Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Fri, Apr 27, 2012 @ 02:45 PM
http://utiladivefestival.com/
Showcasing Utila both topside and underwater-- The first Utila Dive Festival, to be held August 18-25, 2012, is a week-long schedule of events above and below the water with diving, dancing, dining and discovering the tiny diving Mecca of Utila, one of The Bay Islands located in the Western Caribbean just South of Belize.
Underwater highlights include themed daily dives, and specialized diving activities held throughout the week including a photography competition, advanced buoyancy workshops, reef ecology and whale shark talks, tec and sidemount try dives including closed circuit rebreathers. Topside, there are social events, opening and closing beach parties, Taste of Utila food fair, and prize giveaways. Folks can also explore the island via kayaks, stand up paddle boards, hiking and much more!
The event is sponsored by PADI, ScubaPro, AquaLung, Dive Rite, GoPro, Sealife Underwater Cameras, Intova, ScubaBoard.com, ScubaDiverLife.com, Roatan Charters and CM Airlines. Sponsors have committed over $7000 in retail value of prizes and include: 12 Sealife Cameras; Aqua Lung regulator, BCD and mask/snorkel and fins; Scubapro MK25/S600 regulator; 6 GoPro HD Hero II sports cameras with housing; Intova cameras and light; 2 DiveRite sidemount rigs, reels, SMB's and wet notes; and an additional $3000 worth of courses and vacation stays at various local dive resorts and centers to be won.
Participating dive operations and resorts are offering Utila Dive Festival Special Offers. Registration for the event is $30 and and can be completed online.
Utila is part of the largest Great Barrier Reef system in the Western Hemisphere, where over 99% of Caribbean sea life that makes it’s home, and where the elusive Whale Shark, the Worlds largest fish can be encountered all year round. Traditionally a beginners diving paradise, Utila has enhanced its offerings over the years with specialty training courses, tech diving, reef ecology, professional training packages, new dive resorts and the Utila Aggressor.
For more information visit Utila Dive Festival.com or contact the Festival.
Youtube Video Link; http://youtu.be/xyrTsXiMVyc
Submitted by: Dive News Wire Contributing Editor Angelika C. Lukacsy of Utopia Dive Village
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Fri, Mar 16, 2012 @ 11:58 AM
BEST UNKNOWN SNORKELING SPOT IN THE CARIBBEAN!
Lovers of the ocean are on an endless search for new waters and destinations. North American travelers are in the happy position of being just a short flight away from the world's second largest barrier reef, an oceanic attraction that remains a secret to be shared among the scuba-diving and snorkeling vacationers. For years folks have gone to Cozemel Mexico thinking that this was the quickest and cheapest place to get a quick snorkeling and diving fix. After that, the buzz went to Belize and rightly so with its Mayan ruins and Blue Hole attraction. Now, is the time for discovering a new paradise called The Bay Islands. This tourist-based group of islands hosts a variety of underwater terrains in a lush tropical locale that has not only Mayan Ruins of it s own, but also majestic mountains and rainforest.
The Bay Islands, off the coast of Honduras were once called British Honduras and were also part of Belize. Looking for a less crowded Caribbean coastline lapped by turquoise waves? Check. Rainforest and jungle within easy reach? Check. Casually elegant accommodation in an exotic and relaxing environment? Check. All these glories are just welcome bonuses for those visitors attracted by the snorkeling sites just off the island beaches.
Utila, a diminutive isle just six miles long and two miles wide, is one of the highlights of the Bay Islands, with particular attractions for scuba-divers and snorkelers alike. Its snorkeling sites offer memorable exploration for visitors of all levels of experience. The shallow fringing reefs on the south-west side of the island provide opportunities to see coral formations, reef fish and some larger and rare species such as Hawksbill turtles. For visitors who want to snorkel regularly during their stay, Utopia Dive Village on Utila will provide guests with complimentary snorkeling equipment that can be checked out on a daily basis. Beginners and inexperienced snorkelers who prefer to stay in their comfort zone in shallow waters will not be disappointed by the variety of exploration that is possible even in five feet of water!
