Dive Site: Ted's Point

About Ted's Point

Ted's Point, located on Utila's south side in the Bay Islands of Honduras, offers a dynamic dive experience within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The site features a varied topography, starting with a sandy bottom at approximately 18 meters, which transitions into an east-sloping wall. This wall reaches depths of over 30 meters, while the western side remains shallower, around 18 meters. A prominent artificial reef at Ted's Point is a deliberately sunken sailboat. Its owner, finding it stripped after leaving the island, opted to transform it into a habitat for marine life, adding an intriguing man-made element to the natural reef. Marine life at Ted's Point includes a diverse array of species. Divers can observe brown garden eels swaying from the sandy bottom, various sponges, tunicates, and young brain corals adorning the reef. Encounters with free-swimming moray eels, permits, and groupers are common. Yellowhead jawfish often peek from their burrows, and Southern Stargazers can be found camouflaged in the sand. Night dives here unveil a unique biological phenomenon known locally as a "string of pearls," where tiny bioluminescent beads of light flash through the water column, creating a memorable spectacle. These nocturnal excursions also increase the chances of spotting octopuses as they emerge to hunt. Ted's Point is accessible via boat, typical for diving in Utila, as shore diving options are limited. The site is generally suitable for experienced divers, as suggested by some reports of dive masters allowing divers independence underwater after navigation instructions. While specific current information is not extensively detailed for this site, the varied topography and wall sections suggest potential for different current conditions. The presence of a sandy bottom and wall makes it a versatile dive, appealing to those interested in both macro life and wider reef explorations.

Dive site facts: Ted's Point

Depth

18–30 m

Current

Mild to moderate surge

Visibility

30 m

Water temperature

24–29°C

Entry

Boat access

Level

All levels (buoyancy control important)

Dive type

Reef, wall, macro, wide-angle

Region / port

Utila, Honduras

Coordinates

16.078, -86.865

Conditions & Currents

Ted's Point is situated on an open reef point and can be quite dynamic, with moderate surge often present along the wall edge. Currents are generally mild, but divers should be prepared for potential movement, especially on the exposed point. Visibility typically ranges up to 30 meters, though it can be influenced by weather conditions. Entry is usually via boat, and buoyancy control is critical to avoid contact with sharp corals, particularly when navigating surge. The site is suitable for divers comfortable with these conditions, and gas planning should account for the dynamic environment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

occasional

Grouper

common

Jackfish

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Snapper

occasional

Stingrays

occasional

Sweetlips

occasional

Grunts

occasional

Yellowhead Jawfish

common

Garden Eel

occasional

Permit

occasional

Stargazers

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Ted's Point typically begins with a boat entry onto a sandy bottom at approximately 18 meters. From here, you can explore the gently sloping wall that descends further, reaching depths beyond 30 meters towards the east. The dive usually progresses along the wall, observing the vibrant coral heads and marine life. The western side of the site offers shallower exploration, maintaining depths around 18 meters, which is ideal for less experienced divers or for extending bottom time. The turn point is determined by air consumption or planned dive time, after which you'll gradually ascend along the reef, with the safety stop conducted in the shallower reef areas, usually around 5 meters, before a surface interval.

Underwater photography

Ted's Point offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or a wide-angle zoom to capture the expansive reef, the sloping wall, and large schools of fish. Visibility up to 30 meters provides ample light penetration for vibrant reefscapes. For macro enthusiasts, a 100mm macro lens will be ideal for focusing on the diverse smaller inhabitants like garden eels, jawfish, and various colorful invertebrates hidden among the corals. Pay attention to buoyancy, especially in areas with moderate surge, to maintain stability and avoid disturbing the delicate reef. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, combating color absorption at depth.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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…

• Mary's Place

  Mary's Place is a legendary dive site situated on the southeast side of Roatán, Honduras, renowned for its dramatic topography.

• El Aguila Wreck

  El Aguila, meaning "The Eagle," is widely regarded as Roatan's premier wreck dive.

• Half Moon Bay Wall

  Half Moon Bay Wall is a celebrated dive site located directly off the beach in West End, making it exceptionally accessible for all divers.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Ted's Point is exclusively by boat, typically as part of a guided boat dive trip or a liveaboard itinerary originating from Utila or Roatan. Divers usually fly into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) in Roatan, then connect to Utila via a smaller flight or ferry. Alternatively, La Ceiba's Golosón International Airport (LCE) provides access to ferries to Utila. Liveaboard trips often combine Utila sites like Ted's Point with others in the Bay Islands, offering multi-day diving experiences. Day trips from Utila dive centers are also a common way to visit. No specific permits beyond standard dive certifications are typically required for this site, as it's a standard guided reef dive.

Safety & environment

Safety at Ted's Point requires awareness of boat traffic and maintaining excellent buoyancy control to prevent contact with sharp corals. Moderate surge can be encountered along the point and wall, necessitating preparedness for dynamic water movement. It is crucial to follow the instructions of your dive guide and adhere to local marine area regulations. While Roatan has recompression chambers, evacuation from Utila can be complex and may require air transport, underscoring the importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Always dive within your certified limits and be mindful of your depth and no-decompression limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ted's Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ted's Point

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

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31.1 m

$309/day