Utila Aggressor II Captain's Logs

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor II Captains Report

Log Date: Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Entry By: Utila Aggressor II Crew

Saturday, January 21st

The sun was shining as the ten guests for the week stepped aboard the lovely Utila Aggressor II, and they looked around in awe at the luxury that surrounded them. The friendly crew was ready to help them get set up at their own personal dive lockers. There was also a variety of cold drinks and appetizers for them to enjoy. After relaxing and getting settled into their luxurious quarters, everybody gathered in the bright salon for a Captain’s and Safety briefing. For dinner Chef Reggie had prepared delicious barbecue chicken, potato salad, breadfruit, and green salad, with apple crumble for desert. That evening the guests enjoyed some wine, as they sat around the hot tub under the starry night sky. Everybody was filled with anticipation for the coming week.

Sunday, January 22nd(Visibility: 50-70ft; Wind: E 14 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

Excited to begin exploring the underwater meca of the Bay Islands, the guests gathered together in the morning for a dive and deck briefing. We started off the day at a fabulous site called The Great Wall, where the guests were surrounded by beautiful soft coral. While observing a tiny juvenile smooth trunkfish, a large green moray eel swam up to us and just stayed right next to one of the guests for a little while. It was incredible. For lunch we had a variety of savory, homemade pizzas, as we headed to a special site called The Pinnacle. While there the guests were amazed by the lobsters hiding in a crack in the coral, and the cryptic teardrop crab in a tube sponge.

That afternoon Captain Nestor spotted a nearby whale shark feeding at the surface. Thrilled by this opportunity, the guests put on their masks and fins and prepared to see the largest fish in the ocean. Captain Nestor did an expert job of carefully maneuvering the yacht close to the whale shark without scaring it away, which allowed the guests to jump into the water right by it four times. This was a once in a lifetime experience, which provided some breathtaking photos and video footage.We finished up the day at a site called Spotted Bay on the North side of Utila. We saw some sea biscuits, a juvenile conch buried in the sand, and a juvenile octopus came out to play at the end. It was a priceless way to end the first day of diving.

Monday, January 23rd(Visibility: 50-70ft; Wind: E 15 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

The guests arose to the tantalizing scent of pancakes, eggs, and bacon drifting through the salon. After enjoying their meal, they prepared for the upcoming dives. We started out at a sea mount called Cannery Bank, a stunning site where we found an itsy bitsy juvenile spotted drumfish, a scorpion fish, and a couple rock beauties hanging out together under a small ledge.It looked very cozy.From there we ventured to another sea mount off the southern portion of Utila. This site was Bonnie Banks, and we had two great dives here. While here we discovered a couple queen angelfish, a large white spotted filefish, and a few non-stinging comb jellies. Later that afternoon we headed over to Jack Neil’s Reef, where we had a splendid dive discovering all the critters hidden in the sand. Not only were there upside down jellyfish adorning the area, but we found some peacock flounders and a big yellow seahorse. That night Instructor Naja did a fish identification game with the guests. It was a hilarious way to end a great day on the Utila Aggressor II.

Tuesday, January 24th(Visibility: 50-70ft; Wind: E 15 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

As the morning horizon changed from pink to purple to blue, the guests emerged from their beds ready for the day ahead. The lovely Utila Aggressor II was already cruising along on its way to the island of Roatán. For our first dive site we tied up at Taviana’s Wall. While there we saw a large group of fish schooling with a barracuda darting in and out of them, and our friend Buddy, a nassau grouper, swam along with us for a while. We then ventured to another site as the guests enjoyed a savory meal of fish and chips and fresh salad. We had an amazing drift dive at Foster’s Reef, on the Wouth side of Roatan. Here we played around with a hawksbill turtle, saw a scrawled cowfish, and followed a juvenile remora who was latched onto the side of a grouper. After that we dove a site called Eel Garden, which is named for the thousands of brown garden eels who live in the sand there. There were a number of gigantic king crabs, a couple lobster all grouped together, and a little pipefish lying amongst the coral. It was a glorious day on the Utila Aggressor II.

Wednesday, January 25th(Visibility: 50-70ft; Wind: E 17 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

As the morning sun danced across the Caribbean waters, we coasted around the island to a fabulous wreck called El Aguila, meaning The Eagle in Spanish. This wreck was sunk intentionally for diving purposes, and it has some incredibly large groupers that currently inhabit it. As the guests descended into the water the groupers were already approaching us to pose for pictures. Our friendly resident green moray, Juanita, also came out to play with the divers. As the day continued we ventured to one of our favorite sites, Dolphin Caves. This maze of swim throughs and caverns contains some old dolphin bones which amazed the divers, and the light dancing down from the cracks in the reef gave it a mystical feeling. There was also a bearded fire worm crawling along, and a large school of glass eye sweepers.

For lunch Chef Reggie had prepared a scrumptious jalapeno soup with chicken and shrimp paiya, which the guests savored as we traveled to our final site for the day. We tied up our shining yacht at a site called Lighthouse Reef where we would spend the rest of the evening. There were tons of Creole wrasse, a few French angelfish, and two barracuda swimming around. Happy with the day, the guests retired to their spacious cabins to get some well-deserved rest.

Thursday, January 26th(Visibility: 50-70ft; Wind: E 17 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

As Thursday came upon us we started off with a morning dive at Seagrape Reef. The guests were astounded by the beauty of the coral formations of the reef. While diving there we were lucky enough to see a large midnight parrotfish, and a lobster eating a lionfish.

Later that morning we had an exciting dive at Half Moon Bay.The divers were astounded to see the thousands of Creole wrasse immigrating through the dive site, as if they were a highway of fish that would never end. We also saw a colony of yellow headed jawfish, a couple pork fish, and a friendly hawksbill turtle. We finished up the day at Taviana’s Wall on the west side of Roatan. We saw three spotted drumfish here, a gigantic lobster, and two peacock flounders chasing each other. For dinner that evening we enjoyed pasta with the option of a sausage and tomato sauce or a shrimp cream sauce, and a decadent tres leches cake for desert. That night everybody began reminiscing about all the great times they had been having throughout the week, and they stayed up relishing their last night on our beautiful boat.

Friday, January 27th(Visibility: 50-70ft; Wind: E 14 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

As the guests rose for their last day of diving, we had a fabulous drop off dive at Pablo’s Reef, where we saw some brittle sea stars, sergeant majors, and a spotted moray. The graceful Utila Aggressor II then began traversing the waters, on its way home toward Utila. For our last dive we stopped at a sea mount, called Black Hills, located a couple miles off the East coast of Utila. There were huge schools of atlantic spade fish, horse eyed jacks, and we found two balloon fish hiding amongst the coral. It was a spectacular end to an amazing week of diving.

After a delicious lunch of personalized tacos and burritos, the guests spent some time exploring the little town and observing the local culture. Then in the evening everybody gathered in the luxurious salon for a wine and cheese party. There was music and laughter, and everybody enjoyed their last night on the lovely yacht.

Saturday, January 28th

In the morning the cheerful crew was up ready to help the guests with their luggage. The divers ate a full continental breakfast, including fresh fruit, as they prepared for their journeys. As the taxi’s arrived to take them to the airport, the guests bade farewell to each other and the crew. Full of new memories and wonderful stories to share with their friends, they departed the gorgeous Utila Aggressor II and began their trips home.

Written by Instructor Naja Alvarado

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Captain’s Log:Utila Aggressor II Feb 4 - 11, 2012


Captain’s Log:Utila Aggressor II

Log Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Entry By:Utila Aggressor II Crew

Crew:
Captain Nestor Vidotto
First Mate Luis Wesley
Bosun John Bodden
Instructor Naja Alvarado
Chef Marna Collins
Steward Candy Collins


Saturday,February 4th
The sun was glistening as the eight guests were welcomed onto the Utila Aggressor II. The friendly crew helped them set up their gear by their spacious deck lockers, and get settled in their rooms. Captain Nestor introduced the accommodating crew, and delivered a thorough Captain’s and Safety briefing. That evening everyone spent their time laughing and dancing salsa, excited for the week to come.

Sunday, February 5th
The air was alive with anticipation as the guests rose and prepared for their first day of diving. We started off on the North side of Utila at a lovely site called Blackish Point. It was a great place for a checkout dive, and the guests enjoyed all of the overhangs as well as seeing five spotted drumfish and two large midnight parrotfish.

