Rhys,
Good day...
I would second everything that Roatan Man just said. When I was looking at a trip to Utila/Roatan last spring his advice was spot on.
My SE Asia diving experience could easily be described by Roatan Man's description...current, backrolls from an inflatable, etc. I agree, wait a little longer to increase your skill set before embarking to the South Pacific...but still plan it as it can be wonderful.
Utila or Roatan...not the same-same.
Utila great for training...I am planning on going back for my Instructor's training.
Roatan great for pleasure diving...I am planning on going back with my family and friends as a group for fun diving.
Can you have "fun dives" on Utila or "dive training" on Roatan ... absolutely, there are good providers for both on each island. IMO, I think each island has evolved into the two distinct markets.
If you are interested in dive training on Utila, I can strongly recommend
www.utiladivecenter.com I trained with them for three weeks and thought my training was super and the cost was very reasonable. When your course(s) are finished or before they begin, UDC will let you do as much diving as you want to. I have a feeling this is pretty standard for most dive operations. UDC is affiliated with the
www.mango-inn.com and it is quite nice. At the suggestion of Andy Phillips, UDC's Course Director, my GF and I stayed at the Lighthouse Inn
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bay-islands/251732-lighthouse-hotel-utila.html. It was an easy walk to the dive center and the main street on Utila with all of the markets and restaurants. If you go to Utila, be prepared that it is NOT touristy, very much a Caribbean/Central American community...but not to ruralish.:grinbandit:
If you are interested in fun dives on Roatan, I can strongly recommend
www.anthonyskey.com AKR is an all inclusive resort with great food, super accommodations on the island/key (did not try their hillside rooms as all of the reviews I read suggested the island/key bungalows) and three daily dive trips around the island. If you are looking for a specialty dive course they do offer them as well. My GF does not dive, so I dove a two-tank dive in the AM while she slept in and then after lunch I when snorkeling with her. If you do go to AKR...the Dolphin swim is a must do activity. They have the usual beach-dolphin encounter that lasts about 30 minutes where you wade out into the water and learn about dolphins and get your picture with them, but the real treat was the swim with them in their environment. I have dived with free-ranging dolphins before and they seem to lose interest in you in a few minutes. These guys love to play with you. I am a wildlife biologist, so normally I do not care for captive animals "performing", but the staff biologist and handlers really do care for the dolphins and their facilities are very good. AKR often run 2-1 specials, maybe if you take the wait and see approach they might run one when you are planning your trip. Also sign up for their newsletter as they email specials all of the time.
These are the two centers/resorts I stayed at on my first Honduras trip. I know that both islands have others that are just as good with different amenities to suit your desires and needs. There are many good posts on SB about some of the different operations.
Good luck on which ever destination you choose and have a good time.
~Michael ~
:bounce4::bounce2: