Utila has built a world famous reputation for the quality of its SCUBA diving. With an incredible range of habitats from caves to pinnacles, shallow patch reefs to sheer drop offs, the waters around the island have locations for all levels of experience and personal preference...

As the southern extent of the Meso-American Barrier reef, the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the Bay Islands archipelago, Utila is an intregral part of a connected reef system. As a result its waters play host to an incredible array of marine life as well as attracting migratory animals close to shore such as whale sharks, dolphins, pelagic fish and turtles.

Supporting Research and Conservation
The dive industry on Utila supports up to 85% of the economy of the island and is inextricably linked to the status of the coral reefs. Realising this, and after witnessing the patterns of global decline in the condition of reefs worldwide, the owners of one dive shop, Utila Dive Centre, decided to take proactive action.

As a consequence, Utila Dive Centre has provided unwavering support for the aims and objectives of UCME and has been of great assistance in accelerating the establishment of the organisation. Whilst fully understanding that to be effective UCME has to be independent and autonomous, Utila Dive Centre has helpfully provided logistical and technical support that has enabled UCME to grow rapidly and allowed it to begin to fulfil its mission statement.

Utila Dive Centre continues to demonstrate its commitment and support of research and actions that are urgently needed to protect the delicate ecosystems around Utila. UCME hopes that other dive shops and businesses will follow and become directly involved in the conservation and management of the island on which their businesses are based.