Dive Site: Jack Neil Point

About Jack Neil Point

Jack Neil Point is a popular dive site situated on the south side of Utila, Honduras, offering a distinctive underwater experience suitable for all skill levels. The site is characterized by a broad, gently sloping sand patch that begins at just 2 meters and extends down to 40 meters. Flanking this sandy expanse are impressive coral walls, creating a varied landscape for exploration. Divers often refer to the location as 'Bridge House' due to two distinctive houses connected by a bridge on the shore above. The underwater scenery is a spectacle of vibrant coral gardens and rich sponge formations. The site is a haven for a wide array of reef fish, with schools of grunts, snappers, parrotfish, and angelfish frequently observed navigating the coral structures. Additionally, macro enthusiasts will delight in discovering smaller marine creatures such as shrimp, blennies, and various crustaceans nestled among the corals. Visibility here is consistently good, often ranging from 20 to 30 meters, contributing to relaxed and enjoyable dives. Conditions are typically calm, with only occasional mild currents that add a gentle dynamic without posing significant challenges. This makes Jack Neil Point an accessible and rewarding destination for both novice and experienced divers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of Utila's underwater realm.

Dive site facts: Jack Neil Point

Depth

2–40 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

24–28°C

Entry

Boat / Shore

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, wall, sand slope

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras

Coordinates

16.105, -86.96

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Jack Neil Point are typically mild, making it an accessible site for divers of all experience levels. While generally calm, gentle currents may occasionally be present, adding a slight drift without being overly demanding. Visibility is usually very good, ranging between 20 and 30 meters. Divers should be mindful of the significant depth range, from 2 meters on the sand patch to 40 meters along the walls, and plan their dive profiles accordingly to manage gas consumption and decompression limits. Surface conditions are usually placid, facilitating easy boat entry and exit. Awareness of boat traffic is also important, especially near the shore access points.

Marine life & sighting chances

French Grunt

common

Parrotfish

common

Angelfish

common

Sergeant Major

common

Blue Chromis

common

Shrimp

occasional

Blennies

occasional

Crustaceans

occasional

Seahorse

occasional

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Southern Stingray

occasional

Spotted Eagle Ray

rare

Nurse Shark

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Jack Neil Point typically begins with a boat entry, dropping you onto the broad sandy slope that characterizes the site. From the shallower sections around 5-10 meters, you can follow the gentle incline downwards. The route often involves exploring the sand patch for macro life and then transitioning towards the coral walls that frame either side of the slope. Divers can choose to explore the vibrant coral gardens along these walls, descending to depths of 25-30 meters or even pushing towards the maximum depth of 40 meters for advanced divers. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption and planned bottom time, allowing for a gradual ascent back along the coral formations or the sand patch. Safety stops are conveniently conducted in the shallower sections of the reef, providing ample opportunity to observe reef fish before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Jack Neil Point presents excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. For wide-angle shots, consider capturing the expansive sand patch contrasting with the vibrant coral walls, or schools of grunts and snappers moving through the reef; a dome port will be beneficial here. For macro, the site is rich with smaller creatures like blennies, shrimp, and crustaceans hiding in the corals, making a 60mm or 100mm macro lens ideal. The generally good visibility and calm conditions help in achieving sharp focus. External strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or damaging delicate corals, particularly when focusing on macro subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Black Hills

  A seamount dive known for schooling fish and pelagic encounters.

• Duppy Waters

  Features sloping coral gardens with abundant marine life.

• Jado Trader Wreck

  Another local wreck dive for those interested in artificial reefs.

• Jack Neil Bight

  A sheltered site with clear water, sand, and hard coral.

• Half Moon Bay Wall

  A nearby wall dive offering diverse reef structures.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Jack Neil Point is primarily by boat from Utila. The island of Utila is serviced by the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) in Roatan, with subsequent ferry or small plane connections to Utila. Liveaboard trips in the Bay Islands often incorporate Utila dive sites, but most dives at Jack Neil Point are conducted as day trips from local dive operators. While specific permits or fees for this individual site are not typically required beyond standard dive operator costs, marine park fees for the wider Bay Islands National Marine Park may apply. Typical dive excursions last half a day, often combining Jack Neil Point with another nearby site on Utila's south side, providing a comprehensive diving experience.

Safety & environment

Safety at Jack Neil Point is generally straightforward due to mild conditions, but divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance and be aware of their personal limits. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Roatan, necessitating immediate evacuation in case of a serious dive emergency. It is crucial to dive with a reputable local operator who understands the site's conditions and can manage potential hazards like boat traffic, especially when entering or exiting. Always adhere to your planned depth and bottom time, and be mindful of the sloping topography that can lead to deeper depths quickly. Always dive with a buddy and maintain good buoyancy control to protect the marine environment and ensure your safety.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Jack Neil Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Jack Neil Point

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day