CJ's Drop Off

CJ's Drop Off sits on Utila's exposed north shore, inside Turtle Harbour Marine Reserve, where a 5-9m coral plateau drops into a wall falling to roughly 300m, though the recreational reference depth is 40m. A mooring buoy anchors divers above brain coral and tube sponges, with sand channels cutting small canyons between gorgonian gardens. Beginners work the drop-off edge at 6-12m, reef on one side, blue on the other; the sheer face suits advanced and technical divers. Expect barracuda, jacks, spotted eagle rays, goldentail morays, spiny lobster and king crabs in wall crevices, plus a real, unpredictable chance of whale sharks. North-facing exposure suggests current runs stronger here than Utila's sheltered sites. Best March through September, dry season, calmer and clearer water.