Utila Lodge - General Info???

[cfelliot]

We are going to Utila Lodge Apr 25 - May 2. After 2 trips to CocoView in the last year we wanted to try a new place. We are a group of 11, so we're taking 6 of the 8 rooms. There's also another group of 'Mainers' of about the same size going to Utopia on the same dates.

It's hard finding specifics in the threads and I have a few questions if anyone would care to answer:

Is there shore diving off of the Lodge?
If so, can you do a checkout dive on arrival?
Dive sites to request?
Anything you wish you knew before you went(already have my stockpile of DEET-LOL)?


Chuck

 

[Damselfish]

We're also considering a trip here with a group in the fall and am watching this thread.

As far as shore diving it was discussed a tiny bit on this thread. Start reading at post #47.

 

[itsjustme0770]

Are you looking for info on Utopia or Utila Lodge? Your title says one and the message the other. Two very different places and I am just not sure which one you are looking for info on.

 

[cfelliot]

Sorry, my mistake - fixed. I was thinking both names as as I typed the message.
We're going to Utila Lodge

 

[itsjustme0770]

Utila Lodge is located in town, which is great for evenings out. UTLgirl who is a routine poster will probably chime in as she's a constant presence over at the lodge. As far as I know, there is no shore diving from the Lodge. Since its in town, its on the water, but in the harbor. No reefs there. I suppose you could strap on a tank and paddle around, but its pretty high boat traffic.

Lots of great dive sites around Utila. My personal preferences are Duppy Waters, CJ's dropoff, Black Hills, Pretty Bush and Jack Neil. That said, the Lodge has real good boat drivers and I'm sure they'll get you to the good ones weather permitting. Deet or other repellent is good. Sand Flies really depend on the breeze. The more of one, the less of the other. Don't take more gear than you need. Utila is EASY diving. Don't take more clothes than you need, Utila is as casual as anyplace can possibly be. Understand that Utila is the Caribbean of 30 years ago, not today and go with the flow. Its a wonderful place and the folks at the lodge are real nice. Have fun.

 

[Damselfish]

ah, and I was looking at Utopia.

 

[ncchuck]

There isn't really any shore diving at the resort. You could however easily do a shallow checkout dive (10ft). In fact, Bay Islands College of Diving, does some of their instruction off the dock at the resort.

 

[cfelliot]

Thanks for the responses!

A couple more:

They say 3 boat dives/day with 2 night dives. Do they go out in the afternoon for dive #3 on the other days or is it 3 in a row?

I assume tipping as usual to the DM and Captain. What about the rest of the resort. Is it collective like CocoView or individual.

Dive locker setup?

Chuck

 

[itsjustme0770]

I am pretty sure its two AM (usually north side weather permitting) and one PM (south shore) dive. No clue on the tipping or dive gear areas.

Damselfish: Utopia is the newest all inclusive on Utila. They get really good reviews on Trip Advisor. I've been there and the design is very very attractive. I've eaten at the restaurant once and the food was good. Their rooms are spacious and attractive. Their shoredive is a very good south shore dive, but entrance and exit from the shore is a bit tricky. Be sure to have their dive instructors advise you on the best entrance. In heavy seas, you are trucked to the lagoon to board the diveboat as Utopia's dock is difficult at best in heavier seas. They handle all of your gear for you, so its not that big of a deal. Dive boat is newer and I've heard there is plenty of space for you and your gear. Their Champa Bar is a great place for a drink. We have walked down the beach from our place a couple of times for drinks.

Hope that helps.

 

[UTLgirl]

Hi cfelliot,

Sorry, was off yesterday & out playing - was just TOO pretty to stay inside

I see others have answered re: shorediving. There is some, mostly over to the West of us & some cool nursery stuff under the dock, but coming from CCV, it will be different than you're used to, just as Utila will differ from Roatan. We do however, have seamounds, easy access to town (and Ice Cream) & a few other things you might enjoy

The dive schedule is generally 2 in the am, 1 in the afternoon except for Mon. & Wed., the night dive nights. On those days we'll do 2 in the morning, take the afternoon off so you can go exploring, do a Whaleshark encounter trip, shopping, or just relaxing, then head out for the night dive. We've also been known to do a 3 tank all day trip & stop off at the cayes for lunch if the groups wants to.

RE: tipping, you'll find it very similar to CCV. We have a general tip pool for all the staff, but you're certainly welcome to tip any individually that you care to, all we ask is that you mark the envelope for the general tip pool who's been tipped individually, so we know who the rest needs to go to.

Feel free to PM me if I can answer anything for you.
Erin