Almost a week in Utila

[RetMTFE]

Got to Laguna Beach last Saturday the 18th. Only eleven divers so I knew it was a good sign. Excellent weather and visibility. The lowest temp on my computer was 86 so the shorty stayed in the bag. Did every dive in shorts and a rash guard.
Tons of critters. Monday between dives, the Cpt spotted a whale shark. We put on masks and fins and sat on the side of the boat. On the second drop, as soon as I looked underwater, it was no more than 20 feet away. We all estimated it was around 25 feet long. One couple was on their fourth trip there and this was the first time they had seen one. Yes, one of the divers got a pic so I'll post it as soon as they send it to me.
Thursday, the weather started turning sour but we still got in four dives. Due to concerns about us getting stuck on the island, they flew us to to San Pedro Sula yesterday morning. The owner was putting us up in a hotel and footing the bill for the hotel and meals. We checked and were able to get out on a flight yesterday afternoon which was probably a good thing even though the storm seems to be moving through pretty fast.
FYI.....Don't know if anyone is into live aboards but they just bought a new Utila Aggressor and it made it's maiden voyage while we were there.
Divemaster Kate and Cpt Wagner....you are definitely the A-Team.
I'm not into War and Peace versions of trip reports so if you want any specifics, feel free to ask.

 

[RetMTFE]

As promised.....

 

[SCUBAKeely]

Got to Laguna Beach last Saturday the 18th. Only eleven divers so I knew it was a good sign. Excellent weather and visibility. The lowest temp on my computer was 86 so the shorty stayed in the bag. Did every dive in shorts and a rash guard.
Tons of critters. Monday between dives, the Cpt spotted a whale shark. We put on masks and fins and sat on the side of the boat. On the second drop, as soon as I looked underwater, it was no more than 20 feet away. We all estimated it was around 25 feet long. One couple was on their fourth trip there and this was the first time they had seen one. Yes, one of the divers got a pic so I'll post it as soon as they send it to me.
Thursday, the weather started turning sour but we still got in four dives. Due to concerns about us getting stuck on the island, they flew us to to San Pedro Sula yesterday morning. The owner was putting us up in a hotel and footing the bill for the hotel and meals. We checked and were able to get out on a flight yesterday afternoon which was probably a good thing even though the storm seems to be moving through pretty fast.
FYI.....Don't know if anyone is into live aboards but they just bought a new Utila Aggressor and it made it's maiden voyage while we were there.
Divemaster Kate and Cpt Wagner....you are definitely the A-Team.
I'm not into War and Peace versions of trip reports so if you want any specifics, feel free to ask.

Thanks for this post! I have a trip to Utopia in Utila planned for Jan 2011. I haven't booked the plane or room yet because I keep hearing "stuff" that concerns me. Our flight would be via Roatan and then the catamaran to Utila with Capt Vern. So, it seems safe enough there? How about the sand flies/fleas?

 

[RetMTFE]

Not sure what "stuff" you have heard and what you mean by safe?
We sprayed with Off and didn't have any problems with the sand fleas. If you don't spray, you will get bitten. Also, a little bit of a breeze makes a big difference.
Utila is all about the diving. Our basic schedule was eat, dive, dive, eat, dive, dive, eat, sleep.
I tend to compare Utila to Key Largo. If you wanna dive, that's the place to go. If you're looking for other "tourist" things to do, go somewhere else.

 

[kpdivers]

We are thinking of going to Utila in March or April. What did you think of Laguna Beach Resort?

I had a couple of questions if I may....

Can you really swim right off the dock form your room? I know it is a mangrove and sometimes those aren't the most favorable conditions.

Does the boat go into town on certain days, or is it once you get there you are there for the week?

Thank you,

Ken

 

[RetMTFE]

We are thinking of going to Utila in March or April. What did you think of Laguna Beach Resort?

I had a couple of questions if I may....

Can you really swim right off the dock form your room? I know it is a mangrove and sometimes those aren't the most favorable conditions.

Does the boat go into town on certain days, or is it once you get there you are there for the week?

Thank you,

Ken

PM sent

 

[Robertcrockett]

post deleted because im a goofball

 

[Robertcrockett]

We are thinking of going to Utila in March or April. What did you think of Laguna Beach Resort?

I had a couple of questions if I may....

Can you really swim right off the dock form your room? I know it is a mangrove and sometimes those aren't the most favorable conditions.

Does the boat go into town on certain days, or is it once you get there you are there for the week?

Thank you,

Ken

Yup you can swim/snorkel easily right off the dock. I did it several times during a stay there as I have a hard time using a pool when beautiful waters are only a step away. Its not the most interesting swim but there is some life and the occasional Ray, lots of non-stinging Comb Jellies (while i was there). If you have a desire to get over to the island then tell the manager and they will arrange to boat you over. I do believe though that after 10pm, they are no longer available to boat you back. I have read in some other trip reports that some have simply towed a kayak across and then used it for their return. Im sure this would work out fine...unless of course you have been downing Rum at CoCo Loco till 3am...then the trip could be quite an adventure...it would be quite a walk (or stagger) back from the town to the lagoon across from the resort. There is really no reason to leave the resort unless like me you just simply enjoy the sights, sounds and smell of baleadas cooking on the street side grills. Maybe go a bit early...or stay a bit longer and get a place in town for a few days as a capper to your Laguna trip. The rooms are simple and extremely cheap and there is no shortage of outfits to dive with. I have stayed at Laguna and i highly recommend it, as well as out on the Cays and in the town proper but when i start to miss Utila...its diving from town that i miss the most. Walking with a bunch of newly acquired mates to eat or to one of the bars or just lounging off the dock at UDC or a hammock at Cross Creek with a Salva in hand. While Laguna is a very nice place to stay for your trip, you do miss out on the communal town "Vibe". If possible I recommend that you take a few days to acclimate to it and enjoy it. In either case, you are sure to enjoy your stay!

PS. Take advantage of the horseback riding offered by laguna. Its an experience all by itself and takes place on the main island.