Everything You Need to Know about Diving in Utila, Honduras

Just off of the coast of Honduras in the glistening waters of the Caribbean lies the island of Utila. While many travellers flock to the golden beaches of the neighbouring Roatan island, Utila is the place to go for scuba diving enthusiasts. Being situated at the southern tip of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second largest reef in the world) there are ample diving opportunities that make it an exceptional destination for experienced divers and beginners looking to get certified. 

It is very respected in the diving community and what better place to learn to dive than on this remote tropical island?

 In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about diving in Utila. We cover the best time to visit Honduras for diving, the best dive spots in Utila, what to pack for a vacation in Utila as well as some top tips for diving in the Bay Islands. 

So if you’ve been thinking about diving in Utila or find yourself backpacking in Honduras and want to get your qualifications, this is the guide for you.

Utila is part of the Bay Islands Department which also includes Roatan and Guanaja. It is approximately 29 km from mainland Honduras and is renowned for its diving opportunities and laid-back atmosphere. 

To get to Utila you will need to get a ferry from La Ceiba on the mainland which is the main access point for the island. There is one ferry service that runs on most days and the trip to Utila will take around 45 minutes. This is the most popular way to get to Utila and provides exceptional views of the Caribbean Sea.

Alternatively, you can fly to Roatan as there is an international airport on the large island. This popular holiday destination is a great starting point for a trip to Utila as there is a ferry service connecting the two islands. The ferry runs one trip at 2 pm every day, so be sure to arrive in good time and book your tickets in advance.

The great thing about Utila is that it’s a timeless destination for diving that enjoys good conditions and visibility year-round. That said, the best time to visit Utila for diving is during the dry season, which occurs around March to May. This is when the best weather in Utila can be experienced with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C. 

One of the main reasons divers opt to visit Utila is the presence of Whale Sharks near the island. From March to April and August to September, Whale Sharks embark on their migration route which takes them very close to the islands shimmering shores. The chances of encountering the majestic marine animals are much higher during these periods and could impact when you want to visit Utila. 

While there is no bad time to visit Utila, hurricane season can cause some issues. Utila is fortunate enough not to be as harshly affected as other Caribbean islands during the hurricane season, which lasts from early June to late November. You likely won’t have many issues when visiting around this time but it is advisable to go diving in Utila earlier in the year as adverse weather conditions could impact your experience.

There are a range of dive sites across Utila which showcase its exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty. Most dive operators will take visitors to sites on the south side of the island, which is easily accessed from Utila Town. However, some operators do provide trips to the north side of the island which is more exposed to the open ocean. 

Below, we list some of the top diving spots in Utila that are perfect options for both novices and experienced divers. This list by no means covers all the dive sites in Utila, with there being almost 80 across the island, but will give you an indication of what you can expect when diving in Utila. 

The Maze

Situated on the North Side, The Maze is an exceptional diving spot found within Turle Harbour Marine Reserve. Since the northern side of Utila backs onto the Cayman Trench, there are some incredible wall dives in the area. As the name suggests, The Maze is made up of multiple different channels starting at 4.5 metres deep and going to depths of 12 metres, making it a perfect place for beginners. 

At The Maze, you can see exceptional marine life such as Southern Stingrays and Queen Triggerfish. As you explore the underwater be sure to take in the miraculous spur-and-groove formations which make up the site. You can also make a short excursion to ‘Willy’s Hole’, a submerged cavern that offers incredible underwater photography opportunities. 

West End

Found on the western reaches of Utila, West End is made up of multiple sand patches in the shallows which makes it a great place to work on your navigational skills. The deeper sections have a beautiful wall drop which might intimidate beginners, so West End is more suitable for divers with some experience. It is also common to find night dives occurring here, which provides an entirely different diving experience and the chance to see some nocturnal fish. 

There are a variety of marine species that can be seen in the west end. Green Moray Eels are very common as well as Nurse Sharks, which will swim peacefully alongside you. You may even get the chance to spot turtles as they have been reported in the area. 

Jack Neil Beach

A dive site on the south side of the island that is perfect for beginners is Jack Neil Beach. This is a protected cove which has calmer currents and excellent opportunities for spotting macro life. Not only is it a great dive site but the beach itself is a perfect spot to relax after a morning dive and soak in the clear blue waters. 

