Need info on Laguna Beach Resort, Utila

[CUunderH2O]

Has anyone stayed at Laguna Beach resort in Utila? I stayed at Fantasy Island in Roatan last year and I liked it because of the easy shore diving and the variety of sealife. Apparently Laguna beach has shore diving too, but it says the reef is 150 yds from the beach. Does anyone know whether they have a line to follow out, or is it a surface swim? I've also heard the reefs are in better shape in Utila than in Roatan. Can anyone confirm that? (at least for that location). What's the shore dive like at this resort (good variety of sealife)? I'd be satisfied to go back to FIBR this year, but if Utila has healthier reefs, I'd go to Laguna beach instead. Any other inexpensive options are welcome. Also, is Laguna Beach more for couples or will my buddy and I(we're not a couple) make some new friends?

 

[tvictory]

We were there three years ago and liked it very much. We found the visibility better than Roatan and the reefs were in great shape. They do a 2-tank AM dive and a 1-tank afternoon boat dive. If you want, you can do a drop-off dive as the boat is returning. They'll drop you on a wall that runs to the point where you turn to head in. That point was clearly marked with what amounted to an underwater signpost in about 50 feet with a big arrow pointing the way (and marked with the appropriate compass heading). It is a pretty good kick to the dock, much of it over a sandy bottom in very shallow water. It wasn't a problem to pop up and do a visual check and confirm your bearings. When you get there, someone drives out to the pier to take you and your gear back to the boat dock area on the lagoon side. We never did a pure "shore" dive where we went out and back from the pier, but it was available if you wanted. I think more people would do it if there was a line to follow out and back.

I saw someone from Laguna Beach at a dive show in December and was told that they have laid out a new shore dive where you enter and exit at a point right near the clubhouse. I doubt if it's any closer to the reef but maybe they've staked it out with good markings.

 

[CUunderH2O]

Thanks for the info, tvictory! Sounds like a great place & well-organised. I was more concerned about having a line during night shore dives, although i suppose we could always run our own line out there. Having a compass heading on the sign is a great idea!