Tobacco Reef - Utila

Amuula Rock, just off Upolu, is one of our favourite spots for a relaxed dive in Samoa. The reef here isn't about huge pelagics, but rather about the sheer density of reef fish hugging the coral. We've often found ourselves in a kaleidoscope of common lyre-tail cod and six-line wrasse, flitting between the staghorn and leaf corals. It's a site that rewards a slow pace, really letting you observe the smaller details. Keep an eye out for freckled anglerfish; they blend in so well you might swim right past one. The rock itself creates some interesting nooks and crannies, perfect for spotting whitetail surgeonfish or even a shy whitetip reef shark cruising by. While the depth isn't extreme, there's enough topography to explore for a good 45-minute dive. We'd suggest this site for anyone looking for a chill dive with plenty of colourful reef life, especially if you enjoy macro photography or just want to drift and watch the everyday happenings of a healthy reef.

Location
Utila, Honduras, Central America
Coordinates
16.835278, -88.077774
Type
reef

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 Tobacco Reef

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 Tobacco Reef

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