Comments/Reviews on Salt and Pepper Whale Shark Trip

[ucrtwf]

Howdy,

We are going to be at FIBR Nov 21-28, and have been looking at the Salt and Pepper one-day excursion to Utila. Short flight, and snorkeling or diving, etc. Has anyone done this? It is advertised on the premise of whale-shark watching, but I suppose the chances of actually seeing one are pretty slim. Are the dives and the adventure worth it? Anyone's opinions/experiences would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Tim and Lisa

 

[diversteve]

Whale Shark season on Utila is Feb-May - peak is Mar-Apr. As of last March when we were there, at least one had been spotted each month the previous year.

There's no diving with them - it's against the regulations. Mostly they're going to be in water too deep to dive in offshore of the island. It's not like you're diving and one swims overhead, but more like a concentrated, multi-boat search to find a "boil" where one might be lurking. Typically when we found one and entered the water, the shark either turned or went deep fast. So most of our 6 encounters were over in about 30secs. And forget about trying to keep up with them, they're moving a lot faster than you can. Our DM/Inst. who does this daily couldn't even get close enough to several of them for an ID. We had one chance encounter where one was vertically feeding so we had a chance to get pretty close to him as he circled around the boat. Our researcher said that was a rare sighting.

It is an epic thing to see however, we're likely going to Belize next May just to do it again.

As expected, Utila diving is very similar to Roatan. If you did a couple of north side Roatan dives, that would be very similar to Utila. The one dive that stands out is Black Hills, but I wouldn't make a special trip for it.

Maybe PM Steve Fox at Deep Blue and ask what they're currently seeing. He runs http://www.utilawhalesharkresearch.com/ there.

Not trying to discourage you, but it's a long day over and back for maybe nothing more than a couple of dives - esp. at this time of year. Both the shark and dolphin dives on Roatan are a better guarantee.

 

[ucrtwf]

Steve,

Thanks very much...exactly the kind of info we were looking for. Do you have any specific operators to recommend for shark/dolphin dives on Roatan?

 

[diversteve]

The shark dive is only done thru Waihuka Divers. They only take bookings from other diveops or a couple of booking agencies in town. I would think that FIBR can book that for you. http://www.sharkdiveroatan.com/

The Dolphin Dive is only done at Anthony's Key Resort. Our diveop made our arrangements but you can call them also. When I did, they told me to just call a couple days before. We were there in early May and that's a slow time for them - we had the dive to ourselves. Of course at $135/dive that may be typical. I've also heard that the snorkel is just as good - maybe better for the interaction.
Roatan Dolphin Dive & Roatan Scuba Diving | Anthony's Key Resort

While at AKR You're only a short cab ride away from the West End also if you get tired of the food at FIBR. IMO most of the more touristy shopping was there - excepting around the cruiseport in Coxen Hole. French Harbour near FIBR isn't much either...lol - we were through it b4 I realized what it was.

On your side of the island Mary's Place was one of the best dives - it's a short boat ride west from FIBR.

Chicagoland huh...I grew up in Riverside.

 

[Diver Tut]

Again, thanks very much....I did find a previous post from you regarding the shark dives...you must get tired of repeating yourself to us newbies! We will definitely investigate the options, and put Mary's Place on the list. We like to keep it pretty loose, but have some destinations in mind before leaving, and being first time visitors, it is hard to decide where to start. We have a tendency to be pretty dive focused....not too much into the touristy shopping, etc., except usually taking the last day pre-flight surface time requirements to pick up some stuff for the kids,etc. Food-wise, we love to find the cheap local fare, if there is such a thing. Honestly, we haven't done an all-inclusive for diving yet. At Cozumel we like to walk into town for the local tacquiera's...can't beat beer and hot delicious tacos stuffed to the gills for $15 per couple. It will be nice not to have to scrounge for food, but I am sure we will want to get away from FIBR for a meal or two. Hole in the Wall Lobster and Steak is on the list to check out...possibly. We are not planning on getting a car, but using a taxi to get anywhere off of FIBR that we might want to go. Is this a practical plan, and reasonable in cost?

We have also looked at, perhaps not seriously, the tourist submarine. The cost is high for our budget, but I am curious. Does it get good reviews?

Yes, Chicagoland....NW Burbs (Cary). Closer to Wisconsin, really, than Chicago, but certainly not Packer's fans!

 

[Diver Tut]

BTW, UCRTWF is Hubby. I was on his login yesterday...not to confuse.

