New member needing advice on diving in The Bay Islands of Honduras

[virginiemore]

My husband and I are planning a trip to Honduras to dive this December. We are trying to decide which diving shop/place to use. We are looking for a reliable company with basic accommodation and far from the crowds. We are still hesitating between Utila and the Cayos Cochinos. After studying website, getting e-mails, on my top list I have:

-Captain's Morgan dive center on Jewel Caye (Utila). My question: it seems to be very quiet, which is what we want, but they cannot promise how many dives we will be able to do (maybe just 2) we would like 3-4 every day for a week.

-We are also looking at the Cayos Cochinos: Caribik or Plantation Beach resort?

Any advice on quality of service, quietness... would help!

Thanks

 

[warmwaterturner]

Should you get to Roatan, I really enjoyed the group at Coconut Tree. I was a very new diver at that point and they were very helpful. I had John as my divemaster for a couple of great dives. Check their website for more info.

 

[WonderlustOji]

Cayos Cochinos has arguably the best reefs in the area. If you're looking for quiteness, you can't beat it. You practically have the island to yourselves. There are no other dive operations there, and the only other inhabitants are two local Garifuna villages with small populations and a handful of private vacation homes. Check out Plantation Beach Resort and see if it's what you're looking for. It's a bit rustic, but perfect if you're trying to unplug during part of your vacation.

 

[bonairefans]

We've been to Plantation Beach 4 times. Imagine the Caribbean before the white man arrived...not quite that pure, but close in many respects. The relative hustle and bustle of the neighboring islands feel light years away.

Our stays on Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja date back to '94, but after discovering Cayos Cochinos we have no desire to return to the others.

Roger and his team will take good care of you. Terrific group of people.

 

[flyindiver75]

I am going to be there at Alton's on Utila the end of the month for a couple weeks to complete my divemaster cert. From what I came across doing research for the trip I figured there are going to be more people at Utila, but I too wanted to avoid the crowds I expected to see on Roatan.

Eric

 

[Ste Wart]

I would skip thoughts of Utila, it's a pretty ugly Island and the diving is below par. I'm working and diving on Roatan after checking out the two islands. Roatan's dive sites are healthier, the pace more relaxed and in a much more beautiful setting.