Next we went further down West to a site called The Great Wall. On our way there we saw a group of dolphins swimming along. The guests were overjoyed by the magical experience of seeing them swim and play infront of the Utila Aggressor II. While diving there we were thrilled to find a hearted sea urchin, some wild coral shrimp, and a graceful southern stingray swimming by.For lunch everybody enjoyed some warm potato soupand delicious beef fajitas.

That afternoon we tied up at a sea mount off the southern coast of Utila called Bonnie Bank aka Fajita’s Revenge. It’s good that revenge can be sweet, because this dive site certainly was. The guests were thrilled to swim with a huge porcupine fish, an incredibly rare free swimming large eyed toadfish, and two hawksbill turtles. The second turtle was still a baby, as cute as could be, and he moseyed through the water with us for about fifteen minutes. It was a stupendous way to end the first day of diving.

Monday, February 6th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NW 4 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
When they awoke Monday morning the guests were greeted with a scrumptious breakfast of french toast, herbed scrambled eggs, and bacon. That morning we did two dives at a fabulous up cropping of coral by CayosCochinos called Coco’s Sea Mount. The guests rallied around the groupers feeding on the lionfish, and even saw a nurse shark go by.

From there we headed over to the island of Roatan. The first dive was at a site called Cara a Cara, meaning face to face in Spanish. Here the guests got to dive with a caribbean reef shark, and they saw a lobster fighting to eat a lionfish. It was fascinating.

Later that afternoon tied up to a wreck called Mr. Bud off the southern coast of Roatan. The guests had a great time exploring the different swimthroughs and rooms it offered, and the juvenile spotted drum swimming around on the top of the boat. They also were lucky enough to see two octopuses that night, including one crawling on the stern of the boat. It was a fantastic way to end the day.

Tuesday, February 7th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NW 3 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The bright sun greeted us as we prepared for the days adventures. For the first dive of the day we went to one of the most famous dive sites around Roatan called Mary’s Place. They found a banded clinging crab and a spotted moray. This was an exquisite site where the guests were led through channels in the reef, as the light shone down on them from above.

From there we continued on to a site called Calvin’s Crack, which offered a beautiful swimthrough going through the wall. There were a number of green tube tunicates, some wire coral shrimp, and a large green moray who peered out at the divers.

That afternoon we tied up the boat to an upside down John Deere tractor wreck, which was infiltrated by numerous fish. This was an incredible dive where we found a group of caribbean reef squid swimming by, and the guests were overjoyed to find a large yellow seahorse hanging out on a piece of coral. It was wonderful.

Steward Candy had prepared a fresh fruit smoothie for everyone, which refreshed the guests and prepared them for the rest of the day. The next dive was at Coral Key Wall, and provided an excellent opportunity for the guests to help control the lionfish infestation… i.e. they had a ton of fun chasing them. There were also a number of spotted spiny lobster that poked their heads out to watch the show.

For the final dive of the day we went to Eel Garden, meaning that the guests were lucky enough to have dove at a record five different dive sites in one day. We saw a spotted scorpionfish hanging out right by a large king crab, and played around with red night shrimpsthat would dart out of sight in an instant. The night dive was so beautiful, the guests didn’t want it to end, and languished in the peacefulness around them.

Wednesday, February 8th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NW 3 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The guests were excited for the first dive of the day, because we were headed to one of the most popular wrecks around Roatan. This was an early morning dive so that we could be the first ones there, and enjoy it with no other divers around. Juanita, our resident friendly green moray came out to play, winding herself around the guests. There were also a number of huge groupers. One of them got stung by a lionfish in his mouth, and he put on a tragically humorous show of eating large mouthfuls of sand to try to lessen the pain.

Next we went to a special site called Bear’s Den, where the guests were able to swim back into a network of caves running under the reef. This provided some picturesque shots, with the sunlight twinkling through the cracks above. There were two bearded fireworms crawling around on the dome of the main cavern, and as the divers went back out into the light there was also a lettuce leaf sea slug waiting there.

The afternoon was spent at a great site called Lighthouse Reef. Captain Nestor was able to find an insanely rare sea spider to show the divers, along with a chestnut moray and a huge rainbow parrotfish. Dinner was a treat of fresh salad and pasta with either bolognaise or shrimp and cream sauce,followed by a cake to celebrate the 200th dives of both Wally and Jean Sebastian. There were also a number of artistic limericks written that day, a joint effort between the guests and instructor, which were then presented to waves of laughter in the evening.

Thursday, February 9th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NW 2 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The beautiful sunrise greeted the guests as they prepared for their final full day of diving. We started off with an early morning dive at one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean, The Odyssey. The divers were amazed by the grandeur of the sunken ship, and enjoyed exploring its many rooms. There were also some beautiful pictures taken of some reef urchins and a cryptic teardrop crab crawling on the wreck.

For our final dive in Roatan we did a drop-off dive at Pablo’s Place, which has a lovely sloping wall abundant with sea life. We had fun with a smooth trunkfish, some peppermint shrimp in azure tube sponges, and swimming with a large school of migrating creole wrasses. We then started the crossing over to Utila. As the graceful Utila Aggressor II glided through the water, the guests enjoyed an outdoor lunch of fresh salad, beef soup, and lasagna.

When we were nearing the island some bottlenose dolphins came by and started jumping, swimming and playing by the bow of our boat. It was a magical experience for everyone who saw them. We tied up at Black Hills, a sea mount about two miles off the coast of Utila. This was a beautiful dive where we saw some ocean triggerfish, a large school of bar jacks, and a free swimming green moray came face to face with one of our guests.

For the final site of the day we went off the South East coast of Utila to a site called Rojan’s Wreck. The guests were blown away by everything they saw. Some of the more incredible things were a blue spotted eagle ray swimming by, a little seahorse, and a stargazer buried completely under the sand. We couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to end the day.

Friday, February 10th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 5 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The sun glistened off the lovely Caribbean water as we prepared for our final day of the cruise. For the first dive we started off at one of our favorite dive sites around Utila called Jack Neil’s Reef. This was an incredible dive, where the guests were having so much fun they didn’t want to come up. They saw a large yellow seahorse, a small pipefish, and a yellow stingray sleeping under a coral overhang. We couldn’t have asked for a better dive on our last day.

From there we did a drop off dive along a beautiful wall called Koko’s Wall. The sun was shining through the water, making the coral architect look picturesque. We saw a large school of Bermuda chubs, a juvenile tiger’s tail crawling through the sand, and a remora who decided to swim with us for a while at the end of the dive.

That evening everybody gathered together in the salon for a wine and cheese party. There was an array of tasty appetizers, as everyone laughed and reminisced about the week. Captain Nestor showed the video he had been filming all week, and Instructor Naja presented a slide show of some of the best photos from the week. The group then went into the little town of Utila to enjoy a tasty meal at a local restaurant. It was a heartwarming end to a fabulous week.

Saturday, February 11th
As the guests awoke Saturday morning, there was already a full continental breakfast laid out for them. This included yogurt, cereal, toast, fresh fruit, and more. Everybody was exchanging contact information, as they relished their last moments on the beautiful yacht. As the taxi arrived to take them to the airport, they bade farewell to the friendly crew, and departed from the elegant Utila Aggressor II. It had been an incredible week that everyone would always remember.

Written by Instructor Naja Alvarado

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor Ii Captain's Report Feb 11 - 18, 2012

Captain Nestor Vidotto

First Mate Luis Wesley

Bosun John Bodden

Instructor Naja Alvarado

Chef Marna Collins

Steward Candy Collins

Visibility: 60-80 ft.

Wind: E/NE 7-18 mph

Water Temperature: 80

We had a wonderful week on the elegant Utila Aggressor II, with a fabulous group who came here together. The boat resounded with laughter, as many of the divers had been on trips before, and they were welcoming to the newcomers. We started off the week diving around the island of Utila, and then Captain Nestor wisely brought us over to the island of Roatan where we were more protected from the wind. We spent a good portion of the week exploring the dive sites here, and marveling at the beauty they possessed.

This week we celebrated the birthday of one of our divers, Paul, and Tami had her 400th dive. They both enjoyed the cakes we made them. The guests loved diving with all the sea critters around here, including some hawksbill turtles, blue spotted eagle rays, a large yellow seahorse, different morays, large schools of bar jacks, and so much more. We were even lucky enough to see a bunch of dolphins come right by our boat. It was a very special experience.

