Utila or Roatan?

[scubapatton]

2 couples are looking at going to either Utila or Roatan from Los Angeles area. Roatan's Coconut Tree hotel/dive shop is the likely destination if Roatan wins out. No idea on Utila. A brief synopsis of the 4 people. The guys are both dive instructors, while the gals are either brand new Open-Water (certs dives + 4), or will be freshly certified open water by Dec. Neither couple is into raging nights out, but nice nights out instead. Hitting the local pub/bar for a few drinks, etc. Hitting decent beaches will be important and both ladies are big into massages, while the 2 guys enjoy them as well, just tend to be more concerned about good diving.

The time is for Dec 22 to Dec 29th or 30th.

I will also be bringing an underwater camera setup, not sure if the other guy will. Neither lady is into taking u/w photos at this time. Both ladies like mid to high-end hotels - essentially just having constant A/C and not being eaten alive is pretty much the "low-end" threshold.

Any insights, opinions?

Thanks!!!

[ronscuba]

Are you sure you want to take the ladies to Roatan/Utila ? Don't know of too many high end hotels. You might want to consider someplace more developed.

[jlgrimes]

Exact same question/situation just except probably just me and my wife, and at end of January.

[HowieDean]

Diving Roatan - Boat will never be more then 200 yards from the shore - Any where you fall off the boat will be a GREAT dive site... 40+ miles of continuous reef
Diving Utila - Reef is scattered patches and boat rides tend to be longer... You have a better chance of seeing bigger stuff - Not allot of whale sharks that time of year - but you have a chance - they do see them off Roatan from time to time as well

Utila is probably still the least expensive dive destination in the Caribean....

Keep in mind while both places have lovely beaches - they also both have an abundance of "Sand Fleas" Sand = Beach = They will eat the girls alive...

I would say for the "Partying " they are about a toss up......

The time of year you are going my recomendation would be Roatan - but South Side of the island....... Our place is on the North Side so I'm giving it to you straight....

Hope you have a great trip
Howie

That's just my opion, I could be wrong

[Doc]

Exact same question/situation just except probably just me and my wife, and at end of January.

Exact same answer:

Are you sure you want to take the ladies to Roatan/Utila ? Don't know of too many high end hotels. You might want to consider someplace more developed.

[jlgrimes]

It's all about the diving!

[Doc]

It's all about the diving!

Spoken like a true bachelor.

[DeputyDan]

Not a chance in the hot place I would take my spouse to either locale.

I go - my kids go - not the mamma - the insects will eat you up if you lay out on the sand and it is third world!

Look at the Caymans or T&C for more upscale (that comes with an upscale price)

[Doc]

Not a chance in the hot place I would take my spouse to either locale.

Not under those pre-conditions as from the original post, no.

My SO, aka Herself has associations with the finest hotels in the world. She asks politely and we are comped at the Quito Hilton Colon on our way to the Galapagos, we stay for free in the finest of London and Dubai on our way South from there.

She enjoys her weeks at Roatan's CoCoView immensely. She can get a pedicure, a massage, and 5 dives a day. The "beach" may be a wooden sundeck, but neither of us ever understood the laying on sand thing, either.

You have to be honest with yourself and the appraisal of the needs of your sweetie. In my mis-spent youth, I brought more than one aspiring permanent dive buddy with me to CCV. One, who looked fabulous in a Lycra skin, gave me her appraisal system of a good hotel: It has to have a nice lobby. She didn't much care for Roatan.

Fantasy Island takes a pretty good crack at making the resort portion a bit more to the catered and luxury side, still- it aint the Ritz. The dive op would likely disappoint the OP's request list, as well. Still, I'd give it a shot.

Whatever you do, for the Bay Islands you're going to have to convince them that DEET is an exotic sun tanning oil.

[scubapatton]

I am looking at these two, I appreciate the words of warning, but I would like to see these places before they get so hyped and they lose the "less touched" serenity feel. It is good to know about the sand fleas. I am not looking for the Hilton. As I noted, the "low-end" would just entail A/C and not being eaten alive. Neither couple has kids, so we don't need kid programs, etc. Bug spray will handle the mosquito issue, but it sounds like beach bumming is not such an option. Do the beaches have lounge chairs, etc? Third World is not only of no concern to me, but is actually sought after - my wife and I have been to Jamaica (both diving), Aruba (only I dove at the time) and Fiji (only I dove at the time) together. She is comfortable with all those places.

I would love to go to the Caymans or T&C, but with the budget I am imposing, unless there is federal aid for divers in want, I think we are s.o.l. on that option at this time.

I am not looking for the romantic, pampered vacation. I am looking for a solid dive trip where the guys will likely dive 3-4 a day, and the ladies 2-3. Roatan and Utila both appeal to me, but I am torn on where to advocate. My wife is on board, and realizes the jewelry stays home, one dress is cool, but the rest is shorts, tees, and dive gear. It will take only very minor convincing for the other couple.

Are there recommended places to stay and dive on either island? The only site that seems to get pretty rock solid reviews on Roatan is Coconut Tree.

HowieDean: you mention your place on the North side - is this a personal residence/vacation spot, or do you have a business there? Where would you recommend on Roatan, or Utila, to stay at in late Dec?