Utila - Suggestions for a cheap place to stay & good place for PADI rescue course

[kathydee]

I am making plans to spend a month in Utila from mid Dec-mid Jan.

Can anyone recommend a cheap, clean, friendly, chill backpacker-diver place to stay. Would like a private room/shower but don't need much more (cold shower and primative conditons are fine as long as the room is secure, people are friendly & location is safe)

Also would like to take my PADI Rescue Dive course. Should I complete First Aid/CPR before comming or can I take it there? Any recommendations for a fantastic instructor/dive shop?

Thanks!

 

[vtminter]

Good luck with that. I will be there too at that time.

Sorry I can't help. I don't know much about Utila yet.

 

[bgrindberg]

This might give you some insight of what to expect

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bay-islands/220273-utila-trip-report-jan-2008-a.html

If you end up at Alton's, Ruby's or Dr John say hello from me.

 

[kathydee]

This might give you some insight of what to expect

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bay-islands/220273-utila-trip-report-jan-2008-a.html

If you end up at Alton's, Ruby's or Dr John say hello from me.

Looks like we travel the same too! Haven't found many backpackers on this site ;-).

Thanks for the info - great stuff. Sounds like there is a boat direct from Roatan to Utila? Humm, haven't seen it in my LP??


Think there is enough diversity to keep interested for 20-30 dives?

Thanks,

Kathy

 

[bgrindberg]

20-30 dives? I guess so. But I don't get bored easily underwater.

Rescue Diver is gonna keep you busy for a couple of days. Its a fun course though not too much about diving (in a narrower sense).

Then you can also do a wreck dive speciality.

Travel between Roatan and Utila can be arranged. Think its a sailboat. Usually you share the cost between a couple of people, so you end up cheaper and quicker than taking two ferries via La Ceiba. Unfortuantely I forgot what the captain's name was, but the people on either island will know.

 

[GoProHonduras]

Captains name is Vern, he sails about twice a week. You can get hold of him through Coconut Tree Divers, West End in Roatan and Utila Dive Cente on Utila.

Regards,
Andy

 

[itsjustme0770]

Andy,

My parents are going to be flying into Roatan in December and meeting me on Utila. They would have an interest in sailing over. Can you put me in touch with Vern? Also, can he arrange to meet (or have someone meet them) at the airport so its "door to door"? I don't mind compensating for the service, but want to make sure their trip into Utila is as simple as possible and that all their luggage makes it where its going.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[vtminter]

I am also interested if there is a possibility of "door to door" service because my GF is flying into roatan in december and meeting me on Utila.

 

[GoProHonduras]

If you PM me or e-mail gopro@utiladivecentre.com I'll give you the number for Vern.

 

[Cudabait]

His name is Vernon "Vern" Fine. He operates a 41" catamaran. He charters between Utila & Roatan. Recent price $50.00 PP. He comps beeer, soda & water. Sailing time Approx. 4 hours. Sails between Coconot tree on Roatan and Driftwood Grill pier on Utila. His email is: vfine@hotmail.com. Cell: 011-504-33462600'. Margaritaville hotel is right across the road from Driftwood and a short walk to Ecomarine Divers and Bay Islands College of diving. If you have the time, check out some of the dive ops after arrival...you'll not be disappointed you did so.