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GoPro-Recreational Diving |
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Call us |
Call us on regular phone
In the USA
(broadband)
305 420 5959
From the USA to Honduras
011 504 4253326
(cell phone)
011 504 3732521
From the UK
00 504 425 3326
(mobile phone)
00 504 3732521 |
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Latest Events |
Tue, Sep 9th, 2008, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Instructor Development Course Staff Instructor (MSDT as prerequisite ) |
Wed, Sep 10th, 2008, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Instructor Development Course Staff Instructor (MSDT as prerequisite ) |
Thu, Sep 11th, 2008, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Assistant Instructor course |
Thu, Sep 11th, 2008, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Complete IDC |
Thu, Sep 11th, 2008, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Instructor Development Course Staff Instructor (MSDT as prerequisite ) |
Fri, Sep 12th, 2008, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Assistant Instructor course |
Fri, Sep 12th, 2008, @8:00am- 5:00pm
Complete IDC |
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One of the great things I love about living on Utila is the wide choice
of activities to do besides diving, when you’re not busy guiding divers
or Instructing there are a multitude of activities to engage in and
have fun with.
Utila Caye trips
The Utila Cays are a collection of 12 tiny islets located off the
southwest corner of the main island. It is possible to rent a private
island - Sandy Caye and Diamond Caye both have a cabin available. If
you wanted a complete escape from civilization, Water Caye is the ideal
tropical beach paradise, several hundred metres long surrounded by
piercingly blue water and coral reef- the only occupants here are the
coconut palm trees to shade you from the Caribbean sun or support your
hammocks.
Sea Kayaking/Snorkeling
During your time diving with us at the Utila Dive Centre you will have
access to our kayaks and our snorkelling gear free of charge. The
fringing reefs on the Southside of Utila are ideal for snorkeling or
free diving, especially offshore from the old airport or at the other
end of town at Blue Bayou. Next to Blue Bayou is the southern entrance
to the cross-island canal, ideal for an afternoon of kayaking.
Bordering this waterway are lush mangroves that provide home to an
array of wildlife, the most thrilling of which being the freshwater
crocodile. Although sightings are not too common a glimpse of this
large reptile is not unheard of. Half way up the canal is a small dock
where a trail leads to Turtle Harbour Pond, the site of a small
pre-Colombian ruin. On the north side of the island west of where the
canal opens out are some secluded beaches for sunbathing or snorkeling.
Horseback Tours/Freshwater caves
If you would like a break from water sports you could explore Utila's
bush covered wilderness on horseback or by bicycle. Aladdin's cave is a
popular destination with a large freshwater pool inside for cooling
down during your mounted trip. On the north side of the island is
Pumpkin Hill beach accessible by a 5km dirt road through the island.
Much of the coast here is covered with fossilized corals and rocks but
there are still plenty of good sandy spots for relaxing or snorkeling.
Near the beach is Pumpkin Hill itself, 270 ft high and riddled with
caves, one of which is the spacious Brandon Hill Cave, and local myth
has it containing Pirates Treasure from centuries ago. Closer to town
is Stuarts Hill, like Pumpkin Hill it is a former volcano. From the top
are great views of town and the south side of the island, and nearby
are the barely visible remains of a pre-Columbian ceremonial site.
Iguana Research and Breeding Station
If you need a break from diving this makes for an interesting
expedition. Watch the several different species of bizarre looking
swamp creatures feed and wander around their natural habitat. The
station has several species of iguana including Ctemosaura baberi found
only in the mangrove swamps of Utila.
Paintball
New to Utila, this activity has proven to be very popular on the
island. The volcanic formations and dense jungle on the Northside make
an ideal setting for this exciting pursuit where two teams of up to
twelve people can enjoy an afternoon out of town. Sessions can be
arranged at Tranquila Bar or through Utila Dive Center.
Jetskiing
A variety of jetskis are available for rent, ranging from 750cc to
1200cc. Prices depend on duration of rental and engine size and can be
organised at Chepes beach just outside of town.
Fishing
Both deep-sea fishing and fly-fishing are common in Utila. Among the
species found in the shallows near shore are bonefish and permit, which
are caught all year round, and grouper, snook, and all sorts of
snapper, including yellow tail and red. Tarpon has a limited season,
generally from February through June. Deeper waters have mackerel (king
and Spanish), bonito, black fin tuna, Wahoo, kingfish and seasonally
marlin, while goliath grouper can also be found offshore. Fishing trips
can be organized through Utila Dive Centre on one of our quick skiffs
or with local fishermen.
Water sports
Windsurfing, water skiing and wakeboarding are all common activities
available to any of our visitors that would rather spend some time on
the water instead of under the water. The prevailing easterly wind
provides ideal conditions on the south side of the island for any
windsurfing enthusiast. The Eastern Harbour Bay can play host to the
perfect setting for water skiing and wake boarding, or for those
looking for more of a challenge the waves off Iron Shore would make for
some more serious action.
Sailing
If you’re a sailing enthusiast then there are ‘Hobie cats’ available
for daily rental on the island and there are also several sailors with
40-50ft, 6 berth, sailboats available for charter. As Utila has a
protected bay and over 200 days a year of East ‘trade winds’ there are
some great experiences and other islands to visit, choose from island
hopping to Roatan and Cayos Cochinos, or opt for a more longer charter
to dive the pristine ‘Glovers Reef’ of Belize.
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