Utila -- one diver, one soon-to-be-diver

[mille]

Two of us (couple in mid-20's) are heading to Utila for the last week of April 2011. So excited! I have my Advanced OWD and he is going to learn to dive.

Is it possible to show up, find a place to stay for a night, and then wander the shops to find a place that works for the both of us? If so, does anyone have a suggestion for a place to book for our first night (or longer) in town?

I also see that some of the dive shops offer free accommodations, free dives, and other goodies if you do a course, dive and stay with them. We thought that we'd try take advantage of this since we're on a budget. Is this something that we can research when we arrive? or should we be booking in advance?

THANKS for the tips!!!

 

[laurenceh]

you can get budget accommodation at many dive shops, cross creek, udc, deep blue divers, altons etc. if you're arriving by ferry they'll all be waiting at the dock when you arrive.
if you want something nicer i'd suggest the lighthouse inn (about $55 a night), its close to udc, altons etc.

 

[jono33]

I did exactly that when I went there. showed up, dropped bags at Capt. Morgans (they're kind enough to watch them while we look around for a place, and they're right on the corner when you get off the ferry). found a cheap room, i think it was like $7 a night, dove with underwater vision for a few days, moved on to Captain Morgans where we stayed on a seperate little key, had good access to north side and great people. I would highly recommend them, although had no complaints with UW vision either. Captain Morgans seems to have better access to the north side though from what I gathered. check out jade seahorse for topside night time spot. have fun!

 

[rob@diveinutila.com]

April can be a very busy time in the Bay Islands - especially if you are coming over the Easter weekend or during Semana Santa - the biggest Latin holiday period of the year. Many people from the Central America will arrive for several days vacation. This means that hotels and dive centers can be full. So if you are planning to come over Easter weekend, or during the week running up to that, I would advise researching & reserving at least your hotel ahead of time. Many hotels will be fully reserved several weeks ahead of these dates.

 

[mille]

Super. Thanks for the tips!