Availability of gear in Utila

[Grogan]

I am heading to Utila soon and have been considering buying a new BCD for a while.
What is the range of gear (and cost) like on the island? I know there are a lot of dive shops, but is there a broad selection of BCD's? I don't mind buying second hand, but don't want to leave my trusty BCD at home and get there and have to rent due to limited options.

Cheers
Grogan

 

[KeithG]

I think you will want to rent or bring your own.

Utila is NOT a shopping destination. In general it is considered a backpackers mecca. Cheap and cheerful (with a very few exceptions - see below).

The latest census "guessed" the whole island at approximately 2500 people. I claim there will be lots of gear to rent. Not sure you will want to buy any of it? Choice will be extremely limited.

We traveled there for the first time last August and stayed at a world class luxury resort: Utopia Village. We had tours of both utila town and pigeon caye. Not much shopping happening other than every day basics.

 

[diversteve]

i'm only aware of 1 retail outlet on Utila - it doesn't mean there aren't others since i also stayed at an AI resort out of town. I'd have to think some of the dive colleges also sell gear but IDK.

Diveshack - Diveshack

You might have a little better luck on Roatan - an hour ferry ride over. There's a Mares Factory store in West End , I believe Barefoot Divers is a stocking Scubapro dealer - at least they had a lot of their stuff in the store. Some of the other shops we stopped at/looked into had some gear for sale also - some are also a desk, maybe a classroom and a boat across the street.

I've seen Brefoot's shop but they were still setting it up then so not all the inventory was in place.

The ferry drops in the West End near the Mares store - Barefoot is on the south side about a $20 cab ride over so maybe contact them first. Barefoot is also a smaller boutique resort so don't expect much.

I'd personallly buy locally before going to the Bay islands if you want some selection.

 

[Grogan]

Cheers for the replies.
I had figured it may be light on, similar to the islands off Indonesia.
Will hunt one down before heading off.