Utila, Honduras is a Top Spot to Scuba Dive
The Bay Islands’ Ideal Diving and Certification Destination
Jan 30, 2009
Scuba diving is a notoriously expensive activity, especially for divers who wish to dive or get certified in an exotic locale. Fortunately, budget travelers do not have to abandon their dreams of underwater adventure. Utila, Honduras is a cheap and fun option for cost-conscious divers.
The Bay Islands, Honduras
Situated in the Caribbean Sea, off the north coast of Honduras, are the Bay Islands of Roatán, Guanaja, and Utila. For over 200 years, Britain almost exclusively controlled the islands, finally ceding them to Honduras in 1859. Consequently, English, as opposed to Spanish, is the preferred language of most islanders.
Thanks to their location along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (the second largest barrier reef in the world, behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef), the Bay Islands attract divers and snorkelers from all over the world. The reef is home to stunning coral formations and captivating aquatic life, and both Roatán and Utila are popular destinations for water-based activities. However, inexpensive and beautiful Utila tends to appeal to young, budget-minded international travelers intent on learning to dive.
Scuba Diving on Utila
Easily the smallest of the three Bay Islands, Utila has an approximate population of 6,000. For its size, Utila boasts a variety of interesting and economical restaurants, bars, and lodgings, all within walking distance of the dive shops. Located about 18 miles (29km) from the mainland, the easiest way to reach Utila is to take a ferry from the coastal town of La Ceiba. The Utila Princess is scheduled to leave twice a day and the ride lasts a little over an hour. Note that departures may be cancelled due to low demand or inclement weather. (The rainy season lasts from November to February. March and August are the hottest months.)
Utila is dedicated to the teaching of scuba diving (some people arrive with no experience and leave dive masters or instructors). Dive shops (such as Cross Creek and Utila Dive Center) are mostly associated with PADI, and specialize in professional and recreational courses. Price-fixing means that all schools charge about the same for classes and fun dives (around $260 for Basic and Advanced Open Water Diver Courses, including two-four fun dives). In addition, shops often offer students discounted or free accommodations (typically bunk beds, cold showers, shared bathrooms, use of the kitchen, etc.). Thus, competition is based on the quality of equipment, instructors, fun dives, accommodations, and personality. Shop around before committing to a dive center.
Divers can expect to see beautiful corals, angelfish, yellow tail snappers, electric eels, seahorses, and more. Lucky divers may have the chance to swim with dolphins, or catch a glimpse of the largest fish in the world, the infamous whale shark. (The best times for whale shark spotting are March-May and August-October.) There is also a shipwreck, The Haliburton, which can be explored by qualified divers.
Who Should Visit Utila
Learning to dive should be the priority for all visitors to Utila, as there is not much else to do on the island. Two beaches (one public, one private), a movie theater, Internet cafés, and snorkeling trips offer alternatives to students in need of a rest. There are also a number of cays located a short boat ride away, including a few available for private rental. Partying is perhaps the second most popular activity on the island, and at times Utila can feel like a scuba summer camp. More tranquil and serious divers may feel uncomfortable with Utila’s youthful, social atmosphere. However, Utila is unbeatable for people looking for a good time and great diving at an affordable price.
 |
 |
 |