Everybody was thrilled with the delicious gourmet food served during the week, and the attention to detail the guest gave each request. When the week was drawing to a close the divers had a chance to explore the small island of Utila, and see what this safe little area in the Caribbean had to offer. There were fond farewells with the attentive crew, as the guests prepared to depart the luxurious Utila Aggressor II. It had been a week which created a number of special memories and wonderful experiences.

Written by Instructor Naja Alvarado

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Log Date: Saturday, Feb 25, 2012
Entry By: Nestor Vidotto











Captain/Video Pro Nestor Vidotto

First Mate Luis Wesley

Engineer Branson Sanders

Bosun John Bodden

Instructor/Photo Pro Naja Alvarado

Chef Marna Collins

Steward Candy Collins

Saturday, February 17th

The sun was shining as the guests were welcomed onto the sparkling white Utila Aggressor II. This week was a mixture of divers who were new to the luxurious yacht, and divers who enjoyed their experience here so much they had come on the Utila Aggressor II up to four different times. The friendly crew helped everyone set up their gear and get settled, then they had some time to relax on the sun deck with a cool beverage and some tasty snacks.

That evening everyone gathered in the decadent salon for dinner, which was followed by crew introductions and a Captain’s and Safety briefing. After a heartfelt champagne toast, the guests spent some time enjoying the yacht, relaxing in the hot tub, and getting to know each other. The air was filled with anticipation that night as they dreamed of mermaids and the adventures to come.

Sunday, February 18th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 12 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

The guests smiling faces greeted the day as we prepared to begin our dive journey. Instructor Naja gave a humorous Deck and Dive briefing, and then we set out on our checkout dive at a lovely site called John’s Spot. The guests were thrilled to be in the lovely Caribbean waters, and they enjoyed seeing some queen angelfish, and a number of yellow tailed snappers.

From there we headed over to The Great Wall, which boasts a deep drop off wallleading down into the blue abyss. This was a spectacular site to dive, where we found a couple barracuda swimming by and a peppermint tube shrimp dancing in a tube sponge. That afternoon we enjoyed a tantalizing lunch of cauliflower soup, beef fajitas, and fresh watermelon.

For the final site of the day we went to an area called Freddy’s Reef. This was anbeautiful site where we saw a green tipped sea anemone drawing its way into its red bubble. As it was doing this a small crab had three legs trapped inside its tentacles. Meanwhile the crab was munching away as if nothing was happening. It was an incredible way to end the first day of diving.

Monday, February 19th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 13 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

As the tempting scent of breakfast wafted through the salon, the guests enjoyed some tasty French toast, eggs your way, and bacon. We then tied up the boat at a sea mount out past the western cays of Utila called Canary Banks. The divers were happy to see a couple French angelfish and a large school of bar jacks.

Next we went to a site in Turtle Harbor on the northern coast of Utila called The Pinnacle. This was a picturesque dive with the coral cascading down the edge of the wall, and with the sunlight shining from above it created a magical ambiance. There was also a large midnight parrotfish that came by to see what the divers were doing.

We ended the day at another sea mount called Bonnie Bank. Here the guests found some coral banded shrimp clustered together and a large eyed toad fish peering out at them from under an outcropping of coral. In the evening Instructor Naja gave a humorous fish identification slide show. It was a great way to end a great day of diving in Utila.

Tuesday, February 21st(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 11 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

We woke up bright and early to start off with a dive at a wreck called the Haliburton, which was sunk intentionally on the southern side of Utila for diving purposes. The guests got to explore the different rooms and swimthroughs it provided, including exploring the engine room from where the cargo used to be kept. For one of our divers it was his first wreck dive, and it was a fabulous one for him to start with.

That morning the graceful Utila Aggressor II traversed the seas over to the island of Roatán. We had a late morning dive at Cara A Cara, a dive site that means face to face in Spanish. The guests were blown away by the number of Caribbean reef sharks we saw there, and how willing they were to come swim among the divers. The sharks also provided some priceless opportunities for photos and video footage.

In the afternoon we had an incredible drop off dive at a dive site called Fosters Reef. The guests were overjoyed to get to dive with four hawksbill turtles. One of them even had a gigantic remora swimming right under it as if it was going to attach itself. It was an unbelievable sight because the head of the remora was about a third of the size of the turtle.

Later on we tied up on the west side of Roatán at a site called Eel Garden. This offered some unbelievable diving where we were lucky enough to find a juvenile oar fish, and see a manta shrimp eating a lionfish. That afternoon a pod of dolphins also came by the boat, jumping and playing in the beautiful waters. For dinner Chef Marna had prepared some pasta with either a shrimp cream or a vegetable sauce, green salad, homemade bread, and chocolate pudding for desert. It was delicious, and the guests went to bed full and happy.

Wednesday, February 22nd(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 12 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

As the guests emerged from their comfortable state rooms the beautiful yacht headed out along the northern coast of Roatán. We moored the boat at a site called Bear’s Den, which has a number of cuts and overhangs along the wall. While diving there the guests found a lettuce leaf sea slug and a neck crab clinging onto some coral. For lunch we enjoyed some cauliflower soup and sweet and sour shrimp, followed by some fresh watermelon.

That afternoon was spent at a site named Taviana’s Wall. One of our good friends Buddy, a local Nassau grouper who likes to swim along with us, kept us company as we explored the reef. While diving there we were also thrilled to see a very rare, and fast, manytooth conger swimming along. It was a stupendous way to end our day of diving.

Thursday, February 23rd(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 18 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

A beautiful sunrise was creeping up over the Caribbean horizon as the guests got up, excited for their final full day of diving. The first dive was at a wreck called El Aguila, meaning The Eagle in Spanish. There were a number of huge groupers swimming around with us, completely unafraid of interacting with the divers. We also had a resident green moray emerge from hiding and play around with the guests for a little while.

Next we went to one of our favorite sites, a place called Dolphin Caves. This intricate network of caverns was stunning, with the light sparkling through from above. There were a number of glassy sweepers that the divers swam through, and we saw a little web burr fish, which was already puffed up to its full capacity when we happened upon it.

That afternoon everyone enjoyed a fresh smoothie as a snack, which was not only tasty but refreshed them for the rest of the day. The final dive site was Lighthouse reef where we happened upon a large rainbow parrotfish, and there were countless creole wrasse migrating through the area. It was a wonderful way to bring a wonderful day to a close.

Friday, February 24th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 17 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

The guests rose excited for their final dives of the week. The first one was an early morning dive at a site called Pablo’s Place. Here we saw a goldentail moray peeping out from some coral, and a few ocean triggerfish came by. It was a great way to wrap up our diving in Roatán.

The elegant Utila Aggressor II then set out on its way back to Utila as the guests enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes, ham and cheese omelets, and bacon. For our final dive we tied the boat to a sea mount about two miles off the coast of Utila called Black Hills. We saw huge schools of both horse eyed jacks and bar jacks, and as we were observing one green moray another freeswimming green moray came right by us. It was a scintillating way to end the week of diving.

That afternoon the guests had a chance to explore the island of Utila, and in the evening we all got together in the brilliant salon for a wine and cheese party. The divers enjoyed both the slide show of photos take over the week, and the video which was made up of footage from their adventures. That night they enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant, and then some of the guests celebrated their week by going out in the safe town of Utila. It was a fun way to end an incredible week.

Saturday, February 25th

When the guests arose Saturday morning there was already a full continental breakfast awaiting them, along with fresh coffee and succulent fruit. The guests exchanged contact information and bade fond farewells as they cherished their final moments on the splendid yacht. As they headed to the airport one of the guests even commented about how much they loved the Utila Aggressor II, and they would keep coming back to it every year that it was in service. It was a stupendous way to end a glorious week.

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor II Captain's Log Feb 25 to March 3 2012
Crew:
Captain/Video Pro Nestor Vidotto
First Mate Luis Wesley
Bosun John Bodden
Instructor/Photo Pro Naja Alvarado
Chef Marna Collins
Steward Candy Collins

Saturday, February 25th
It was mid afternoon when the new guests arrived on the stunning Utila Aggressor II. A number of the guests had been here before, for some of them it was their fifth time, and they were warmly remembered by the crew. The divers were greeted with some delicious homemade treats, and the friendly staff helped them pick out their dive stations and set up their gear. After settling into their luxurious rooms, they converged on the sun deck to have a couple drinks and get to know one another. As a beautiful sunset unfolded before us, everybody gathered on the upper deck and our witty Captain Nestor gave a Captain’s and Safety briefing. The guests spent the evening conversing under the stars, and laughing in delight. It was a great start to what was sure to be an outstanding week.

