DM training in Utila - help!!

[Abbidabbi]

Hi,
Am Advanced Open Water, want to do my DM somewhere in Central America...have heard lots of conflicting opinions about Utila, so have come for some much needed advice! Is Utila somewhere that can offer any accommodation/package/divemaster-in-training type of deals? Any good recommendations? Also, whats the lifestyle like, anyone lived there for any period of time? I'm female, 20 and probably going solo...want to meet fun, relaxed people who love to dive!!is utila the place?
any advice on other areas in central america would be very welcome
abby x

 

[CODMAN]

Abby, from what I've read (I've only been to Roatan) Utila would probably fit your description. Utila gives a lot of high level DM, Instructor certifications and is considered to be one of the cheapest places to do it. I'm sure if you search a bit, you'll find dive resorts able to give you a package deal on that (you will also need to do the EFR and Rescue diver courses first). Just search a bit. I can't recommend anyone, but UDC (Utila Dive Center) seems to be very course oriented. The beat on Utila is very laid back and relaxed, and seems to be very Young/ backpacker oriented. And obviously, it's dive oriented. It would probably be very close to what you're looking for. Roatan is reputed to have a bit more night life/ above the water activities to offer. Especially in West end. Might be an option if you want to party...

Anyways, I hope this helps a bit and that any other more knowledgeable Boarders will add/ correct any info I have given you!

Cheers!

 

[Bay Island Diver]

Have a close look at Coconut Tree Divers in Roatan. They offer accomodation deals for divemaster.

 

[Cudabait]

Abby,

Take a look at Utila Official Site - Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras - Tropical Island Paradise. Chjeck out the pathways to the various dive ops, ect. Also check out the various options for lodging. Check out Hans at Ecomarine, Andy Phillips at Utila Dive Center, and Phil at Deep Blue Divers. They all have excellent intern programs can help with lodging, and you can get in a ton of diving.

Regards,

 

[Abbidabbi]

thankyou guys, happy diving xxxx