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richhagelin

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Location
Spokane, WA
I am considering making a dive trip to Roatan/Utila for the first time. I have been making twice-yearly trips to Cozumel for the past 15 years but the kids want to do something different.

I would appreciate a basic tutorial on the geography and diving options for the various places to dive in the area.

Thanks,

Rich Hagelin
 
The Bay Island lie about 30 miles North into the Caribbean off of mainland Honduras. There are many islands, but most folks first consider Roatan and then Utila as the most likely options, following with Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos on down the line in terms of visitor count.

The islands are part of the second longest barrier reef system in the world- shared by Belize which is about 90 miles to the NNW.

The Islas de la Bahia lie just South of an active earthquake epicenter underwater fault line. If you are lucky, you may hear a "snap" while underwater, or see the beer bottles jostle on the table!

On Roatan, you can select from several AI resorts, as well as 15+ major day-dive ops that cater to the divers who stay at the many guest house establishments.

There is one heck of a lot of good info right here on Scubaboard Do some searching and more closely define your questions- beyond the literal answers I gave above.

The best way to begin your search: Specifically define for us your wants and needs. Start off with the age groups you have. Are they a 2 a day group or like more diving? How much night diving do they want? Is shore diving a must-have? Do they like to go out for some partying every night, or do they prefer a night dive and bed?
 
I agree with Roatanman - it all depends on what you want to do other than dive.

Topside activities? How many divers? What ages are the kids? All-inclusive or not? What time of year?

If you have been going to Coz for 15 years, it is definitely time for you to go somewhere new!
 
Also depends on what you want to see! The north side of the island and the south side are very very different! North (from what I've read) is more typical caribean diving with bigger fishies and stuff, while the south side is a very luxuriant shallow reef full of tiny (and cool) criters and juveniles. It's the place to take it slow and keep your eyes peeled for, as Roatanman has said before, the "tiny wonders". Most of the dive ops are situated on the north side.

Just another consideration to take into account!:coffee:
 
If you want a really good idea about the diving, check out the videos by Ronscuba, a member here on SB.
he stayed at Cocoview, Roatan last summer:

[vimeo]759433[/vimeo]

[vimeo]759657[/vimeo]

[vimeo]759776[/vimeo]

[vimeo]743480[/vimeo]

[vimeo]759886[/vimeo]

Awesome videos! I hope to get some footage half this good! :D

robin:D
 
Wow, awesome videos! We're going in April and while I was excited before after seeing these I don't know how I'm gonna wait!!
 

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