Sunday, February 26th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 14 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
At the crack of dawn divers began to rise, anticipating all that was awaiting them. After a warm breakfast of ham and cheese omelets, homemade tomato bread, and bacon, which prepared the divers for the day ahead, it was time for the real fun to begin. The first dive was at a site called Freddy’s Reef. The guests were overjoyed to see some trumpet fish, a couple red banded shrimp, and hawksbill turtle.

Next we had a late morning dive at Black Hill’s Sea Mount. This site is a couple miles off the southeastern coast of Utila. It portrayed a large school of hors eyed jacks, yellow tailed snappers, and a large green free swimming moray that went right by another green moray hidden in the coral. It was wonderful.

That afternoon was spent diving at Diamond Bank, another sea mount rising up from the ocean floor. We were happy to see some rock beauties and a ton of sharp nosed puffers. The divers were also serenaded by a number of toadfish during this dive, creating a type of underwater symphony.

From there we continued on to a special site called Jack Neil’s Reef. Here we encountered two peacock flounders and a few upside down jellyfish. Thrilled by everything they had seen that day, everybody happily retired to their comfortable beds.

Monday, February 27th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 13 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
Nobody had a ‘case of the Mondays’ as they woke to the fresh Caribbean air, and the sunlight dancing across the ocean. We started off the day at a site called The Great Wall. Here we were able to dive with some queen angelfish, spiny lobster, and a spotted moray.

Next we went to a special site in Utila called The Pinnacle. The divers went down on the seemingly endless wall and entered a large cavern. The cavern led into a swim through, then put us out at a shallower point on the wall. At this site we saw a number of bluebell tunicates, and swam amidst a whole school of black durgeons.

Chef Marna had prepared a delicious lunch of cream of broccoli soup, sweet and sour shrimp, and fresh watermelon. Happy and full, the guests relaxed on the comfortable deck chairs and enjoyed the luxury around them. For the last site of the day we went to Spotted Bay, on the North side of Utila. Here the guests were astounded by the huge king crabs and that night we saw a juvenile octopus inking. It was an excellent day both in and out of the water.

Tuesday, February 28th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NE 13 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
We woke up bright and early to start off with a dive at a wreck called the Haliburton, which was sunk intentionally on the southern side of Utila for diving purposes. The guests got to explore the different rooms and swim throughs it provided, including exploring the engine room from where the cargo used to be kept.

That morning the graceful Utila Aggressor II traversed the seas over towards the islands of Cayos Cochinos. We had a late morning dive at a secluded sea mount called Coco’s Sea Mount. The guests were amazed by the number of fish here. We enjoyed playing with some ocean triggers and a big school of bar jacks.

From there we crossed the seas and went to the island of Roatan. In the afternoon we had an incredible drop off dive at a dive site called West End Reef. The guests were overjoyed to get to dive with a blue spotted eagle ray. There was also a friendly hawksbill turtle that came sauntering past. Swimming under it were three remora, as if they were all going on a field trip together.

Later on we tied up on the west side of Roatan at a site called Eel Garden. This offered some unbelievable diving where we were lucky enough to find a couple sea biscuits hidden in the sand about 30 Caribbean reef squid hanging around in the shallows. For dinner Chef Marna had prepared some pasta with either a shrimp cream or a vegetable sauce, green salad, homemade bread, and chocolate pudding for desert. It was delicious, and the guests went to bed full and happy.

Wednesday, February 29th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 8 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The air was alive with excitement as the guests began their day on the captivating Utila Aggressor II. We started the morning off diving at one of the best wrecks around Roatan, El Aguila. The guests were astounded as they explored its massive features. One of their favorite parts of this dive was all of the huge groupers and the large green moray eel observing the divers.

Next we continued on to a beautiful network of cuts and overhangs in the reef called Bear’ Reef. As we moseyed along the wall a blue spotted eagle ray came by, swimming next to the divers before he headed off into the blue. That afternoon we enjoyed a fresh fruit smoothie, which refreshed the divers and revved them up for the rest of the day.

Later on we choose to explore a site called Taviana’s Wall. As we were going along the divers saw a seemingly never ending path of creole wrasse swimming past, and in the evening we encountered a tiny free swimming juvenile spotted moray. It was a special way to bring a fabulous day to a close.

Thursday, March 1st (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 16 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The guests arose to the tantalizing scent of pancakes, bacon, and eggs your way. We started the day with a drop off dive at a site called Pablo’s Place. This was a lovely way to begin our day of diving. The guests were able to see a pair of French angelfish, a couple tobacco fish, and a large rainbow parrotfish swimming by.

We then continued on to Half Moon Bay Wall. Here we saw a couple tiger tails peeping out from the coral, and a colony of yellow headed jaw fish acting like they were popcorn popping up and down from the sand.

Next we had an opportunity to explore an interesting site called Lighthouse Reef. Here we saw the rarely found green turtle, munching away as if we weren’t even there. We also discovered an elusive chain moray peeping out at us from beneath the coral. That evening the guests enjoyed the fresh night air as they savored their remaining time on the beautiful yacht.

Friday, March 2nd (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 19 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
As the guests rose, breathing in the fresh Caribbean air, we were on our way to a very special site called Gibson’s Bight. We had a great dive here where we found lizard fish hiding in the sand and a blenny peeping out from a green tipped sea anemone.

For the final site of the day we brought the divers to a site called Spooky Channel. Some of the guests even heard a spooky ghost while they were down there… until they realized that their fellow divers just had a good sense of humor. Here we traversed through a network of channels and swimthroughs, which were adorned with huge starfish. It was a magnificent finish to a fabulous week of diving.

As the guests enjoyed a tantalizing lunch of beef and chicken tacos, the luxurious yacht pulled into a dock in Roatan. That afternoon Instructor Naja took the divers into town so they could see some of the island of Roatan. In the evening we had a festive wine and cheese party where pictures and videos of the week were presented. Then we all went out to a decadent supper at a local restaurant. It was a marvelous final night.

Saturday, March 3rd
The guests woke to find a full continental breakfast waiting for them. As they savored the delicacies they remembered all the fun times they had this past week. As the taxis arrived to take them to the airport, the crew bade a warmhearted goodbye to the guests and hoped that they would meet again in the future. One of the guests was already planning to return to the elegant yacht in a mere two months. It had been a wonderful week on the Utila Aggressor II.

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor II Captain's Log March 3 to 10 2012

CREW:
Captain Nestor Vidotto, Chef Marna Collins, Steward Candy Collins, Instructors Luis Wesley, Saby Escobar, Deck Hand John Bodden

Visibility 80 to 100 feet
Wind 10 to 15 mph out of the N
Temperature 79 to 80 F
Wetsuit recommended 3mm to 5mm ‘Full suit or Shorty’


Saturday:
Another week has started for the Utila Aggressor and her wonderful crew. This week we started out of the Island of Roatan. We waited on our guests to arrive to the yacht and began unpacking and setting up dive gear and cameras.

At 5:30pm Captain Nestor rang the bell and all guests and crew gathered in the salon for the safety video, the boat briefing and the formal introduction of the crew. Champagne flutes were filled and together we toasted to a great week of eating, sleeping and diving!

Shortly afterwards chef Marna emerged from the galley offering a buffet of BBQ chicken and an abundance of fresh vegetables. Wine was flowing as the guests got to know each other and shared stories of previous dive trips. Some decided to retire to bed early while others took advantage of the hot tub and the opportunity to admire the many constellations in the star studded sky.

Sunday:
As the early risers sipped freshly brewed Honduran coffee and enjoyed a continental breakfast, the crew untied the yacht from the cleats and headed to the Far East side of the island to site named Virginias Wall. This was to be where our first two dives of the charter took place. As expected by those familiar with the sight, we found several Spotted Moray Eels and a couple of reef squids in between the Giant Barrel Sponges, Black coral and Sea Whips which give this wall it’s breathtaking profile. On top of the wall on a sand patch, we watched two Sail fin Blennies interact with each other before we made our safety stops and surfaced for lunch.