At Jack Neil Beach you can encounter amazing marine life like Caribbean Reef Squid, Long Snout Seahorses and Giant Hermit Crabs. If you go deeper off the sand patches you may even find reef sharks and barracudas. Jack Neil Beach is one of the more shallow dive sites in Utila which makes it a great place for beginners but even seasoned divers will have a wonderful time. 

Halliburton 211

One of the best dive sites in Utila is the sunken shipwreck of Halliburton 211. This wreck dive is found on the south of the island on the edge of East Harbour. This site is only used for advanced diving courses or specific wreck diving qualifications, so should only be attempted by experienced divers. 

The Halliburton was purposefully sunk in 1998 to provide an artificial reef and wreck dive for seasoned divers. The wreck lies on a sandbank 30 metres below the surface of the water and is a good place to spot Dog Snappers. As you explore the sunken vessel, you can even swim through its interior for an eerie diving experience unlike any other.

Considering your packing list for any trip is crucial, but planning what to bring on your driving trip to Utila can be a challenge. Below you will find some helpful ideas for what you might need to pack as well as some advice about using dive shops in Utila. 

Diving Schools in Utila will provide all necessary equipment for your trip or PADI qualification and this is included in your course fees. You may wish to bring your own fins, goggles and wetsuit as you will want to ensure these fit properly. If you’re an experienced diver, be sure to bring your certification card and log book as you will need these to go on dives. 

There are dive shops in Utila that will offer a range of diving equipment if you want any specialised gear, like dive watches and buoyancy control devices. You may also want to pick up a dry bag at Utila’s dive shops as this will protect your valuables while out on the water. 

Outside of diving, you will want to pack lightweight clothes that will keep you cool in the warm Caribbean climate. You will also want to bring a hat and strong waterproof suncream to protect you from the harsh rays. Finally, we suggest you pack a quick-drying towel as you will be spending lots of time in the water and this helps keep you dry while on boat trips.

Diving trips in Utilia provide an unparalleled opportunity to see gorgeous marine life and vibrant coral reefs. To help you have the best diving experience, we’ve included some tips and advice in this guide which will be perfect for beginners and veteran divers alike. 

The biggest piece of advice we can give is to always ensure you are covered with travel insurance and dive insurance. Many operators will require proof of insurance before taking on potential divers but it is worth mentioning.  Dive insurance will cover any medical fees incurred from a diving accident so you must have this before your trip. 

Dive schools will include accommodation in their course fees but it is rather simple and is shared with other divers. This may not be a problem for most but you might want to consider booking alternative accommodation in Utila if you would prefer some privacy. 

If you are flying home, make sure that you wait 24 hours after your last dive before you take off. This is because ascending to altitude after diving can result in decompression sickness, which is when large bubbles of nitrogen form in your bloodstream. PADI recommend a period of at least 18 hours if you have undertaken multiple dives, but waiting a whole day will ensure your safety. 

Plus this gives you ample time to explore the tourist offering of Utila and gives you the opportunity to try some exciting activities on Roatan. We recommend visiting the sloths and taking a dazzling snorkelling adventure to round out your trip.

Our final piece of advice is that you should do your best to protect the local ecology and environment. Utila enjoys unspoiled beaches and ecosystems thanks to its remote location and you mustn’t disturb this natural balance. Avoid touching any marine life where possible and practise your buoyancy control to avoid damaging the coral reef.

It is no secret in the diving community that Utila is one of the top diving destinations in the world. The small island has countless dive sites which showcase its incredible biodiversity and has built up a reputation for having some of the most respected diving schools. It is also one of the most reliable places to see whale sharks in the wild, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most divers. 

As you explore the wonderful underwater world that lies beneath Utila’s waters, you will be greeted by all manner of marine life, which makes it a great place for logging dives and spotting unique fish species. Utila promises a diving experience unlike any other, as long as you follow our advice, use a reputable diving school and do your part to protect this beautiful island. 

If you’ve enjoyed this article be sure to check out our other diving blogs like Diving in Raja Ampat and The Best Places to Snorkel in the Mediterranean for more travel inspiration!