Halliburton Wreck

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Halliburton 211 is a 30-meter (100-foot) cargo supply vessel that was deliberately scuttled in 1998 by the local diving community and authorities in Utila. The ship was thoroughly cleaned of environmental hazards and prepared specifically to serve as an artificial reef, designed to attract marine life and provide an accessible wreck diving location close to the island’s main harbor.

The wreck sits perfectly upright on a flat sandy seabed. The maximum depth at the propellers and the hull rests at precisely 30 meters (100 feet). The upper structures, including the wheelhouse and the mast, rise to approximately 18 meters (60 feet) below the surface. Because the primary points of interest and the seabed lie at 30 meters, the Halliburton is strictly classified as an advanced dive. It is not an appropriate location for the basic shallow water training of an open water course. However, for divers undertaking their Advanced Open Water certification or those researching the best places to learn introductory wreck protocols, the Halliburton serves as the quintessential deep training dive in Utila.

The Dive Experience

One of the significant advantages of the Halliburton is its extreme accessibility. The wreck is located just outside Utila’s main harbor, meaning the boat ride from almost any dive center on the island takes less than ten minutes.

Divers typically descend a permanent mooring line that attaches directly to the bow or the wheelhouse. Because the ship is relatively small, a standard dive profile allows enough bottom time to circumnavigate the entire hull at 30 meters before slowly ascending to explore the upper deck and wheelhouse. The currents in this protected area are generally mild, and visibility averages between 15 and 25 meters. Water temperatures remain highly comfortable year-round (27°C to 29°C). As noted in tropical travel and packing guides, standard warm-water exposure protection is all that is required.

What You’ll See

Since its sinking over two decades ago, the Halliburton has transformed from a barren steel hull into a thriving artificial reef ecosystem. The ship’s structure is heavily encrusted with hard corals, vibrant tube sponges, and swaying gorgonians.

The wreck acts as a magnet for marine life seeking shelter on the otherwise featureless sandy bottom. The interior of the wheelhouse and the open cargo holds are frequently packed with massive, swirling schools of glassy sweepers and small snappers. Divers peering into the darker crevices and pipework can reliably locate large green moray eels and the occasional spotted moray.

The sponge growth covering the railings and mast provides excellent opportunities for macro photography; sharp-eyed divers can spot tiny arrow crabs, various species of blennies, and brightly colored nudibranchs. Occasionally, southern stingrays or spotted eagle rays can be seen gliding across the sandy seabed surrounding the wreck.

Planning Your Dive

Because the ship was intentionally prepared for divers before sinking, many of the hazards associated with historic shipwrecks (such as tangled wiring and collapsing bulkheads) were removed. The doors were removed and wide holes were cut to allow safe, ambient-light penetration through the bridge and cargo holds for properly trained divers. However, standard wreck safety protocols still apply; divers should monitor their air consumption closely at 30 meters and maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid kicking up silt inside the structure.