3 months in Utila

[cthompson309]

My wife and I are planning a 3 month trip to Utila for the sole purpose of getting a few dives in and relaxing. I understand the options for getting to Utila via bus, ferry, puddle jumper but is there any advantage in flying into San Pedro Sula or into Roatan? The price is about the same, just wondering if it really matters.

Also, we're considering staying in a two bedroom place at Sandstone, any reviews or suggestions? Thanks for any input.

 

[scratchmyback]

Nothing constructive to add, but may I say I am completely jealous! Enjoy your trip.

 

[tedtim]

My wife and I are planning a 3 month trip to Utila for the sole purpose of getting a few dives in and relaxing. I understand the options for getting to Utila via bus, ferry, puddle jumper but is there any advantage in flying into San Pedro Sula or into Roatan? The price is about the same, just wondering if it really matters.

Also, we're considering staying in a two bedroom place at Sandstone, any reviews or suggestions? Thanks for any input.

What kind of bus would you take to get to Utila? Wish I could take three months off too.

 

[Scared Silly]

If you fly to Roatan you will have to take either the ferry or puddle jumper to the mainland and the over to Utila. If you fly to San Pedro Sula you can take either a couple of puddle jumpers or the bus to the coast and then the ferry. There is nothing direct to Utila no matter how you go. So in some regards it does not matter where yo fly into.

Because of flight screw ups (which seem common) we had planned to take the puddle jumpers from San Pedro Sula but instead did the bus/ferry. It was okay except we had a to schelp all of our gear around. Given that you are going for 3 months I would suggest doing the puddle jumpers so you are not schelping crap around.

BTW The ferry ride can be rough if the winds are up and the planes may not fly if it is raining.

Also I would highly suggest on planning a few side trips into the interior of the country - we spent a few days at Copan. Definately worth while. Travel by bus with Hedman is first rate. Although they are pretty damn picky about the size of your carry on.

Given all that I would probably fly into San Pedro Sula just because I would want to travel into the interior for a few weeks and I would find a hotel that I could leave all my gear with and travel light.

 

[cthompson309]

Thanks ScaredSilly, I think we are going to explore Honduras a bit while we are there. We need to brush up on our Spanish first!

Where have you stayed at in Utila? Any suggestions on furnished apartments?

 

[itsjustme0770]

You'll have a great time. Utila is perfect if you just want to chill out, dive, catch a bone-fish or two and generally forget about the rest of the world.

We've stayed repeatedly at Slumberland. www.slumberlandutila.com These villas have one of the best shore dives on the island right out front. Great night dive too. Tell Kurt Halverson that Trey sent you if you decide on Slumberland.

You can also check out destinationutila.com. Andi is the proprietor and is very helpful. We've stayed at the Round House listed on their site, but they have some other good looking destinations. Make sure you ask everyone you are talking to about a discount for your months there. Alot of folks will discount for 3 straight months of rentals.

As for dive shops, everyone has their personal preferences. We've been diving with Utila Lodge and BICD (a related shop), UDC and Deep Blue. All were great and we enjoyed our time with each one. We dive off our own boat now...

Have a ball and enjoy the trip. We'll be down in late August, so if you are going to be around let us know and we'll buy you a drink. Cheers

 

[Bombarie]

Hey! Welcome to the board. Just returned from Utila for a week logging 15 dives (yeah I took it easy). Now I am a pretty non-rustic guy myself so may be not entirely representative.....but three months in Utila, I'd be afraid never to get back into real world action ever again! Life is so easy going over there...without the diving, there's nothing else to do but sip a beer in the shade (unless you are of the inventive type and do a DM or IDC traineeship or something....or have other business to attend to). Now that may be just wht you were planning for ofcourse. But if the plan is to see exotic places and exotic fun diving for three months, if that's your plan, gimme a shout and I'll offer some alternative places on the globe to hang out, spend the same amount of cash, and see much more under water (though can't guarantee more fun onshore - Utila definitely has loads of that at least for the youngsters). Just let me know if you want my thoughts - cheers, Arie

 

[Scared Silly]

We stayed at a little cabana and dove with Cross Creek. The cabnana was good enough for a week but not for long term. I am sure there are places though. Enjoy.

PS Pick a copy of the Lonely Planet Guide to take with you.

 

[Bay Island Diver]

It is also possible to sail from Roatan to Utila or Vica Versa. Details at

http://www.bayislandsdiver.com/Getting There.htm

 

[LaCuda]

My husband & I usually go for a month or six weeks every spring. We have rented apartments at many locations, but the last one was a cabana at Margaritaville. It was great, with hot water and an air conditioned bedroom. Lots of apartments don't have hot water. They rent by the week or month so you can probably get a good deal for 3 months. Things are not as busy this time of year. We either dive with Deep Blue or Ecomarine (which is close to Margaritaville). Have fun......wish we were going, too.