As the divers satisfied the appetites with a delicious Thai chicken Soup served with all the classic sides, Captain Nestor motored us over to Jagged Edge, another great wall dive bursting with marine life. I gave the dive briefing, macro lenses were installed on cameras and shortly after, the divers were descending down towards one of Roatan finest dive sites. Two dives later, the divers sat down to a beef steak dinner and were exchanging stories of what they had encountered. There was talk of a tiny Cryptic Teardrop Crab that was spotted hiding inside an Azure Vase Sponge, an exceptionally large school of Atlantic Spade Fish that were undeterred by the divers hovered over the reef, a sleeping Green turtle and so much more.

After dinner the yacht anchored in the bay of Parrot tree Marina and everyone began to unwind after a perfect day’s diving in the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Monday:
6:30 am the anchor was raised and we headed in a West direction towards ‘Mary’s Place’. Upon arrival, the crew gave the orientation of this truly beautiful dive site. It was a cloudless sunny morning and from the surface we could see the reef clearly below us. The visibility was incredible, 100 ft +. Instructor Saby led the divers down along the wall and into the canyon that makes Mary’s Place an outstanding just magical dive to start the morning, her she pointed out several tiny Neck Crabs which were hidden in amongst the intricate coral reef. A large Clinging Channel Crab and two juvenile Spotted Drum Fish were also seen in close proximity of each other. For the second dive awe motored to a new dive site we just added to our itinerary, its called Calypsos Reef, a beautiful wall dive located on the south shore of Roatan, with lots off large barrel sponges, pillar corals and lot of fish, this was a drop off dive, and every body enjoyed it. The divers looked happy as they showered on the swim platform and headed into the salon for lunch.

The next sight for the day was back East of Roatan at a place known as ‘Mr. Bud’. Here there is a wall which runs down to a wreck which sits in a sand patch at around 75 ft. Under the bow of the wreck lives a rather large Spiney Lobster and camouflaged in the surrounding sand there were several Peacock Flounders. The wall is home to a variety of sea creatures and fish including Butterfly fish, Slender Filefish, Flamingo Tongues, and Feather Duster Worms.

Later in the day the winds picked up and change direction so we all decided to call it a day and head to safe harbor the guests had plenty of time to read and relax for the next day.

Tuesday:
We entered the water at Caribe point, as the sun got brighter over us, we dove down into the sloping wall where large clumps of coral gave way to sand channels and crevices large enough to swim through. Various species of shrimp, Spotted Spiny Lobster, began to emerge in search of food while Stoplight Parrotfish, Squirrelfish and couple of turtles were gliding through the wall as the divers took pictures and recorded their behavior to share with everybody later.

In search for another safe and fun dive we got to site called pirates point, schooling creole wrasse were seen and lots of horse eyed jacks, squids and even lucky enough to photograph a yellow head jaw fish with eggs in its mouth, a great day for diving around here. Later Miss Candy, our stewardess rang the bell on the dive deck to signal dinner was ready and everyone sat down to feast on fresh tuna steaks served on a bed of fluffy coconut rice. Wine corks were popped and as they ate and drank, the divers looked contented as they chatted among themselves. One by one they began to make their way to their cabins to rest after another perfect day onboard the Utila Aggressor II.

Wednesday:
We began our day with an early dive at the Shark Dive called Cara a Cara. At the beginning of the dive a curious black grouper swam around us and a midnight parrotfish chewed on pieces of coral. A couple of minutes into the dive there were about five or six of the parrotfish circling the reef we descended down towards the bottom. Kneeling in the sand, the divers were able to observe these beautiful creatures and take photos as they swam by seemingly unbothered by our presence.

Local Island food was prepared for lunch and as we moved west to ‘Taviana Wall’ where we did one more dive before making our way to the Island of Utila. On the way over to Utila we spotted Sperm Whales and lots of Spinner Dolphins, upon arrival to this beautiful Island we stop at Teds Point, a colorful reef with lots of macro life and abundant of sea fans sponges crinoids and blue bell tunicates, By the end of the last dive, there had been sightings of all of the marine life on the day’s wish list and many more, including a Hawksbill Turtle, a Spotted Scorpionfish and an assortment of different types of crab.

Soon it was dinner time once again and the divers sat around the tables in the salon and engaged in conversation. Stewardess Candy brought plates of beef Bolognese from the galley for them and filled their glasses with wine, water, beer or soda.

The crew tied the yacht up to our harbor mooring for calm and safe night, before the guests began to turn in for the day.

Thursday:
The aroma of freshly brewed Honduran coffee filled the salon and the guests enjoyed the ham and cheese omelets from the breakfast menu along with the usual continental breakfast and a selection of fresh fruits. Soon afterwards the bell rang on the dive deck announcing it was time to dive again. Captain Nestor brought us to the North side of Utila at the site called The Great Wall of Utila. We conducted an informative briefing and then it was time to dive.

This reef runs from extreme shallows to beyond recreational limits and is made up of many channels and swim-throughs with Giant Barrel Sponges and large Boulder Brain Coral providing good visual references to aid natural navigation. During our dive two large Green Moray Eels poked their heads out from their holes at different locations along the way, schools of Creole Wrasse darted by and a small friendly Hawksbill turtle came to swim alongside us as we made our way back in the direction of the yacht.

The second dive of the day was also at the same spot. Instructor Saby led the group west in the opposite direction from the earlier dive. There they found many Pederson Shrimps that looked like they were dancing at a cleaning station, a Green Turtle and Baloonfish.

Lunch that day comprised of cheese burgers with salad and French-fries which proved to be extremely popular. As the guests satisfied their appetites, the crew filled the empty tanks and drew the map of the next dive site ‘Jack Neal’s Reef’. This was to be were we did our last dives of the day. During these dives we saw a yellow long snout sea horse, Damselfish, Parrotfish, Great Barracuda, Spiny Lobsters, Slipper Lobsters, and a Caribbean Reef Octopus that came out to feed on the night dive.

Friday:
We started our day with a hot breakfast of tomato bread, bacon and eggs and followed it with a dive at ‘Black Hills’ on the South East side of Utila. This dive was so popular due to healthy colorful coral and tons of fish, free swimming Eels, turtles and many more.

We decided to get our last dive for the week at a local site called Little Bight, here we saw all kinds of tropical fish found commonly in these waters swimming around aimlessly Angelfish, Squirrelfish, Parrotfish, Damselfish, Wrasse, Surgeonfish and Filefish and also Eagle rays.

After the last dive was concluded and everyone back on the yacht the gear was rinsed off then left it in the sun to dry. Our guest and spent the remainder of the afternoon napping, reading, relaxing or enjoying wine while Captain Nestor brought the yacht to the dock in Utila. Upon arrival at the dock some of the guests decided to go for a tour of our wonderful island. They returned just in time for the wine and cheese party hosted by the crew to celebrate another wonderful week of “Eating Sleeping and Diving” aboard the Utila Aggressor II. Later in the evening the trip video was shown by Captain Nestor and many of the guests chose to go out to local restaurants with a breathtaking view for dinner before returning to the yacht for a good nights sleep.

Saturday:
Every body was up early saying their farewells, exchanging the last email addresses as we all said good-bye to our great group of divers.

The crew of the Utila Aggressor II invite you to join us aboard for your next vacation where the diving is great, the food delicious and the best crew are all waiting for you.

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor II Captain's Log March 10-17

Crew:
Captain Nestor Vidotto
Engineer Branson Saunders
Instructor Naja Alvarado
Instructor Saby Escobar
Chef Marna Collins
Assistant Chef Jaime Zavala
Steward Candy Collins


Saturday, March 10th
The warm sun was shining as the guests arrived on the glistening, white Utila Aggressor II. The friendly crew was there to greet them, and they helped the divers set up their gear and get settled on the beautiful yacht. It was a beautiful evening with a breathtaking sunset, so Captain Nestor gathered everyone on the comfortable sun deck for the Captain’s and Safety briefing.

After meeting their cheerful crew for the week, the guests enjoyed a lovely champagne toast. They enjoyed a tasty dinner of barbecue chicken, potatoes au gratin, fresh salad, and homemade bread, with a sweet carrot cake for desert. Ready to relax, and excited for the week to come, the guests retired early to enjoy a good night’s sleep in their luxurious staterooms.

