Scuba Diving in Utila

Top Five Dive Sites In Utila

• CJ's Drop Off: Near Turtle Harbour, on the north side of the island, these dramatic coral cliffs sink about 5m (16 ft.) to 300m (984 ft.) -- one of the biggest vertical drops in the entire Caribbean. The walls are teeming with sea life. There's a chance to see stingrays, moray eels, and hawksbill turtles.

• Halliburton: Sunk by divers, for divers. This large wreck, submerged in 30m (98 ft.) of water, is covered in brightly colored sponges and coral, including fireworms found on the deck. Moray eels are often seen around the hull of the ship, while groupers and barracudas can be seen all around it.

• Stingray Point: Two reef walls sprinkled with canyons and topped by a coral garden come together at this site on the western end of the island. Spotted eagle rays and stingrays can often be found in the sandy channels here. Large sea fans and soft coral plumes are particularly copious in the area.

• The Maze: This north-side site is defined by the wide canyon and a significant wall drop (40m/131 ft.). Elkhorn coral and star coral are matched in beauty by the variety of plant life, such as sea fans and rope sponges. The famous Willy's Hole, filled with glassy sweepers, is also found here.

• Black Hills: Black Hills, a large seamount with steep drop offs, is about 1.5km (1 mile) off the south shore of Utila and home to a vibrant array of sea life such as hawksbill turtles, queen angelfish, thousands of blue and yellowtail wrasse, horse-eye jacks, sea horses, and spadefish. Sea fans, whips, gorgonians, and other sea plants litter the site.