Utila Aggressor--experiences?

[capybara]

Has anyone been on the new Utila Aggressor yet? What is the boat like and how's the diving out there? I assume the trip is now better than the old Bay Islands Aggressor. I'm trying to decide between Belize, Utila and Turks & Caicos Aggressors--which one has the best diving and weather in April? Also, do we need antimalarials for Utila and Belize? Are the no-see-ums and mosquitoes a problem on liveaboards or only on land?

 

[Damselfish]

no one has yet - it doesn't start running until Feb06. It was delayed in New Orleans by Katrina. Supposedly the boat was not damaged but they are using it for other things.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Isn't Arpil the whale shark time in Utila? Seems like the whale shark time would be the time to do the Utila Aggressor.

The price is pretty good. Is that because it's new?

 

[Damselfish]

I've been on the Sun Dancer in Belize twice and bugs never a problem on the boat. On land mosquitos can be a problem. One time was in November and they weren't much a problem in town or at the airport, but we went to the zoo which is a distance away from town and kind of jungly, and you definitely wanted to cover yourself in bug juice. The second time was in May and they were horrible in town and even at the airport. We hung out in the lobby of the hotel by the dock before going to the airport and got eaten alive, so we went to the airport early and even the airline employes behind the counter were complaining like crazy and whipping out giant cans of bug spray. I got the impression it was abnormally bad at the time.

 

[Batfish]

I was really surprised to see that Aggressor are starting a Utila Aggressor. I stayed in Utila for about 18 months and loved the island and the diving and for the life of me can't see why you'd need a fancy liveaboard there. You have several small resorts such as Utila Lodge, Laguna Beach, Deep Blue, the diving is all close by. I wonder if they'll fill the boat up?

 

[Doc]

I was really surprised to see that Aggressor are starting a Utila Aggressor. I stayed in Utila for about 18 months and loved the island and the diving and for the life of me can't see why you'd need a fancy liveaboard there. You have several small resorts such as Utila Lodge, Laguna Beach, Deep Blue, the diving is all close by. I wonder if they'll fill the boat up?

Only if they aggressively use the boat as a real liveaboard.

This was the downfall of the BIA, they just never moved her off of the moorings used by the AI's. Tough sell at 3x the price of an AI.

There is a lot of diving in the Bay Islands that is not being covered (yet) by the existing dive ops. Remember that Roatan is 30 miles long (by 2 miles wide) and that fact alone isolates the North & West (top) from the South (bottom)- much less one end from the other. Liveaboards enjoy the waters of the lee South for most of the year- and there are many, many exciting dive opportunities from French Harbour all the way East to (and including) Guanaja.

An aggressive program would include the Sea Mounts, Utila, Cayos Cochinos and sites on down to Guanaja, as well as the North side if weather permits. Then, maybe even an occasional itin to Cisne (Swan) Island.

If she just motors around Utila and makes a visit to Mary's Place on Roatan, there had better be dancing girls after dinner.

Basing it in Utila was a marketing move. Everyone associates Util with Whale Sharks and the name of the island distances the ship from the memory of previous BIAggressor.

Fuel prices and desire for long term success will dictate. There is one SB member who will be working for the U Aggressor.

Search here?

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=99313

 

[Utila Simon]

Hi,

can help you one or two bits...

Antimalarials- Not required on the island.
No-see-ums- Can be experienced several hundred meters off shore when winds are just so, but I would say not an issue for a live-aboard (in my opinion).

Not seen it around here yet, although I saw the BIA around. They cannot use the standard moorings that are in place for the island, they have their own moorings which makes me suspect that they will continue to use these in the future. perhaps this means that they will not necessarily go anywhere different??

In any case, enjoy...

Simon

 

[2 Bar]

I'm on the Feb 25 departure.

 

[carolhd]

Just returned from Utila, I agree with previous posts, if the liveaboard is just cruising within eye sight of the island, not worth the extra expense of a liveaboard when there are great places to stay like Utila Lodge, that will get you to the same sights and provide great accomodations and meals. Just something to keep in mind, luggage arrival to the island is frequently a problem, it's okay if you are staying at a resort and your luggage arrives a day or two late, but if you are setting sail on a liveaboard, not so okay. Pack as lightly as possible and make sure you bring a well stocked carryon, you can always rent gear and get by on your vacation, but it's tough to rent a bathing suit and clean undies.

 

[ed3362]

How was your trip on the Utila Aggressor? Any Whale Sharks? Did the boat go to Roatan area too?
Thanks, Ed