I have dived once before, a few years ago in a pool in London. It didn’t go well; too cold and too scary. And after that dive I gave up- I’m not going to fall into passionate divers category. But then, after two years, I’ve reached Utila, and indeed the storyline changed.
I went to snorkel into beautiful clear waters and it got me there. I signed up for an open water diving course. After reading numerous of blogs I chose to dive with Parrots. Instructor Ron was so amazing that after my course I did advanced open water, which allows you to dive much deeper.
Utila is a second cheapest place in the world to get qualified as a diver, Koh Tao scoring first. Most of dive schools offer similar prices and include accommodation. It all depends from your research, even if you haven’t done one, as soon as you step out of a ferry, you will be greeted by many representatives of dive centres. Note, that all listed prices does not include TAX (15%). Parrots gave me $20 off, which tightened my wallet by $307 ($269 as listed on boards without tax). I’ve got a nice and clean 4 bed dorm, one free breakfast and a welcome drink. Oh and bunch of new friends!
I can shamelessly admit, that my first few dives were horrible and I really wanted to quit. And it was horrible in a way that it was really scary to adapt to the idea that you can breathe under water, also all formal bits, such as taking masks and regulators off under water. But again, my instructor was really supportive and patient, that’s exactly why I overcame my fears and can now enjoy exploring an amazing underwater world. A big shout-out and even bigger thank you to Ron.
So I’ve spent two weeks in Utila, explored underwater ship wrecks and ate so many balliadas that I can’t even count. But what else to do in here? You can do yoga, paddleboards or volunteer at Iguanas rescue centre. Although, many come here to get the diving certificates as a main goal. Also make sure that you watch the sunset from Rehab bar as it’s truly beautiful.
It’s easy to find your way around the island, no need taking tuk tuks, as everything is close by. Unless you have spare cash to splash or cannot walk:)
Best balliadas place I’ve found was Mama Rosa (chicken avocado for 50L), best fried chicken next to 2nd ATM (25L for a big piece) and best coctails? Forget about them- it’s a rum land here.
The only thing I regret not doing while I was on the island is trek for the missing drug plane. I was really planning to, unfortunately diving took most of my time and when not diving, it was just too hot to go in the jungle. Sounds like I’m just trying to make excuses here:) anyway, if you have a chance, definitely do it! You can find information in the article written by Expert Vagabond.
And finally the formal bit: fast boat from La Ceiba to Utila leaves twice daily at 9:30am and 4:00pm and cost $27 one way. I know, expensive, probably that’s why many people never leave:) However the way back is $24, so keep that $3 for an ice cream or something:)
You can find the information on how to get to Utila from Guatemala in my previous post here.
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