safe, friendly and most dives for the money Utila Dive shops?

[Robertcrockett]

Seems as if im dominating the utila boards lately.....

Anyone have any recommendations for the Dive shops on Utila...Friendly, fun and safe with the most dives for the money. I have heard some good reports on Captain Morgan's and emailed them a few times..they have always been quick to reply and very courteous. I plan on taking my advanced open water in Utila as well as trying to get in 30+ dives in the month im there.

tell me all your utila dive shop stories..good and bad.


Thanks
Robert

 

[ncchuck]

All the shops in Utila are great. You can't go wrong with any of them. I used BICD - Bay Islands College of Diving. I liked the location, the staff, the other students, the equipment, the boats and the facilities. They were professional but also a lot of fun. You should easily get in more than 30 dives if you don't spend all your time drinking and exploring. No bad experiences during my 3 month stay in Utila becoming a DM and Instructor. I always tell people the worst thing about Utila is having to leave. Some don't!
They have some sort of association on Utila so all the shops have nearly identical prices. Specials sometimes include housing at discounted rates but housing is really cheap on Utila anyway.

 

[James Bond boat entry]

I dived with Captain Morgans, the captain of their dive boat is a good guy and will make a good effort to spot whale sharks, also he interacts with the customers. They have a hotel out on the Keys and you would be missing something if you didn't stay out there for at least a few days.

 

[Cudabait]

Seems as if im dominating the utila boards lately.....

Anyone have any recommendations for the Dive shops on Utila...Friendly, fun and safe with the most dives for the money. I have heard some good reports on Captain Morgan's and emailed them a few times..they have always been quick to reply and very courteous. I plan on taking my advanced open water in Utila as well as trying to get in 30+ dives in the month im there.

tell me all your utila dive shop stories..good and bad.


Thanks
Robert

Robert, The best thing to do is arrivie on the island and look around at all the shops. Talk to the instructors. There is a big turn around in instructors. You can walk from one end of main St to the other in half hour. Try to avoid locking yourself in to a particular shop before you get there. Then, if you're not happy, you're out the $$. I've spent years on Utila. Speak with Hans or Marion at Ecomarine/Gunthers or with Jungle Jim at BICD (Bay Islands College of Diving) They will all work with you as far as package deals on diving and instruction. You will be amazed at the lodging rates that both operations can help you ontain. You can feel free to mention my name.

 

[Robertcrockett]

Thanks so much guys!, and i appreciate the heads up Cuda...its stuff like this that turns a good trip into a great one!

 

[leadweight]

I was pretty happy with UDC when I was there a few years ago.

 

[boastud]

When you say cheap lodging, how cheap?

 

[angelh]

I recommend you check out Alton's Dive Shop. I did my open water and advanced course there. The staff are wonderful, the equipment is good, and the whole social aspect of the place makes for a great community if you are traveling alone. Check out their awesome double-decker dock!

 

[kathydee]

Hi there,

Not all shops on Utilia are the same! Many of the cheaper shops dive the same spots on the south side over and over, some don't even pay reef fees. Many of them load the boats with classes. It pays to stick to a better shop! I saw some pretty scary practices at one of the the cheap shops, lots of failing gear, dm's who got lost, etc. (but you can PM me & I will gladly share the names of shops known to be lower quality).

Diving on the N side of the island is the best. I believe Captn Morgans might be the least expensive ride to the N every day. I liked diving with them & loved staying on Jewel Kay for a few days. They are friendly, but the rental gear is old - bring your own reg. If you have your own gear ask about a discount at any shop. 10 dives = discount. You can also ask about long-tern reef park pass - which might help your costs depending on how long you plan to stay.

BICD, UDC, Altons, Utilia Water Sports all seemed great. I dove with Captn Morgans & UDC which were both great in their own way.

Don't go to the cheapest shops. Paying a few dollars usually = better serviced gear.

Have fun!