Emerald Forest - Utila

Emerald Forest, over on Utila’s west side, is a popular spot for a reason. Drop in and you’re immediately greeted by the shallows, where we’ve often seen beginners getting comfortable among some really healthy elkhorn coral formations, starting at about 25 feet. It’s perfect for snorkelers too, with visibility generally excellent. If you’re pushing a bit deeper, the wall drops to around 70 feet, and that’s where you’ll find the usual cast of characters – parrotfish grazing, a few morays peeking out, and the occasional turtle passing by. It’s a solid, easy dive, not overly dramatic, but consistently enjoyable for a relaxed afternoon.

Location
Utila, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.783000, -87.850000
Maximum Depth
shallow attractions at 25 ft (7-8m), main dive around 70 ft (21m)

Best Time to Dive in Utila

The warmest water temperatures in Utila occur in September, averaging 30.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.3°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.3°C
  • April: 27.9°C
  • May: 28.6°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.2°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 30.0°C
  • October: 29.9°C
  • November: 29.1°C
  • December: 28.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Utila

Nearest Dive Centres to Emerald Forest

Marine Life in Utila

Home to 214 recorded species including 173 reef fish, 18 hard corals, 10 other, 6 sharks & rays, 2 jellyfish, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Emerald Forest

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, currents 21 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories