countdown to Utila trip.

[bostondivegirl]

Can't wait! I just booked my first trip to Utila for april 5th. I am hoping to see at least 1 whale shark. My husband and I have everything booked, we are counting the days....waiting for our regs to be delivered from ST and then off we go. any suggestions on what to do topside?

[beluga]

I just got back from Utila two days ago. Loved it. I stayed at the Mango Inn and dove with UDC.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. It's been tougher to get on and off the island lately. The ferry didn't run two days last week.

[NoTime58]

Originally Posted by bostondivegirl

Can't wait! I just booked my first trip to Utila for april 5th. I am hoping to see at least 1 whale shark. My husband and I have everything booked, we are counting the days....waiting for our regs to be delivered from ST and then off we go. any suggestions on what to do topside?

Post a trip report when you get back as the "misses" and I are always looking for great vacation spots.

[bostondivegirl]

Hopefully we will have some great underwater pics. But will definitely post a trip report.

[mitsuguy]

Should be a fun time... The wife and I will be doing our instructor training there later this year and may end up staying for quite a while even...

Please do, give us some pics!

[Athena2c]

Cool! Looking forward to the report, as Utila is one of the places we are looking at for a future trip.
Beluga-How'd you like the Mango Inn and UDC?

[beluga]

I really liked the Mango Inn and UDC. It's one of the nicer places to
stay on the island and UDC is one of the best shops. I think Cross Creek
Dive Center is also owned by the same people.

I had arranged everything online before arriving so I didn't visit the
other shops. But talking with other people who did, they said basically
UDC is one of the best shops. Cross creek is the "backpacker" version
of UDC (ie. younger crowd all staying in the dorms). There are young
people doing dives and courses at UDC but I'd estimate the average age
of customers at UDC is 10 years more than the other shops.

UDC is probably the busiest shop. But that lets them have three dive
boats and usually one goes out to the north side every day. I didn't
get to see a whale shark but snorkled with dolphins on two occassions.
Most of the shops have basically the same pricing. They seem to be all
safe and professional. So it really is more about personal preferences.

There are people on the island from all walks and stages of life. The
Mango Inn has a range of accomodations that work for everyone from the
backpacker exploring Central America to the established professional
on vacation. If you are doing a course with UDC, you get to stay free
in the Mango Inn dorms (shared bathroom) which is a pretty good deal.

I took a standard room, 7 night, 2 dives/day package. My room was
comfortable and clean. It's not the Hilton but it certainly is better
than most motels I've stayed in.

The food on at the Mango Cafe is great. Even if you are not staying
there, make sure you go for pizza one night.

[bostondivegirl]

Thanks, beluga. We're staying at the Laguna Beach Resort. Hopefully we'll have time to visit the rest of the island and see the other hotels. Anyone out there stayed at the Laguna Beach?

[Athena2c]

Thanks Beluga! I appreciate the information!

[beluga]

My pleasure. Laguna Beach looks really nice but it is water access to the rest of Utila. The vibe in town is awesome. Being a small island there is no crime, no panhandlers, everyone is relaxed, friendly and helpful.

Two other things I will really miss: the coffee and baked goods. They just ship flour to the island and everything is freshly made.

If you have to stay over night in San Pedro Sula, use the Metrotel Express (formerly the Microtel Inn). It's 15 mins and a $10 cab ride to and from the airport. I stayed there one night and found it quite clean and convenient.

Honduras Hotel: Metrotel express, we make your Honduras travel experience special.

If you have to stay over night in La Ceiba, use the Hotel Gran Paris. Again $10 to either the airport or ferry dock. I didn't stay there but the manager at the Mango Inn does and recommended it to me .

Gran Hotel Paris (La Ceiba, Honduras) - Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor

If you are looking to really be pampered at a beautiful hotel, try Las Cascadas in La Ceiba:

http://www.lascascadaslodge.com/

I stayed one night at the Coco Pando Resort. The guys are nice enough but it is just too much hassle to go there. The road is really bad and taxi's want $20-25 each way. Their rooms are pretty run down, too.

Next time, I will use one of the island travel agents to arrange flights all the way into Utila.

The About Utila site is really useful: Utila Official Site - Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras - Tropical Island Paradise

There is an HSBC on the island now, right at the main intersection. The line ups are long for the teller but the ATM is usually free.