The Maze is a Turtle Harbour site on Utila's north side, named for the maze-like channel that cuts through the reef. Average depth is around 12 metres, with the top of the reef shallower at about 4.6 metres, and the shadowed cuts in the coral hold the small animals that an open reef top does not. Past the buoys the sandy bottom opens into deeper water.
Where it is and how deep
16.1097° N, 86.9507° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The dive is built around the channel. You follow the cuts through the reef at an average depth of about 12 metres, with the top section shallower at roughly 4.6 metres for the end of the dive, and the route back and forth through the coral is what gives the site its name. Past the buoys the sandy bottom opens out into deeper water, so keep the reef alongside you if you want to stay shallow.
Look for triggerfish along the way, queen triggerfish among them, and use the shadowed sides of the channel for everything else. Because much of the site sits in shade, lionfish, lobsters, spotted drums and scorpionfish are all findable here, usually tucked under a ledge rather than out in the open. A torch helps even in the middle of the day, and it is worth swimming slowly enough to look into the cuts rather than straight through them.
Marine life and season
- Macro critters
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good |
Season follows Utila: March to May is dry, clearest and best for whale sharks; October and November bring the heaviest rain and some runoff.
Questions divers ask
Is The Maze suitable for beginners?+
Yes. Average depth is around 12 metres and the top of the reef comes up to about 4.6 metres, so the profile stays within Open Water limits. The one thing to watch is that the sandy bottom opens into deeper water past the buoys.
Sources
- The Maze - Utila — Scubago
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