 

[diversteve]

I wanted to do the sub also one day but couldn't work it into our schedule as we dove 3-4 dives/day all week. An instructor told me that there's only been one incident he's aware of, a window cracked at depth, but that was the previous sub.

Cabs are definitely the way to travel. I've read that if you rent a car and get hit - by the time the authorities arrive it will be your fault with witnesses. It's a little disconcerting to have to deal with someone toting a machine gun also.

A cab ride north/south across the island is about $10. - sometimes pp, sometimes per vehicle. It's $8 from AKR to the West End and probably $10-15 from FIBR to AKR. Negotiate in advance. Cabs often go up when the cruiseships dock - esp. if they think you're off one. I had one driver ask me what I'd paid to AKR - he charged me the same going back.

I'd stay out of Coxen Hole at night. I felt the West End was safe to walk around in anytime day/night - there were always locals and tourists on the main road - there's only one way onto FIBR so you won't have any issues there. With all the recent mainland drama, I'm not current on what's changed locally - I'd guess not much unless you take a ferry over to La Ceiba - that might've tightened up a little.

Dining options - mostly in/near the West End as the poster works there: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bay-islands/277785-taste-west-end-roatan.html

We really liked Mavis & Dixie's on the water in the West End but I read it might've recently closed.
They do a decent burger/sandwich at Sundowners bar also, it's right on the water, has an internet cafe onsite, and is a local divers hangout. Rotisserie Chicken further down the road was good also, four of us were stuffed for $21 with food left over. And it's a good spot to people watch.

 

[RTBDiver]

Sorry to get fftopic: But... For just getting away once or twice I would also say a taxi is best way to go. I would however not have any hesitation renting a car if not at an AI or just liking to regularly visit other areas. It's odd that you mention wanting "to find the cheap local fare" though , once you tack on the 20 or more dollars R/T for a cab the "cheap" part is gone. Then figure , what is "local"? The local meal on the island for a large part, often eaten many times a week is simply red beans and rice, boiled plantians and some type of meat, chicken, or fish (often barracuda), or a very basic ballaeda that is simply a tortilla with a thin spread of blended red beans and a sprinkle of white cheese. Probably the best place for real local food is in Coxen hole, the dining counter at the grocery store is as local as it gets. While it is oficcially illegal, probably the most Island festive meal is the Macoy which is a stew of iguana, chicken, island rabbit (agouti), dumplings and some veggies which is quite good. Another very popular meal is "pick crab" which is the cooked meat of the land crabs on the Island. With the bad economy and lack of tourists the people catching the land crabs has gone up dramatically in the last year so we hope they don't get depleted like the iguanas and deer.
Now if simply being cooked and or sold locally is what you strive, there is an Appleby's and Wendy's real close to FIBR

OK:focus:

 

[Diver Tut]

Diversteve and RTBdiver, thanks again. RTB, certainly NOT off topic. You have given me a "taste" of what to look for regarding the whole of the experience, ie, seeking to understand a little of how the folks there really live. Food is, to state the obvious, an integral and essential part of any culture, and to experience the "local fare" on some level, regardless of how simple, or odd, is to seek to connect on some small level, and take away a snippit of understanding of the "real" island life. My goal is not just to selfishly insert myself into someone else's world with no regard for their daily lives, but to take away a memory that has some semblance and compassion for their world as well. And maybe try something that I absolutely LOVE. WOW. Sorry so intense, maybe a glass of wine or two has influenced my ramblings....

So, taxi's will be our preferred method of transpo....no problems there. I am not too into dealing with machine-gun armed police officers, either. We will try as many restaurants as our time/money/desire allow, and thanks to you guys, we have a list from which to start. Trust me, Applebees won't be on that list....

The submarine will probably go on the list of things to do before I die. But on the off chance that we are able to make it happen on this trip, we will definitely post a report!

 

[RTBDiver]

I am not too into dealing with machine-gun armed police officers, either.

In many countries people are often taken aback by the police carryind assault rifles :ar15: or riot guns but the reality to a lot of that is they are cheap and have been easy for the honduran government to buy used in large quantities. I am sure that if someone donated nice clean glock 9mm's , ammunition , holsters and all the goodies then many would have them instead, then they could just be toting semi automatic handguns and "appear" so much friendlier like most police in North America, Many of whome also carry assault rifles and shotguns but they are in the car. Statistically, civillian wise, the rifle is a safer option and from your reaction very well may be better deterent to crime. Many are also intimidated when the police wear camo instead of nice pressed blues but does it really matter?