Utila is consistently rated high as a snorkel destination- calm waters, great reefs, easy access. A recent article by Away.com rated Utila as one of the top 10 snorkel destinations in the world!
For boat snorkeling, most dive shops will welcome you on their dive boat, but best to arrange in advance to set up for a more shallow site suitable for snorkeling.
But a boat is not needed! One of the great things about Utila is that you can experience great snorkeling right from shore. A couple of great spots exist- for starters, grab your mask, fins, and snorkel, and head down to
- Blue Bayou: in front of Coral View Resort. They have a great double story dock, and will charge a minimal ($2usd) dock fee to use their dock for the excellent snorkeling less than 30 yards from their ladder. If you buy food or drinks, the incredibly sweet Ms. Tania will normally waive the dock fee. Coral View is in Blue Bayou, which is about 1/2 mile past the public beach Chepes. You can also go just a little bit further to the Blue Bayou Dock Complex. Its all pretty fabulous down there.
-Off Old Airport, by Sandstone Apartment: Nice walk off, though you’ll want to go behind the building, as it can be a bit “urchin-y” directly out front. You’ll see dive buoys, which actually go along the whole stretch of the “old airport”.
-South Shore: Most folks won’t see much of South Shore, as its boat access only, but for the few visitors who rent houses on this side (or stay at one of the all inclusive resorts, Laguna Beach, Deep Blue, or Utopia) will have fantastic options for snorkeling right out their front door. Literally lined with dive sites, the entire South shore has a fabulous wall running along its entire front.
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Snorkeling is a great way to see Utila's reefs!