Sunday, March 11th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 13 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The wind was dancing around the boat, as the divers stretched their refreshed muscles and prepared for the coming day of diving. As the boat was arriving at a great site on the North side of Utila called The Great Wall, Instructor Naja gave the guests a Dive and Deck briefing. All the divers were thrilled to get under the water, where we found a balloonfish, two spotted morays, and a scoripionfish.

As we continued on to the second site of the day the guests enjoyed a scrumptious lunch of cauliflower soup, beef fajitas, and fresh watermelon. We tied up to a mooring line at a site called Jack Neil’s Reef. Here we saw a caribbean pipefish, upside down jellyfish, and caribbean reef squid. The guests stayed up late into the evening talking together in the salon. It had been a wonderful day under the water.

Monday, March 12th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 15 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
At the crack of dawn divers began to rise, anticipating all that was awaiting them. After a warm breakfast of ham and cheese omelets, fried plantains, and bacon, which prepared the divers for the day ahead, it was time for the real fun to begin. The first dive was at a lovely site named The Pinnacle. There were four large green morays, two spotted drum, and an incredibly rare sleeping toadfish.

For the second site of the day we continued on to Canary Bank. It was amazing to descend into a big school of blue tangs that simply ignored us as we entered their midst. There was also group of ocean triggerfish checking us out, and a goldentail moray peeping out from the coral.

We headed to a third site, where two of our divers had their first open water night dive, called Spanish Bay. This spot proved to be incredible, showing us so many special things. Some of the favorites were a large group of black durgeons, some little shrimp cleaning a grouper, and the second toadfish of the day (I believe that’s a record for us). We couldn’t have asked for anything more. The guests went to sleep happy, thinking about all the wonderful things the first day of diving had brought.

Tuesday, March 13th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NE 10 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
As the morning horizon changed from pink to purple to blue, the guests emerged from their beds ready for the day ahead. The lovely Utila Aggressor II was already cruising along on its way to an amazing dive site called Black Hills, which is a sea mount a couple miles off the coast of Utila. While there we a big school of horse eyed jacks, a free swimming green moray, and a spotted nudibranch.

We then ventured over to the island of Roatan as the guests enjoyed the bright sun shining from above. First we had an amazing drop off dive at Foster’s Reef. Here we had a chance to see a hawksbill turtle having a little dinner party with a french, grey, and queen angelfish. It was a beautiful thing to see.

In the afternoon we dove a site called Eel Garden, one of our favorite sites on the West side of Roatan. We saw a huge stream of creole wrasse migrating through the site, a peacock flounder looking up from the sand, and a really special yellow seahorse. That afternoon we also enjoyed savory conch fritters prepared for the divers. It was a glorious day on the Utila Aggressor II.

Wednesday, March 14th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 10 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The sun was peeking over the edge of the horizon, as the graceful Utila Aggressor II glided over the ocean toward our first dive site. We went to a place called Cara A Cara, located a little ways off the coast of Roatan. This was an adventuresome dive, where we were lucky enough to see five caribbean reef sharks gliding over the reef.

When the divers came out of the water there was a nice, hot breakfast of waffles, eggs your way, and bacon waiting for them. Next we had a lovely dive along Half Moon Bay Wall. In one of the sand patches we got to observe a family of yellow headed jawfish popping up out of the sand. We also saw a large midnight parrot fish with a pesky remora trying to attach itself to its side.

For our final dives of the day we went to Taviana’s Wall. Here we were able to see a green moray and a large grouper right next to each other, trying to decide who was going to get to eat the lionfish in front of them. We also saw an elusive diamond pipefish while diving there. It was a great way to bring a tremendous day of diving to a close.

Thursday, March 15th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NE 10 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The guests rose bright and early Thursday morning, ready for all the adventures that lay ahead. We were starting off with a great dive at a wreck called El Aguila. As we descended into the water there were a number of huge groupers ready to great us and show us their home. They played around with us for the whole dive. Our green moray friend, Juanita, also popped out to say a quick hello, before retiring for a midmorning nap.

Later that morning we headed towards the western edge of Roatan, where we did a lovely drop off dive along Lighthouse Wall. The divers were thrilled to see some elegant queen triggerfish, a huge trumpet fish hovering upside down amongst the coral, and a yellow stingray swimming by. Between dives the guests savored fresh fruit smoothies, which energized them for the remainder of the day.

That afternoon we tied up to a great site called Lighthouse Reef. After enjoying a restful nap, everybody jumped in at the site, eager to explore the reef below. Hidden amongst the bountiful coral was a porcupine fish and a small spotted moray that was trying to eat a lionfish three times its size. It was an amazing ending to an exciting day on the Utila Aggressor II.

Friday, March 16th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: SE 5 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The guests had enjoyed the shark dive so much the first time, they requested that we return to Cara A Cara and of course we complied with their request. We had an amazing early morning dive there, where a number of caribbean reef sharks wove in and out of the divers. The divers were amused to see that for once the sharks were not interested in eating lionfish. Perhaps there was a big shark party coming up, and they were on a diet.

For the final dive of the week we went to an incredible site called Crystal Gardens. On this dive the guests admired the mystic feeling created by the sun dancing along the coral. While diving there we saw a lizard fish posing for the camera, a scoprionfish, and a lettuce leaf sea slug. It was a wonderful way to end an adventuresome week of diving.

Lunch that day was some tasty lasagna, eggplant parmesan, fresh salad, and fruit. In the afternoon the guests explored the town of Utila, cherishing the safe, friendly vibes that permeate the little island. That evening we had a lovely wine and cheese party where we enjoyed a video and pictures from the week. Then the guests went over to Laguna Beach Resort, where the owner had invited them to come for dinner. They enjoyed a tantalizing barbecue, looked around the luxury possible on the island of Utila, and learned about some of the conservation efforts we are putting into place here. Everybody was in a good mood as they retired to the boat, where we spent the evening laughing and joking together beneath the stars.

Saturday, March 17th
When the guests rose on Saturday morning there was a full continental breakfast waiting for them, including fresh fruit. They exchanged memories of the week with each other, as well as a few more jokes, as they prepared for their coming trips. As the taxi arrived to take them to the airport, they bid a fond farewell to the accommodating crew. It had been an amazing week on board the beautiful Utila Aggressor II.

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor II March 17-24 Captain's Log

Crew:
Captain Nestor Vidotto
Bosun John Bodden
Instructor Naja Alvarado
Instructor Saby Escobar
Chef Jaime Zavala
Steward Marna Collins


Saturday, March 17th

The air was ripe with anticipation, as the guests arrived on the luminous Utila Aggressor II. The welcoming crew loaded on the baggage, gear, and camera equipment, then everybody gathered round for a boat orientation and schedule outline. The guests made themselves at home in their beautifully adorned rooms, and then gathered together in the salon. Captain Nestor gave a captain’s and safety briefing, and the divers sat down to enjoy their first meal of barbecue chicken, local breadfruit, potato salad, fresh greens, and homemade bread. Everybody was excited for the coming adventure.

Sunday, March 18th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 12 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

As the morning sun danced across the clear Caribbean waters, the guests rose and prepared for the wonderful diving found around Utila. Instructor Naja gave a humorous and informative Dive and Deck Briefing, and then the crew helped everyone get into their gear. We started off at a fabulous site called The Pinnacle. There was a small swimthrough opening up into a large cavern, and a beautiful view of the vibrant coral overhead. Everybody was blown away by all of the things we saw there, including a balloonfish and a sun anemone shrimp fighting to get away from a brittle sea star. After watching the struggle for a few minutes the sun anemone shrimp finally escaped, grateful to be safe and free again.

From there we headed over to The Great Wall, which has a beautiful drop off as well as some interesting sand patches tucked between the coral heads. While diving there the guests were excited to see a manta shrimp, a large green moray, and a huge school of black durgeons. It was a beautiful start to what would be a beautiful week.

Chef Jaime had prepared a delicious lunch of jalapeno soup and chicken and shrimp paiya, which the guests enjoyed as we traveled to the next site of the day. We tied up at Canary Bank and started our afternoon diving there. We dove amidst a number of creole wrasse and sergeant majors. It was a great way to end our first day of diving.

