate lettuce corals, vibrant sea sprays and a variety of bright green hanging vine algae that cascade over the edges of the rocky overhangs. Sandy passageways lined with sea fans and purple sea rods traverse across the reef and make their way down onto the sand and rubble seabed 22m/72ft below the surface of the water. Read more >
This beautiful, fringng reef begins on the shoreline, gradually sloping south to a maximum of 30m/98ft. The long dock that runs out in the bay from Neptune's drops directly into the shallow field of sand that separates the east and west walls of Little Bight. An abundance of juvenile wrasse, damselfish and hamlets take advantage of the coral filled walls, finding shelter and protection in amongst the elkhorn corals and colonies of vibrant tube sponges. Peppered across the large sand patch, drifting algae and mermaids fans host pipefish and lined seahorse throughout the summer months. Read more >
The large, sandy arena of Moon Hole is surrounded by a stunning mix of hard and soft coral reef, perfect for novice and inexperienced divers to hone their skills. With the top of the reef averaging between 4-7m/13-23ft there is also plenty of light for photographers to enjoy the collection of harlequin pipefish, Caribbean reef octopus and other crustaceans that can be found sheltering in amongst the cracks and crevices. Roaming across the sand, divers may come across the scattered remnants of an old bicycle, a perfect nursery for juvenile wrasse and blue tangs, as well as beautiful coral heads filled with busy cleaning stations. Travel west across the reef, dropping down over the edge of the small wall, to explore Ron’s Wreck, a small shrimp fishing boat that lies in the sand at 18-20m/59-66ft. Read more >
The gentle, sloping wall of Silver Gardens is filled with impressive colonies of elkhorn and pillar corals where small schools of blue chromis, Bermuda chubs and horse-eye jacks weave in and out between the formations. A rich blanket of gorgonians, sea plumes and sea fans spreads across the reef, providing safe haven for a superb diversity of marine life including green and spotted moray eels, snappers and hamlets. To the east of the buoy and intricate maze of narrow channels and pathways wind their way through the 6m/20ft shallows of the reef. At 21m/69ft spiny lobster and channel clinging crabs hide amongst the larger coral outcroppings that are decorated with a vibrant display of encrusting sponges together with pretty cup and flower corals. Read more >
Situated below the Utila Cays on the northwestern side of the island, the stunning, sloping reefs and sandy channels of Spotted Bay range in depth between 6-70m/20-230ft making it popular for both recreational and technical diving and diver training. In the shallows the fringing reef that runs out from the shoreline is lush with sea plumes, pillar corals and sea fans, playing host to blue chromis and clown wrasse. South of the buoy a large sandy area is connected by a network of channels that carve their way through the reef to the rocky edge before it drops down to a wide, sandy plateau at 28m/90ft. Continuing north the reef will continue to fall down to depths exceeding 30m/98-102ft. Alternatively, heading west along the reef the wall becomes more vertical, beautifully decorated with golden gorgonians, exotic sea plumes and giant barrel sponges descending to depths exceeding 40m/131ft. Read more >
Popular with underwater photographers, the fringing reef of Stingray Point begins 3m/10ft below the surface. Small, sandy fields are connected by a network of channels that wind their way across the reef as it slopes gradually down to the reef edge at 9m/30ft. Hard coral gardens filled with sea plumes and gorgonians tumble over the edge of the reef, dropping down to meet the seabed at 21m/69ft. A wide, sandy canyon filled with pine cone algae scores its way through the reef, spilling out onto the sandy bottom and eventually sloping off into deeper water. Lining the sides of the canyon, are the beautifully decorated reef walls adorned with stunning pillar corals and azure vase sponges that spread east and west, parallel to the shore. Read more >
The shallow plateaus of Ted’s Point, 5m/16ft below the surface are bathed in sunlight and filled with stunning bommies of maze corals, fire corals and an array of lush gorgonians that play host to a myriad of chromis and juvenile wrasse. A labyrinth of channels and rivulets criss-cross their way through the reef before it drops down to 12m/39ft where it meets the sloping, sandy floor. Heading south from the buoy a large coral outcropping is heavily adorned with an impressive array of wide-spanned sea fans, branching gorgonians and pristine fire corals. Continue southwest to find Ted’s Wreck laying on its side in the sand between 18-21m/59-69ft, completely covered with encrusting corals, soft corals and sponges, home to Caribbean reef octopus, green moray eels and groupers. Read more >
This expansive, pretty reef surrounding Utila's lighthouse ranges in depths of 3-30m/10-98ft providing superb conditions for all diver levels from novice to adventurous night divers. There are four buoys servicing Lighthouse. The east and central buoys are both situated in the shallows to a maximum depth of 10-12m/33-39ft where divers can enjoy lush gardens filled with vibrant corals, rope sponges and gorgonians. The buoy to the west is perfect for night diving and a great place for spotting spiny lobster and octopus as they venture out of their hiding holes after dark. Finally the buoy on the outer reef allows for deeper dives along the wall. Travel east to explore the crevices, overhangs and small caverns from 12m/40ft or continue down to explore the sandy, rubbly bottom at 24m/79ft before it gradually slopes down to 30m/98ft and beyond. Read more >
At 5m/16ft a network of sandy channels wind their way through an abundance of azure vase sponges and vibrant encrusting corals that adorn the shallow reef as it stretches horizontally east to west opposite the shoreline. Heading west the bottom slopes down to find the famous Willi's Hole, a semi-cave located at 21m/69ft adorned with colourful tube and rope sponges that play host to a multitude of channel cleaning crabs. At the back of Willi’s Hole another, smaller opening leads into a second, larger cave. Continuing along the reef beyond Willi’s Hole the sandy bottom slopes further to depths of up to 129m/423ft. Alternatively, heading east a series of impressive, sheer ‘chimneys’ covered in a rich assortment of gorgonians and sea plumes ascend up to the shallow reef plateau 6m/20ft below the surface. Read more >
Descend on the buoy to 18m/64ft where a sandy channel carves its way through stunning coral heads on the right and large, impressive overhangs that drop vertically down into the blue on the left. Travelling west along the wall leads to the entrance of the swim-thru at 21m/69ft following it down to 42m/138ft. Further along, beyond the swim-thru entrance stands the pinnacle and a shallower wall ridge adorned with pretty, soft corals. Alternatively, to the right (east) the wall becomes chunky and irregular dropping down to 20m/66ft, populated by a variety of snappers, wrasse and groupers. Read more >
Global Dive Guide