A few Utila questions

[FettSolo]

Hey folks,

I've rather spontaneously decided to head to Utila in a week. Going to be there for about two weeks, diving with Utila Dive Center (UDC). A few queries:

1) Can someone outline the various ways of getting to/from Utila if one is either a) flying into San Pedro Sula, or b) flying into Roatan's airport? I've found a mass of contradictory information online.

2) The submersible on Roatan - has anybody done it? Worth doing? I've been thinking of flying into Roatan so I can factor that into the trip.

3) Any recommendation of a place to stay for the two weeks I am on Utila? Something close to UDC would be nice, but also would prefer something cheap.

4) Recommendations on places to eat?

If this helps with the travel info, I will probably fly to Honduras either Nov. 2nd or 3rd, and fly out either the 19th or 20th.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PatW]

I have been to Utila. I went from Roatan. From Roatan, there are three ways that I know of to get to Utila. The first is the ferry which is affectionately known as "the vomit comet". I have heard that the ferry is new now and not as grim as its predecessor. The problem with the ferry is it goes from Roatan to the mainland and then to Utila. There is a catamaran that goes from Roatan to Utila. It is not horribly fast but I understand it is a pleasant way to go. There is also a private air service from Roatan to Utila and it is not cheap.

 

[laurenceh]

if you fly to sps and arrive by 1.30pm you can fly to utila on sosa or cm airlines for around $210 rt (i recommend using alice hill at worldwide travel on utila to book these flights.
if you fly to roatan you can either sail over with capt. vern on his catamaran the nina elisabeth (leaves at 1pm daily from coconut tree divers) $110 rt or fly over with island air for around $220 rt. i prefer sailing with vern as you'll often see dolphins and/or whale sharks, pilot whales. however its not good if you're prone to sea sickness and with rainy season just started it may be a bit of a wet voyage.
the best hotel near udc is the lighthouse inn ($50ish) or udc can get you accommodation at their hotel the mango inn ($10-55 depending on type of room and if you're taking a course with udc).
best food on utila is in no particular order, skid row, tranquilla, driftwood, mango inn, r.j.'s.
for lunch i like camilla's bakery and at dinner time it turns into pizza nut which is good.

 

[FettSolo]

Thank you for the replies! I decided to fly into Roatan and take Vern's catamaran both ways. Those food recommendations will especially come in handy

How about recommendations for accommodation and food in Roatan? I will probably sleep one night there on the way back.

 

[diversteve]

I think you'll have a problem getting to Vern before 1PM the same day as your flight - unless you ask him to wait for you. I thought I'd read somewhere he left at 2PM - which would still be close.

The reason is the United flight (assuming it's your 2nd flight thru IAH) arrives at 12:10. Immigration can take the better part of an hour - it has twice for us. There's usually 2-3 planes arriving at the same time and it's a small airport. It takes 10-15mins. just to get off the plane unless they open the back doors - we're 1for2 on that so far. It depends on how many flights of stairs are available. I'd suggest you book a seat near the front if possible.

Our 2nd trip we were behind another flight that had arrived a few minutes b4 us. Lines were backed up outside onto the tarmac. There's 4 lines but both times there were only 2 Immigration officials working. Get in the right line, the line curves to the right inside so it's the shorter, often faster line. I waited about 15mins. longer than my friends the 1st time.

Customs is easy, usually someone runs your bags thru a scanner and you don't stop. The West End is. a 30min. drive (across the width of Roatan and a little west) from the airport. Vern leaves from the CTD dock - where the main road enters the West End. Add it all up and 1PM isn't very likely. For your return, there's a cab stand there also.

It might be a good option to stay over in the West End on your way out since there's some affordable options there, do the sub dive (or dive locally) and eat there. Sundowner's is a dive bar, Argentinean Grille is a steak place that's reasonable. Coconut Tree has studio cabins for $45/nt. and there's cheaper options including a hostel at Chillies. Options: Accommodation on Roatan Afaik there really isn't a hotel near the airport so the West End might be the nearest reasonably priced option anyway. Everything I've named is close together. It's a fixed price $20 cab ride from the airport.

We did the ferries - the Galaxy leaves Dixon Cove at 2PM. Dixon Cove is 10-15mins. by cab from the airport. Even with the Immigration delay we were there b4 1:30. First class is a few $ more and buys you A/C and a drink upstairs. It goes to La Ceiba on the mainland and docks right next to the "vomit comet" - the Princess. We connected with time to spare and were on Utila by 5:15PM. Back is easier, the morning ferry leaves Utila at 6:20 and you're on Roatan by 10:45.

Roatan Ferry, La Ceiba Ferry | Safeway Maritime
Utila Princess - Utila, The Bay Islands, Honduras

Have you priced the sub? 1000' is $400 - it's also based on double occupancy. During a week in the West End - where the sub is docked - I never saw it in the water - I checked often as we walked past it since I was also very interested. I'm guessing you've seen this: http://www.stanleysubmarines.com/submarine/

 

[laurenceh]

vern leaves at 1pm but if he knows your flight schedule and has to wait a few minutes (say if you land at 12pm), he's cool with that. so much better than having to take the ferry over to the mainland and then to utila. vern plays great music and has beer!!!

 

[FettSolo]

I actually land on Roatan at (roughly) 915am. So, that should give me plenty of time to make it to Vern! I appreciate the concerns, though.

There is another person taking the sub on the 19th, doing the Lophelia Reef trip (site has the details, you've probably seen it), so I can hop in with him. Cost is $1200. I know it is not cheap, and I am not made of money by any means... but it just seems like a really amazing, one-of-a-kind experience.

 

[diversteve]

but it just seems like a really amazing, one-of-a-kind experience.

That's what I thought also. But we were there during a slow week and none of my friends wanted to go. While I have faith in the technology, it's not a very professional looking operation at first glance.

It appears there either is - or soon will be - one on Curacao soon also. Substation Curaçao

 

[laurenceh]

i used to hear and read a lot of very favorable comments 4-7 years ago and i've seen some great photos taken from the sub over the years but its been very quiet re. reviews/mentions in recent years. i seem to remember he had some kind of problem re. his lease/use of dock/real estate title, issue a couple of years ago and i think he was closed during the legal wrangle. sorry i can't be of more help but would love to hear a review, i often thought it sounded like fun and should give it a go.

 

[JohnN]

i used to hear and read a lot of very favorable comments 4-7 years ago and i've seen some great photos taken from the sub over the years but its been very quiet re. reviews/mentions in recent years. i seem to remember he had some kind of problem re. his lease/use of dock/real estate title, issue a couple of years ago and i think he was closed during the legal wrangle. sorry i can't be of more help but would love to hear a review, i often thought it sounded like fun and should give it a go.

I was on the island last week and can confirm the sub is still operating. Two folks staying a Cocolobo went on a 6-gill shark hunt on the sub U$1500 each is too rich for my blood though.

An interesting sidebar is the old sailboat parked near the sub. Apparently the sub needs to dump ~200 lbs of lead on each dive. The sub owner carves lead out of the keel as needed. Otherwise he has strung a rope and rigged the mast so it hangs over the water. Instant water park for the local kids