Monday, March 19th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 15 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

The sun was peeking over the edge of the horizon, as the graceful Utila Aggressor II glided over the ocean toward our first dive site. We went to a sea mount called Black Hills, located about two miles off the coast of Utila. This was an adventuresome dive, where we saw a big school of horse eyed jacks and another one of yellow tailed snappers.

Next we went to a small sea mount off the southern edge of Utila called Brown Bank. This was a lovely site, where the beauty of the coral astounded the divers. We also saw a juvenile spotted drum and some queen angelfish. That afternoon we did a drift dive along a beautiful piece of reef called Crystal Gardens. While diving we played around with two balloon fish and a spotted nudibranch. It was an incredible afternoon.

For our fourth site of the day we moored at Jack Neil’s Reef, and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. The divers were blown away by seeing a toadfish, Caribbean reef squid, and three seahorses. It was picturesque. Dinner that evening was delicious, with corn patties and fish cakes. It had been a tremendous day.

Tuesday, March 20th (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 18 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

The guests opened their eyes to see the soft morning sun reflecting off the Caribbean waters surrounding them. They prepared for a well-planned early dive at a fantastic wreck called. The Haliburton. Not only did the divers enjoy penetrating the many orifices of this wreck, which was intentionally sunk for diving purposes, but they were astounded to see a skeleton of a pilot whale laying nearby in the sand. When they emerged there was a hot breakfast of ham and cheese omelets, tomato salad, and bacon waiting for them.

We then ventured over the seas to a site in six miles off the coast of Honduras. We had a fabulous dive at an up cropping of coral by Cayos Cochinos called Coco’s Sea Mount. There were some large barracuda, a big school of bar jacks, and the guests rallied around the groupers feeding on the lionfish. It was a ton of fun.

From there we headed over to the island of Roatan. The first dive was at a site called Cara a Cara, meaning face to face in Spanish. As we entered the water we could already see a huge caribbean reef shark circling below us. We ventured down to a small sand patch with coral outcroppings springing up. Within a few minutes we had seven gorgeous reef sharks circling around, curious to see what these funny looking bubble makers (us) were doing. It was simply beautiful.

Later that afternoon we tied up to a site called Lighthouse Reef off the western coast of Roatan. While we were diving in these gentle waters the divers got to hold a red heart urchin, as well as see a large channel clinging crab and a couple spotted spiny lobsters. It was a fantastic way to end the day.

Wednesday, March 21st (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 15 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

The morning sun sparkled across the Caribbean waters as the guests rose refreshed and ready for their day of diving. We started off bright and early at an interesting wreck called El Aguila. Huge goliath groupers were weaving in and out of the divers, some of them up to eight feet long. It was an ideal situation for guests to get some good photos and video footage.

Later in the morning we headed up a little on the North side of Roatan to do a drift dive Peter’s Place. As the sun sparkled off the reef, we observed a spotted moray and a neck crab clinging onto some coral. It was simply beautiful.

That afternoon we tied up at a lovely site called Eel Garden. We spent a couple dives exploring this special area, which had an abundance of garden eels watching our every move, some peacock flounders swimming around in their courtship of each other, and a conch which flipped his shell around as we watched. Chef Jaime had prepared a scrumptious grilled beef filet, homemade bread, beans, smoked onions, and corn tortillas for dinner. With a sliver of moon hanging above, and the boat rocking like a gentle cradle, everybody fell into a sweet slumber.

Thursday, March 22nd (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 19 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

The guests were filled with anticipation as they rose and got ready for their last full day of diving. We started off at an interesting site called Half Moon Bay, where we did a relaxing drop off dive. We got to see a large sea cucumber rolling over, and a remora trying to attach itself to a hawksbill turtle, which was not as fond of the idea.

Next we drifted along a section of reef called Galileo’s Wall. This was a marvelous dive, where we encountered a beautiful scorpionfish and some pepperming shrimp dancing in a tube sponge.

That afternoon we returned to the wreck El Aguila, where we had another chance to see the green moray Juanita, and then explore the nearby reef. This dive was beyond incredible, because as soon as we had entered the water there were two dolphins that came and swam right through our midst. One of them went down almost to the sand, and then came right between the divers. It headed straight for Instructor Naja, and at the very last second, as she turned out of its path, it went slightly to the side just missing her by inches. Getting to scuba dive with dolphins is so rare and special, the guests couldn’t believe they had just experienced something so wonderful.

Steward Marna had prepared a fresh fruit smoothie for everyone that afternoon, which refreshed and rejuvenated them for the coming day. We then went to a great site called Taviana’s wall. There were a few friendly Nassau groupers who followed us around, and a whole family of yellow headed jawfish poking up from a sand patch.

For the night dive we tied up the yacht at Lighthouse Reef, meaning we had brought the guests to and amazing five different dive sites in one day. This was a great night dive where we saw both a full grown and an itsy bitsy baby octopus, and a huge hogfish stirring up sand before he went to bed. It was a terrific way to end the final full day of diving.

Friday, March 23rd (Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 14 mph; Water Temperature: 79 F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)

For our final dive in Roatan we did a drift dive along a site called Pablo’s Place. The divers enjoyed seeing a grouper at a cleaning station, a spotted moray eating a piece of lionfish three times as big as his head, as well as an incredibly rare chain moray. This was a wonderful dive with which to end our time in Roatan.

Later that morning we made the trek back to the island of Utila, where we dove at a beautiful site called Silver Banks. The divers were blown away by the curious French angelfish who wanted to play in the bubbles, and a seahorse doing his best to hide behind a piece of sponge. It was a perfect way to end the week.

The guests spent the afternoon exploring the safe town of Utila, and relaxing on the upper deck by the hot tub. That evening all the guests and crew gathered together in the spacious salon for a wine and cheese party. They enjoyed seeing the video of their trip for the week, and savoring all of the tempting appetizers laid out for them. Everyone also had a chance to try some tasty Russian snacks and homemade Russian whiskey provided by some of the guests. The rest of the night was spent laughing and talking about all the wonderful things they had experienced over the week.

Saturday, March 24th

As the dawn encroached upon us the guests enjoyed a lovely continental breakfast and exchanged contact information. The crew was there to fondly bid them farewell, as the taxis arrived to take them home. It had been an amazing week with some great people, and we had created some wonderful memories together on board the grand Utila Aggressor II.

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor Captain's Log March 24-31, 2012

Utila Aggressor II Captains Log March 24-31

Crew:
Captain/Video Pro Nestor Vidotto
First Mate Luis Wesley
Bosun John Bodden
Instructor/Photo Pro Naja Alvarado
Chef Jaime Zavala
Steward Marna Collins

Saturday, March 24th
The air was filled with anticipation as the guests arrived on the shinning Utila Aggressor II. Chef Jaime had an array of tasty snacks waiting for them, including dips, cheese and crackers, and mini pizzas. The cheerful crew helped everyone put their gear away in their personal dive lockers, and get settled in their decadent suites.

The afternoon was spent relaxing with a few cool drinks, as all the guests talked and joked around. A number of people in this group had traveled together before, and the others were excited to get to know each other. As the evening approached the attentive crew for the week was introduced, and the guests received an informative Captain’s and Safety briefing. After dinner the divers filled the night air with laughter, as everyone enjoyed the relaxing vibe which comes from being in the Caribbean.

Sunday,March 25th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NE 12 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
As the morning sun shone across the clear Caribbean waters, the guests rose and prepared for the wonderful diving found around Utila. Instructor Naja gave a humorous and informative Dive and Deck Briefing, and then the crew helped everyone get into their gear. We started off at a fabulous site called The Pinnacle. The divers went down on the seemingly endless wall and entered a large cavern. The cavern led into a swimthrough, then put us out at a shallower point on the wall. At this site we saw a number of bluebell tunicates, black durgeons, and we even found the elusive black fingerprint zyphoid.

In the afternoon we headed over to one of our favorite sites on the South side of Utila called Jack Neil’s Reef. They were overjoyed diving here because not only did we find an upside down jellyfish and a little eel buried in the sand, but a few Caribbean reef squid swam by. For dinner that night everybody enjoyed some tasty snapper on a bed of veggies and rice, with chocolate caramel pudding for desert. It was a wonderful way to end our first day of diving.

Monday, March 26th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NE 8 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
For the first dive of the day we started off at a lovely site in Rock Harbor, on the North side of Utila, called Blackish Point. The divers were thrilled to be in our warm Caribbean waters, and to see everything that our reef offered. On this dive we found a green moray, a large midnight parrotfish, and seven spotted drumfish of all ages. It was a great way to begin the week.

