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Explore the North Side of Utila

Diving in the North Side of Utila is a thrilling adventure, especially suited for advanced divers seeking to explore the depths of the ocean. Known for its deeper dives and impressive shipwrecks, this area offers a unique underwater landscape that promises both excitement and discovery. One of the highlights is CJ’s Drop Off, a popular dive site featuring plummeting cliffs that create awe-inspiring wall dives. The dramatic drop-offs here cater to those who love the sensation of descending into the blue abyss. In addition to CJ’s Drop Off, Willie’s Hole presents another remarkable diving opportunity.

As you swim through a vast open cave in the coral wall, you encounter a series of fun passages perfect for exploration. The North Side of Utila is teeming with diverse marine life, from vibrant coral gardens to the graceful movements of larger pelagic species. Whether you’re diving from the shore or joining a liveaboard excursion, the combination of natural beauty and underwater adventure makes diving in Utila an unforgettable experience. Seasonal variations bring surprises, from whale shark migrations to colorful fish schools, ensuring each dive remains unique and captivating.

Upcoming Events

Utila, Bay Islands Honduras March 13th - 20th, 2027

Utila, Bay Islands Honduras March 13th - 20th, 2027

Utila, Bay Islands Honduras March 13th - 20th, 2027UtilaBay Islands, HondurasMarch 13th - 20th, 2027_____________________________________________________________Hosted ByWoods & Water Outdoor SportsCenter124 Edwards Ave.Brandon, Fl. 33510(813) 684-0122woodsandwaterosc.com______________________________________________________________________________________________About UtilaUtila is the smallest of Honduras’ Bay Islands. This region marks the south end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (2nd largest barrier reef in the world.)The island was formed by volcanic activity and the highest point on the island is Pumpkin Hill, at 243 ft. The island has a population of around 3500 people.The beautiful waters surrounding Utila are home to an amazing array of aquatic marine life and lush tropical reefs. There are more than 80 dive sites around the island teeming with life and Utila is known as “Whale Shark Capital” of the Caribbean (while not guaranteed of a whale shark sighting the trip is scheduled at the beginning of whale shark season). The island of Utila is on the list of “The 100 Places to Dive, Before You Die.” This tiny bay island is often overlooked by tourists. Utila is where you go when you want authentic Caribbean life without the crowds, world-class diving, and a warm and welcoming community. The island’s vibe is distinctly casual and welcoming, attracting backpackers, divers, and nature lovers. With its mix of coral reefs, jungle trails, and multicultural community, Utila delivers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. While not a major cruise port like nearby Roatán, Utila occasionally welcomes smaller ships and private vessels, oering a relaxed and intimate island experience. The port area near Utila Town is compact and colorful, with dive shops, beach bars, and local eateries lining the waterfront.About the ResortUtila Lodge is the largest built-out-over-the-water structure on the entire island. No matter where you are on resort property, the Caribbean is splashing just a few feet below you. Located right in the center of town which gives guests easy access to the local shops and restaurants. It’s small, only 8 rooms, which have queen and double sized beds. Each room has it’s own private screened in porch. All have air conditioning, ceiling fans, wi-fi, and cable TV. The amenities provide a perfect rustic Caribbean setting for your vacation.utilalodge.comBecause Utila Lodge only has 8 rooms, and we usually have a larger group on our trips we also have secured rooms at Igloo Island Domes. Only a 2 minute walk to Utila Lodge the iconic domes and comfortable rooms are designed to immerse you in the island’s natural beauty while providing a private, peaceful retreat amid lush tropical gardens.iglooutila.comAll meals and the dive boat are located at Utila Lodge.Vacations are made easy with our packages; you won’t have to worry about a thing for the duration of your stay. From dinner on the night of your arrival to breakfast on the morning of your departure, we’ve got you covered. Your delicious meals are built around your diving schedule and are varied so you will not get bored of the cuisine. On the dive boats, you’ll be treated like royalty. Every morning and afternoon, your tanks and gear will be waiting for you all set up and ready for the next adventure. Ice cold water and fresh fruit will be available to you on each set of dives.Package Details (based double room occupancy):7-Night All-Inclusive Diver Package- 6 days of 3 boat dives per day, including 2 night dives (2 days will be 2 day dives and 1 night dive)- 6 days of 3 full meals, plus dinner upon arrival and breakfast before departure- Use of tanks, weights, and belts- Complimentary welcome cocktail and bottle of wine- Local transfers to and from the ferry dock- Ferry to and from RoatanNot Included:Airfare to RoatanGratuities, Nitrox upgrade, incidental purchasesCosts -$1945 per person, based on double occupancyNon-Divers $1300.00Single room supplement add $400.Again, ferry to and from Roatan is included. Airfare to Roatan not included.Deposit / Payment Schedule:$200.00 deposit, per person, to secure your spot$1000.00 payment by October 15th, 2026Final balance by December 31, 2026Above prices does not include airfare.Add 3.5% for credit card payments.Refund / Cancellation Policy for hotel and diving:Cancellation before October 14, 2026 - full refund of any monies paid, less $150.00 cancellation fee.Cancellation after October 15, 2026 but before December 31, 2026 - refund of 50% of monies paid towards trip less $250.00 cancellation fee.Cancellation after January 1, 2027 no refunds or credits of monies paid.Re-bookings, refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused travel.Failure to make payments on the above stated dates will be considered as cancellation by you and penalties stated above, will apply.With any travel, we highly suggest travel insurance, that will cover you for unforeseen circumstances such as sickness, job loss, hurricanes or “I just changed my mind” that would warrant your trip cancellation.Travel / Trip Insurance can be purchased through, but not limited to:Divers Alert Network -dan.orgDive Assure -diveassure.comWith many trip policies, the “cancel for any reason” must be purchased within 24 - 48 hours of your initial deposit. You are responsible for knowing your trip insurance policies.Are you ready to go? If so, complete the registration forms and get us your deposits to secure your spot on our next adventure!

