Diving in Utila

Utila is the smallest of the Bay Islands in Honduras; however, it offers big adventures. In fact, the diving here has been voted better than doing so in Roatan by many experienced divers, and this island has the advantage of being way less crowded. This also one of the most economical places to dive in the Caribbean. Utila is most famous among divers for its whale shark sightings, which don’t occur seasonally, but all year-round. You can arrange specific whale shark trips with local operators targeted on finding and snorkeling with these gentle giants. Whale shark sightings are not the only common significant animal encounter in these waters; you can see curious, friendly dolphins that pop in during your dive. You can find over 100 named dive sites, which means you will find the perfect dive site for every level of diver. You can drift along sheer walls dropping off hundreds of feet (30m) into the dark blue abyss, sail along coral-filled seamounts, and cruise colorful shallow reefs. The best way to reach most dive sites is by speedboat; however, liveaboards leaving from Utila are also an option. Don’t miss out on the unique night dive experience dubbed “dark dive” where you can watch “strings of pearls” glow in the darkness.

The descriptions provided here are intended as general information and personal experiences related to specific dive sites and locations and should not be construed as definitive advice or recommendations. Before diving, please confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location, and comply with all relevant local laws, regulations, and posted signage. The responsibility for verifying the legality of the dive and assessing any associated risks rests entirely with you.