Advice on Roatan vs. Utila

[Rainer]

Stating the first stages of looking into a trip to either Roatan or Utila, and looking for information of diving in both. If anyone can reply to the following questions, or simply point to relevant links, I'd be most appreciative.

(1) General impressions of Roatan and Utila diving. Differences, similarities? Preferences? Why?

(2) General impressions of staying in Roatan and Utila (yes, this is obviously dependent on WHERE one stays on each, so looking for overall impressions). Preferences? Why?

(3) Estimation of costs associated with a week of staying and diving at each (assuming 3-4 boat dives daily, and if possible, shore diving at night)? Again, clearly this will differ by operator, but just looking to get a general sense of costs assoicated with staying and diving at these locations.

(4) Differences in marine life between the two?

Any information that can give me a better impression of what to expect wrt the diving at each would be great. Thanks!

 

[halocline]

Go to http://www.bayislandsdiver.com/

There's a page that lists differences between the two islands as a diving destination.

 

[hopefulist]

We split 3 weeks between Utila and Roatán last summer and loved both. IMO it's easier to find cheap lodging and food options on Utila and it has a very dive-oriented, backpacker feel to it. Roatán has some inexpensive options, too, but more high end stuff available, and more to do when you're not diving - interesting villages, a little shopping, some great hiking, a zipline, etc. Roatán has much better beaches and, though we'd been warned about sand flies both places, we had steady breezes and only saw them one morning. In my limited experience the diving is excellent both places. The dive sites don't require as much boat time, in general, on Roatán, but, depending on when you go, whale sharks are a possibility from Utila.

You really can't go wrong if you're mainly going to dive day and night. If you want to explore a bit when you're not diving I'd pick Roatán. The mainland has some wonderful thiings to offer, too, by the way; let me know if you're interested and I'll send along our travelogues. Happy trails!

 

[itsjustme0770]

Sorry, bayislandsdiver is too biased for me. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but great options on both spots to have such a harsh commentary without a similar "critical eye" towards the issues on Roatan.