Dive Site: Blackish Point

About Blackish Point

Blackish Point is a captivating shore-drift wall dive located on the north side of Utila, offering a unique blend of volcanic rock formations, soft corals, and an intricate network of caves, overhangs, and crevices. This site caters to divers who appreciate a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to meticulously scan the reef structure, discover hidden macro life, and enjoy a gentle drift. It stands out as one of Utila's less crowded north-side locations, making it ideal for those who prioritize exploring topography, shadows, and critter hunting over high-speed encounters. The dive site features a reef top at approximately 11 meters, transitioning into a main wall that descends to around 18 meters. Beyond this, a second reef section slopes further, reaching depths of up to 27 meters. While historically known for abundant Black Groupers, which are now less common, the site still hosts a vibrant array of marine species. Its moderate depths and mild currents make it accessible and rewarding for a wide range of diver experience levels. Blackish Point is best enjoyed by patient divers with excellent buoyancy control, especially when navigating the various overhead environments. The conditions, including mild currents and occasional lower visibility, encourage a slower, more deliberate exploration of the wall and its intricate features. This site truly shines for those seeking a tranquil and detailed underwater experience.

Dive site facts: Blackish Point

Depth

11–27 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

18 m

Entry

Shore / Boat

Level

Beginner / Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, drift, macro, cave/overhang

Region / port

Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras

Coordinates

16.087, -86.878

Conditions & Currents

Blackish Point is characterized by mild currents, making it suitable for a relaxed drift dive along the wall. Divers can expect a gentle, consistent flow that aids in covering the site's extensive features without strenuous finning. Entry is generally simple, often via shore, though boat access from Roatán is also common. Buoyancy control is crucial, particularly when exploring the numerous caves and overhangs, as low visibility can occasionally occur. This site rewards slow reef scanning and careful macro hunting, making it less about fighting currents and more about controlled exploration.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Lionfish

common

Moray Eel

common

Nudibranch

common

Parrotfish

common

Stingrays

occasional

Spotted Drum

common

Spiny Lobster

common

Midnight Parrotfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Blackish Point typically begins with a shore entry, transitioning into a gentle drift along the north-side wall. The reef top sits at about 11 meters, gradually descending as you follow the wall. Divers explore a series of volcanic rock formations, overhangs, and crevices, often discovering various macro life tucked within. The main wall reaches around 18 meters before a second reef section slopes further to 27 meters. The dive encourages a slow, methodical pace to appreciate the intricate structure and search for critters. The turn point is flexible, determined by air consumption and current, usually leading to a gradual ascent along the shallower reef, with the safety stop conducted in the 5-meter range amidst the reef top.

Underwater photography

Blackish Point is a macro photographer's dream, with its intricate volcanic structures, caves, and crevices providing countless hidden subjects. A macro lens is highly recommended to capture nudibranchs, small crustaceans, and juvenile fish. For wider reef scenes and the wall topography, a wide-angle lens can be effective, especially when natural light is abundant. Due to potential lower visibility and overhead environments, good lighting—either natural ambient light or a powerful strobe—is crucial. Excellent buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing delicate corals and to maneuver safely within the tight overhangs and caves without stirring up sediment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Duppy Waters

  Another northside Utila wall dive with a shallow reef top and dramatic drop-off.

Getting there & logistics

Blackish Point is located on Utila, one of Honduras' Bay Islands. Divers typically fly into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) on Roatán, then take a ferry or smaller plane to Utila. Alternatively, you can fly into La Ceiba on the mainland and take a ferry directly to Utila. Most trips to Blackish Point are organized by local dive shops in Utila, often as part of a multi-dive day trip, with boat travel lasting around 45 minutes from main diving hubs. No special permits are required for diving here.

Safety & environment

Safety at Blackish Point requires diligent buoyancy control, especially when navigating the overhead environments of caves and overhangs. Divers should be mindful of occasional low visibility, which can make spatial awareness challenging. A dive computer is essential for monitoring depth and bottom time. The nearest recompression chamber is located on Roatán, necessitating a potentially lengthy evacuation from Utila in case of a serious dive emergency. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended for all divers visiting this region.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Blackish Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Blackish Point

These liveaboards may visit Blackish Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day