Future of liveaboard diving in the Bay Islands?

[Hintermann]

Same boat.

My understanding (which may not be entirely correct) is after Utila Dive Ventures (the umbrella corporation that is Laguna Beach and WAS Utila Aggressor (now defunct) and WAS Utila Watersports (now defunct) was forced to release ownership of the Aggressor after they dropped the Aggressor. Part of the non-compete clause. So technically Troy Bodden cannot be owner of the ship any longer. However, my understanding is he found investors to transfer the title to their name while he will continue to operate it.

Your confusion is understood. Generally his employees are equally confused (not their fault) thus the different answers you have received.

I can assure you the Aggressor (Caribbean Pearl, whatever) has not left the dock since September 27.

Thanks for that. Am I right in thinking then that the present lack of a liveaboard schedule in the Bay Islands is due to adminstrative shenanigans rather than lack of interest from divers? If that is the case, hopefully someone - either the Caribbean Pearl istelf or some other outfit will soon start operations there. Shara at Laguna Beach Resort, who claims to be still involved with booking the trips, seems to think so.

 

[Doc]

I'll answer that from my own perspective and so this is not meant to be a general comment. I have been on 14 liveaboard cruises and several resort based trips and love the former and do not like the latter. I like the easy atmosphere, camaraderie and the lack of hassle on board a liveaboard cruise. No matter how well a land based operation is set-up, there is too much hassle starting the day and between dives. On a liveabaord, everything is where you know it will be and all you have to do is listen to the briefing, plan the dive, suit-up and go.

The Bay Islands has another unusual Liveaboard. This one does not rock. It's called Coco View. It hits all of the concerns you have about land based, plus- it's a year after year consistent product, 24/7/365 diving. It is well known as a sandy-floored liveaboard. It will always present serious competition to any ship.

.... the present lack of a liveaboard schedule in the Bay Islands is due to adminstrative shenanigans rather than lack of interest from divers?

Only if you ignore the statements and oservations propounded in the above thread posts.

It's an impossible business model.



The first Caribbean liveaboard, lying in Roatan, where she spent part of her service. Back when a liveaboard might have made perfect sense.

 

[Sloeber]

On Friday of this week the name "Caribbean Pearl II" was officially added to the ship which was formerly "Utila Aggressor II." On Saturday night it left the dock with guests.

 

[Damselfish]

Saw the Caribbean Pearl leaving a harbor in Roatan early this morning, and again around 3pm looked like it was heading back towards Utila.

 

[zeppelindiver]

Hello all,

I would like to bring to all the posters attention that there IS a liveaboard diving operator in the Bay Islands. We started a liveaboard diving and sailing operation based out of French Cay Harbor, Roatan in February of 2013. We offer private, personalized liveaboard diving trips aboard our 47 foot luxury sailboat with the itineraries and schedule tailored to our guests preferences. We can provide you with access to all the best sites that the local dive shops don't go to as well as the most popular sites near the resorts, but at times of day when no one else is on the site. This is the ultimate in small group diving with a maximum of 4 guests and 2 Instructors to take care of them! For more information check out our website Zeppelin Dive & Sail | Roatan Live Aboard Sailing & Diving Charters