Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras

---

Our travel day to reach Utila started at 4:30am, we packed up our hostel to catch a bus leaving at 5:00 to San Pedro Sula. As we got down to the hostel's main level we were shocked to find out we were locked in. After searching for some plans to jump out of a window or something else (our search was unsuccessful) a person that worked at the hostel came out of a room and opened the door for us. Luckily we made the 5:00 bus, it was L130 per person to San Pedro Sula (about $7) and the trip took about 4.5 hours, a bit longer than the 3 to 4 hours they had said it would take. From the start we knew it would take longer as the first 10 to 20 kilometers we never got out of 2nd gear on the bus, no one could really figure out why that was - it was really weird. Once at San Pedro Sula we caught a 10:00 bus for La Ceiba, the place to catch a boat for the Bay Islands. Our bus trip to La Ceiba was steamy to say the least. I believe I was sweating the entire way. Honduras has proven to be very hot and humid! The trip took about 3 hours 15 minutes and cost L100 per person, just over $5.

We caught the 4:00pm ferry to Utila, they run two a day, the other is at 9:30am. On the ride over we met a free lance diver that works for all the dive shops and he recommended a dive shop to us, Alton's. We got to Alton's and were impressed with their boats, gear, and location, so we decided to go with them.

We've been on the island about two days now and I think we have a solid feel for what the island is like, although about as soon as you get off the boat you get a pretty good idea. For those familliar with Madeline Island, it is kind of like that, but with a slightly larger population all based around the dock, and everyone dives! I can't remember the stats exactly, but I believe we were told that 32% of all diver certifications in the world come from Utila. For those unfamiliar with Madeline Island, Utila is one of the most laid back places you could go. Seems to have a tight community of locals and ex-pats and they all seem to like eachother and get along well. Their is pervasive partying and relaxing. Everything is at a slower pace and there are almost no vehicles. I should mention I did see 6 people on an ATV yesterday (ATV's, scooters, and tuk-tuk's are the main source of transportation). I must say that seeing 6 people on an ATV is just an extension of how all of Central America has been so far - they are far more efficient in their transportation than the United States. The U.S. has far too many rules and regulations to allow people to move in a way that suits them and is efficient for everyone. I could ramble on that subject, but I'll leave it at that for now.

Yesterday we did only classroom work for our open water dive certificate. Today we do our confined dive, which is in the ocean right next to Alton's dock, the water is probably 4 to 10 feet deep there, kind of like practicing in a pool. Tomorrow we will do two dives where we practice skills and the same the following day. Then we get two "fun" dives where we are already certified and just go enjoy everything.

A few general comments about Utila so far...It is warm! The bugs are pretty bad (mosquitoes and biting flies). It is more expensive than the mainland, but deals can be found. Diving is everything. Life is slow.

---

Photos

Post-sunset Dock
Just after sunset at Alton's (our dive center)

Ferry
The ferry from the mainland to Utila

Sunset
SUnset at the end of the pier at Alton's

Dinner
Chillin with Amy and Kyle (Canadian friend)

Geico
In a lamp.