From there we continued on to a sea mount a couple miles off the eastern edge of Utila called Black Hills. We were surrounded by big schools of bar jacks and spade fish, and everybody was blown away when they saw a large Striped Marlin. Lunch reminded us of a picnic, including hamburgers, fries, and all the sides.

We finished off the day at a spectacular site called Brown Bank. Scattered around the little sea mount were some french angelfish, a few rock beauties, and a goldentail moray. Happy with how the day had unfolded, the guests enjoyed an evening under the stars talking about everything they had seen.

Tuesday, March 27th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NE 8 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The guests rose bright and early and prepared to dive at the biggest wreck around Utila called The Haliburton. They had a great time exploring this cargo ship which had caught on fire, and then they were amazed to see the skeleton of a little pilot whale laying nearby in the sand.

As the lovely Utila Aggressor II started traversing the waters in the direction of some secluded islands called CayosCohinos, the guests savored a scrumptious breakfast of french toast, herbed scrambled eggs, and bacon. Later that morning we dove at a fabulous up cropping of coral called Coco’s Sea Mount. The guests thrilled to see a ton of horse eyed jacks, some ocean triggerfish, and a barrel sponge which was taller than the divemaster.

From there we headed over to the island of Roatan. During the crossing everybody was overjoyed to see a number of pilot whales appear around the boat, gently rising above the water before one again slipping into its deep abyss. A bunch of the guests had never seen live pilot whales before, so this was really special for them. Not long after that who should show up but a group of dolphins, leaping and playing by the bow of the Utila Aggressor II. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Once we arrived in Roatan we did a couple of dives at a peaceful site called Eel Garden. Not only were the guests amazed by how unafraid the hundreds of garden eels appeared to be, repeatedly poking their heads up out of the sand, but they also made friends with a giant barracuda which they named Tweety. One of the highlights was when Tweety appeared from the shadows trying to eat a caribbean reef squid, but the squid inked and safely escaped, leaving Tweety confused by the ink left behind. It had been an ideal day.

Wednesday, March 28th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: NE 10 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The air was alive with excitement as the guests began their day on the captivating Utila Aggressor II. We started the morning off diving at one of the best wrecks around Roatan, El Aguila. The guests were astounded by all of the huge groupers, and a large green moray eel named Juanita. While we were diving Juanita came out to play with the guests, winding herself around them, going through their legs, acting as if she was a little puppy who just wanted to play. It was an incredible experience.

Next we continued on to a beautiful network of cuts and overhangs in the reef called Bear’ Reef. As we moseyed along the wall we saw two large channel clinging crabs and a spotted moray hiding amongst the coral. That afternoon we enjoyed a fresh fruit smoothie, which refreshed the divers and revved them up for the rest of the day.

Later on we choose to explore a site called Lighthouse reef. As we were going along the divers saw three barracuda, including a cousin of Tweety hiding in a crevice, and a blue spotted eagle ray swimming by. It was a special way to bring a fabulous day to a close.

Thursday, March 29th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 13 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The wind danced around the luxurious yacht as the guests were awakened by the tantalizing smell of waffles, herb scrambled eggs, and bacon. After a tasty breakfast we went diving at the largest wreck in the Caribbean called The Odyssey. The divers were amazed by the magnitude of this boat, which was sunk intentionally for diving purposes, and they were happy to see a green moray poking its head out from under it.

After that we continued on to an interesting site called spooky channel. As the guests wove through the tunnel and the network of swimthroughs they were blown away by all the starfish surrounding them. On top of the reef the sun sparkled off the coral, creating a lovely ambiance for all the fish to play in.

That afternoon we moored the yacht at a great site on the western part of Roatan called Taviana’s Wall. The guests had a lot of fun diving here, especially when we saw a free swimming spotted moray winding its way across the sand, and the incredible site of a conch in the process of eating a sand dollar. It was a fabulous way to end our last full day of diving.

Friday, March 30th(Visibility: 60-80ft; Wind: E 14 mph; Water Temperature: 79F; Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm)
The sun peeped its lovely face over the horizon as the guests rose and prepared for an early dive at Pablo’s Place. This was a good way to end our adventures in Roatan, as we saw some cryptic teardrop crabs hiding in an azure tube sponge, and a large rainbow parrotfish cruising by.

We then traversed the seas on our way back to Utila, stopping for our final dive at the sea mount called Black Hills. There was a large school of yellow tailed snappers, two spotted nudibranchs, and a scorpionfish awaiting the divers underwater. It was a stupendous end to an incredible week of diving.


That afternoon the guests enjoyed exploring the little town of Utila, and then we all gathered in the spacious salon for a wine and cheese party. We had a great time laughing over pictures in a slide show, numerous jokes, and memories from the week. The guests went out to dinner on our little island, then returned to relax on the yacht, enjoying the luxury they were surrounded by.

Saturday, March 31st
The wonderful week drew to a close, as the divers enjoyed a full continental breakfast in the morning. Phone numbers and email addresses were exchanged, and the crew bade fond farewells to the divers they had gotten to know so well. As the taxi came to pick up the guests they remembered all of the great times they had, and all of the amazing sea creatures they had seen. They gazed at the shining Utila Aggressor II, which had been their home for the past week, and headed off to the airport.

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Utila Aggressor II Captains Log Mar 31 - April 7, 2012

Utila Aggressor II Captains Log April 7, 2012

Captain/Video Pro Nestor Vidotto
First Mate Luis Wesley
Bosun John Bodden
Instructor/Photo Pro Naja Alvarado
Chef Jaime Zavala
Steward Candy Collins

Visibility: 60-80 ft.
Wind: E/SE 4-13 mph
Water Temperature: 79 F
Wetsuit Recommended: 3mm

We had an absolutely incredible week on the luxurious Utila Aggressor II, with a fabulous group who came here together. They were from a group called Underwater Adventure Seekers located in the DC area, and member of the NABS Divers.They were very attentive to each other, and we were impressed by their focus on continual learning and taking care of your fellow divers.

During the whole week the boat resonated with laughter, maintaining a joyous atmosphere which was inspiring. We started off the week diving around the island of Utila, enjoying the best dive sites in the area including a number of sea mounts which boasted large schools of fish. Some time was spent on the North side of the island including Rock Harbor and Turtle Harbor, where the sheer drop off walls were astounding. We also explored the beautiful South side of Utila, where on one dive we saw a seahorse, electric ray, swimming southern stingray, sharptail eel, and so much more.

This weather was so beautiful we were able to venture down to a special site called Coco’s Sea Mount, located near the islands Cayos Cochinos. We then glided through the welcoming Caribbean waters to the island of Roatan. The guests were thrilled to have a large pod of dolphins surround the yacht, and we watched as these elegant animals took turns playing by the bow of the boat. It was a truly special experience.

In Roatan we had a couple days of breathtaking diving, including caverns, swimthroughs, wrecks, and simply beautiful reefs. One of the favorites was at a wreck called El Aguila, where the guests had fun with some gigantic friendly groupers, and a large, cuddly green moray that appeared to have a special relationship with Instructor Naja. One afternoon some of the guests even ventured onto the island to explore the famous beach called West Bay.

Friday morning we ventured back to the island of Utila, and we had one of the most amazing experiences. Pilot whales came up around us, and they didn’t shy away from us being there. Most of the divers jumped in the ocean with their masks, fins, and snorkels to get an up close view of these magnificent animals. We spent ages playing around with them, as they would swim together in synchronization, totally comfortable with our nearby presence. At one point there were twelve of them right by one of the divers, including four babies who would swim with just the top of their heads touching their mother’s bellies. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Even after spending so much time with the pilot whales, Captain Nestor was still able to give the guests their final dive around Utila. This was especially important because one of our guests was celebrating her 100th dive. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to end a terrific week of diving.

The fun continued through that last evening, while everybody celebrated a tremendous week with jokes and laughter. The guests were so grateful to the crew who had spent the week spoiling them, that as a thank you gift they literally gave us the shirts off their backs. For dinner that night they had a chance to explore the small island of Utila, and see what this safe little area in the Caribbean had to offer. In the morning everybody was sad to have such an amazing week on the sparkling Utila Aggressor II come to an end, but with fond farewells the guests departed, bringing with them an abundance of wonderful memories.