Dive Site: String of Pearls

About String of Pearls

String of Pearls is a unique nocturnal phenomenon observed during night dives at Ted's Point, a dynamic site on Utila's south side, within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Ted's Point offers varied topography, transitioning from a sandy bottom at 18 meters to an east-sloping wall descending beyond 30 meters, while the western side remains shallower around 18 meters. The site also features an intriguing artificial reef: a deliberately sunken sailboat that now provides a habitat for marine life. Daytime diving here reveals a rich diversity of species, including brown garden eels swaying in the sand, various sponges, tunicates, and young brain corals. Encounters with free-swimming moray eels, permits, and groupers are common, and yellowhead jawfish often peek from their burrows. Southern Stargazers are typically found camouflaged in the sand, while eagle rays and possible hammerheads may be sighted along the dramatic wall. The site is accessible by boat, typical for Utila, and can present dynamic conditions. While generally suitable for experienced divers, it offers versatility for both macro photography and broader reef explorations. The "string of pearls" bioluminescence makes night dives particularly special, adding another dimension to the marine life experiences.

Dive site facts: String of Pearls

Depth

18–30+ m

Current

Mild to moderate surge

Visibility

Up to 30 m

Water temperature

24–29°C

Entry

Boat access

Level

All levels (buoyancy control important)

Dive type

Reef, wall, macro, night dive

Night dive

Possible (primary attraction)

Region / port

Utila, Honduras

Coordinates

16.0780° N, 86.8650° W

Conditions & Currents

This site, located on an open reef point, can experience dynamic conditions with moderate surge often present along the wall's edge. Currents are typically mild, but divers should be prepared for potential movement, especially on the exposed point, requiring good buoyancy control to prevent contact with delicate corals. Visibility generally extends up to 30 meters, though it can fluctuate with weather patterns. Entry is exclusively by boat, making precise buoyancy management essential during descent and ascent. Divers comfortable with these dynamic conditions will enjoy the site, but gas planning should account for the slightly more exposed environment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Bioluminescent string of pearls

common

Octopus

occasional

Brown garden eel

common

Moray eel

common

Permit

common

Grouper

common

Yellowhead jawfish

common

Southern Stargazer

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Hammerhead shark

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at String of Pearls, which refers to night dives at Ted's Point, typically begins with a boat entry onto a sandy bottom at around 18 meters. From this initial depth, you can explore the east-sloping wall, which descends beyond 30 meters, observing vibrant coral heads and marine life that changes under moonlight. The western side of the site offers a shallower exploration at approximately 18 meters, ideal for longer bottom times. During night dives, the main attraction is the bioluminescent "string of pearls" phenomenon, along with nocturnal creatures like octopuses emerging to hunt. The turn point is determined by air consumption or planned dive time. Ascent generally follows the reef, with the safety stop conducted in the shallower reef areas, typically around 5 meters, before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Ted's Point, including its "String of Pearls" night phenomenon, offers excellent photographic opportunities. For wide-angle shots during the day, use a fisheye or wide-angle zoom to capture the expansive reef and sloping wall, leveraging visibility up to 30 meters. External strobes are highly recommended to restore lost colors at depth. For macro photography, particularly during night dives, a 100mm macro lens is essential to focus on intricate details of garden eels, jawfish, and especially the bioluminescent "string of pearls" and nocturnal invertebrates. Buoyancy control is paramount, particularly in areas with moderate surge, to ensure stability and avoid disturbing the delicate reef or blurry night shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Hole in the Wall

  Hole in the Wall is a celebrated dive site in Roatan, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second-largest…

• Coco Sea Mount

  Coco Sea Mount is a distinctive offshore dive site near Roatan, characterized by its isolation and exposed blue-water environment.

• Black Coral Wall

  Black Coral I and II are prominent dive sites within Cuba's renowned Jardines de la Reina marine reserve, an area celebrated for its…

• Odyssey

  The Odyssey is a significant artificial reef located off Roatan's northern coast in Honduras, deliberately sunk in 2002 after sustaining…

• Coral Garden

  Coral Garden is a significant dive site in the Dominican Republic, featuring an impressive brain coral that has thrived for over 400 years…

• The Point

  The Point is a dynamic dive site located in Roatan, Honduras, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, the second-largest…

Getting there & logistics

The String of Pearls (Ted's Point) is located in Utila, one of Honduras's Bay Islands. Access to Utila is typically via international flights to Roatán (RTB), followed by a ferry service, or domestic flights from mainland Honduras (La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa). Daily direct flights to Roatán are available from the USA (Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta) and Canada (Toronto, Quebec). From Europe, connections usually involve Madrid or London. Most dives in Utila, including Ted's Point, are conducted from boats, as shore diving is limited. Dive trips are often arranged through local dive centers, typically lasting an hour with multi-day packages available, and may be combined with other sites around Utila and Roatán.

Safety & environment

For diving at String of Pearls (Ted's Point), comprehensive dive insurance is highly recommended given its location in the Bay Islands. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Roatán. Evacuation in a dive emergency would typically involve boat transport to shore, then potentially air or sea transfer to Roatán for medical assistance. Site-specific hazards include moderate surge at the exposed reef point, requiring excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with the reef. Night diving adds an element of reduced visibility; ensure proper lighting, buddy adherence, and familiarity with the dive site. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and maintain awareness of your surroundings and air consumption, especially during night operations.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

String of Pearls FAQ

Liveaboards diving String of Pearls

These liveaboards may visit String of Pearls on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day