Woods & Water, 124 Edwards Ave, 33510, Brandon, FL, USA
March 13, 2027
$1,945.00

Dive Activity

Diving in North Side of Utila

Utila's North Side offers a captivating dive experience with diverse sites perfect for both shore and liveaboard diving. One of the highlights is the Halliburton Wreck, a popular dive site that attracts enthusiasts with its intriguing history and vibrant marine life. The wreck sits upright, providing an excellent opportunity for exploration and photography. Another notable site is Black Hills, renowned for its underwater pinnacles and the abundance of schooling fish, making it a favorite among shore divers. For those seeking a unique experience, night diving in the North Side reveals fascinating nocturnal behaviors of marine creatures like octopuses and lobsters. The balance between shore and liveaboard offerings ensures that divers can enjoy flexibility in their adventures, exploring the vibrant coral reefs and diverse ecosystems at their own pace. The region's variety of dive sites and experiences makes it a must-visit for any diving enthusiast.

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in North Side of Utila

Utila's North Side offers excellent diving opportunities year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F. These warm temperatures make diving comfortable throughout the year. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, providing clear conditions for underwater exploration.

Diving is possible all year, but from October to December, divers may encounter stronger winds and currents, potentially affecting dive plans. However, these conditions rarely disrupt diving activities. The rest of the year generally offers calmer seas and minimal currents, making it ideal for divers of all experience levels to enjoy the rich marine life and stunning coral reefs.

Top Wildlife Sightings in North Side of Utila

The North Side of Utila offers a vibrant tapestry of marine life, making it a captivating destination for divers. Among the coral reefs, common encounters include colorful reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These species are abundant year-round, providing a constant spectacle of underwater activity.

Seasonal highlights add to the allure, with whale sharks occasionally gracing the waters primarily between March and April, offering awe-inspiring encounters. Sea turtles are frequently seen throughout the year, especially in nesting seasons, from May to September. Additionally, eagle rays are often spotted gliding gracefully, particularly in the cooler months, making the North Side of Utila a dynamic and rewarding dive site.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

280 Sightings
J
13
F
9
M
43
A
34
M
43
J
24
J
45
A
20
S
8
O
14
N
19
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

170 Sightings
J
7
F
4
M
18
A
8
M
32
J
26
J
16
A
22
S
8
O
13
N
9
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

28 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
10
J
0
J
4
A
2
S
2
O
0
N
2
D
0
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

27 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
1
A
5
M
0
J
8
J
1
A
7
S
0
O
3
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

24 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
3
M
5
J
0
J
9
A
0
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

17 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
4
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
3
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

15 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
3
M
0
J
0
J
8
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

362 Sightings
J
17
F
26
M
52
A
47
M
59
J
27
J
44
A
26
S
30
O
11
N
5
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

306 Sightings
J
14
F
19
M
55
A
26
M
26
J
13
J
43
A
24
S
22
O
20
N
19
D
25

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

290 Sightings
J
17
F
22
M
42
A
44
M
38
J
20
J
33
A
25
S
18
O
9
N
12
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

126 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
14
A
19
M
28
J
19
J
12
A
18
S
5
O
1
N
0
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark

107 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
10
A
7
M
18
J
4
J
18
A
16
S
4
O
8
N
13
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

105 Sightings
J
13
F
5
M
11
A
11
M
3
J
6
J
11
A
8
S
7
O
18
N
6
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

94 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
8
A
22
M
10
J
15
J
21
A
8
S
0
O
2
N
2
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

93 Sightings
J
5
F
5
M
15
A
1
M
6
J
9
J
8
A
15
S
8
O
8
N
2
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

60 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
3
A
6
M
4
J
5
J
12
A
8
S
9
O
4
N
3
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

59 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
13
A
13
M
11
J
6
J
5
A
5
S
1
O
3
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

51 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
6
A
0
M
10
J
3
J
2
A
4
S
6
O
5
N
2
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

47 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
3
A
4
M
15
J
8
J
11
A
0
S
2
O
3
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

45 Sightings
J
6
F
5
M
0
A
8
M
11
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
4
O
4
N
4
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

42 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
3
A
3
M
0
J
7
J
4
A
3
S
3
O
11
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

36 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
17
J
3
J
5
A
0
S
7
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

26 Sightings
J
3
F
4
M
3
A
0
M
7
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
4
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Lobster

Lobster

26 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
4
A
3
S
0
O
8
N
2
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

18 Sightings
J
4
F
3
M
5
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
5
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

16 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
5
J
3
J
4
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

13 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
4
J
0
J
3
A
5
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

12 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
5
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner