I did my IDC at BICD in Utila and loved every minute of it. My class had 4 students and lots of personal attention. Unfortunately, a lot of the people including one of the best IDC instructors around has left. I used BICD because Peter Wilcox (the IDC instructor) answered my emails quickly and accurately and I asked lots of questions. I believe Peter is now on Roatan at Subway. He is terrific.
Even though I did my training at BICD, I would not hesitate to recommend Andy at UDC. Both places do an excellent job in my book. I met Andy during my IDC and found him very friendly and professional.
There will be little comparison in cost of living between the two places. Utila is just a lot less expensive overall. I'm sure there are some places on Roatan where you could live but for the money, they won't be as nice as Utila. You don't need and can't get a car in Utila. You don't need one. You can walk everywhere. In Roatan, unless you are in West End, you'll need occasional transportation.
There is tremendous turnover in Utila because the pay for DM's and Instructors is next to nothing. You should not have problems finding work as long as you don't plan on making any money. If you work really hard, you can make just enough to survive. The reason is simple - competition. Divers often pay less than $20 a dive and you can't afford to pay people much when this is all you can charge.
I lived in both Roatan and Utila for 4 months each. I'd choose Utila any day over Roatan if money is an issue. If not, Roatan is much more developed and there are more choices for food, clothes and basics. Utila is extremely limited and you just have to make do. The island is almost all divers or dive professionals that are all very friendly. I was one of the oldest people on the Island but got along extremely well with all the younger divers. The night live is excellent if you're into that.
Best of luck whatever your choice.
Even though I did my training at BICD, I would not hesitate to recommend Andy at UDC. Both places do an excellent job in my book. I met Andy during my IDC and found him very friendly and professional.
There will be little comparison in cost of living between the two places. Utila is just a lot less expensive overall. I'm sure there are some places on Roatan where you could live but for the money, they won't be as nice as Utila. You don't need and can't get a car in Utila. You don't need one. You can walk everywhere. In Roatan, unless you are in West End, you'll need occasional transportation.
There is tremendous turnover in Utila because the pay for DM's and Instructors is next to nothing. You should not have problems finding work as long as you don't plan on making any money. If you work really hard, you can make just enough to survive. The reason is simple - competition. Divers often pay less than $20 a dive and you can't afford to pay people much when this is all you can charge.
I lived in both Roatan and Utila for 4 months each. I'd choose Utila any day over Roatan if money is an issue. If not, Roatan is much more developed and there are more choices for food, clothes and basics. Utila is extremely limited and you just have to make do. The island is almost all divers or dive professionals that are all very friendly. I was one of the oldest people on the Island but got along extremely well with all the younger divers. The night live is excellent if you're into that.
Best of luck whatever your choice.