You should prepare yourself for some outlandish and colorful species of marine life on and around the reef such as parrot fish, huge schools of blue tang, squid and lobster. These range from the weird to the wonderful, also including exotic creatures like the reef octopus, seahorses and eagle ray. Beginners would benefit from Utopia's guided snorkeling afternoons on the reef where a guide identifies some of the typical Caribbean fish and provides marine tips while leading snorkelers to the edge of the reef wall.
An excursion out to Utila's cays, also available from Utopia, offers further opportunities for relaxing shallow-water snorkeling. Water Cay is particularly suited to a lazy afternoon, with its white sands and palm trees providing that genuine Caribbean paradise atmosphere, and idyllic snorkeling sites just off the beach.
Experienced and adventurous snorkelers will be thrilled by the anticipation of the 130 feet drop just 100 feet from the Utopia beach. This allows you to see the spectacular coral wall formations up close. There is no snorkeling experience to rival being at the edge of the deep looking out into the abyss! The bonus is that the waters are not crowded, so there is plenty of room to explore at your leisure.
Snorkeling With Whale Sharks On Utila
Arguably, one of the most exciting snorkel opportunities offers the chance to get close to whale sharks. These gentle plankton-munchers have a year-round home in the waters off Utila, and you are encouraged to bring your snorkel gear on excursions to swim with the sharks and with dolphins.
In-between snorkeling expeditions, there is plenty to see and do on Utila, the neighboring islands and the mainland. Try ziplining through the rainforest, or hiking along jungle trails to picturesque waterfalls.
Travelers who are unfamiliar with the joys of The Bay Islands can be reassured by the knowledge that hotels and restaurants will accept US dollars, electrical voltages are the same, and it is overall a hospitable vacation destination.
Direct International flights from Miami and Houston take just 2.5 hours to reach airports on Utila's sister island of Roatan or San Pedro Sula on the mainland. Utila is reached by a quick transfer via plane or boat. You can be snorkeling or diving on the reef just a few hours after leaving the USA.
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Fri, Mar 09, 2012 @ 11:18 AM
Looking for an adventurous vacation destination that takes you away from the maddening crowds? The Bay Islands of Honduras may be that elusive idyll: a place to relax and explore the natural attractions of a region that has everything you would expect of a Caribbean paradise, except the tourist hordes.
It's a paradise that is within easy reach of the USA. Flights from Miami or Houston take just 2.5 hours to reach Roatan island orSan Pedro Sula on the mainland. Short flight or sailing transfers take you to Utila. Book your trip now and find an unexpected welcome in the islands, where English is the first language (Caribbean style!) the US dollar is accepted in shops and hotels, power voltages are the same as the USA and ATM's are available.
It's a tranquil, peaceful destination combined with plenty of hints of the exotic. Utila stands out among the Bay Islands for its heritage, natural splendor and small town friendliness. It was a favored haunt of Caribbean pirates, looking for somewhere secluded to stash their booty. In fact the Morgan family still live and have businesses on the island today. These days however, the adventure on the island tends to be of a more socially-acceptable nature. That's not to say that visitors won't feel the buccaneering spirit as they hike to sea caves and hunt for the elusive whale shark and scuba-dive in the clear Caribbean waters.
There are activities and excursions here to suit every age group and level of experience, and each visitor will find memories to treasure on Utila. Given the seductive waters and the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, it's no surprise that scuba-diving and snorkeling are among the major attractions of the Bay Islands. Even inexperienced visitors who prefer to restrict their expeditions to shallow water snorkeling off Utila can enjoy the numerous species of coral and colorful reef fish. The Utopia Village on Utila offers complimentary snorkel gear to its guests, which can be checked out daily. Experienced snorkelers will appreciate the drop off about 100 feet from Utopia’s beach, where deeper waters make it possible to marvel at the reef's impressive wall formations. For a surface perspective on the reef and the Bay Islands waterways, kayaking is a perfect solution. Utopia also offers complimentary use of a sea kayaks and guided kayaking tours of the canal to the North Side of the island. How far you venture is up to you, but there are endless possibilities. The mangrove-filled lagoons offer a relaxing paddle or you can explore the numerous island cays and engage in some birdwatching and wildlife-spotting.
The waters around Utila are perfect for angling enthusiasts. A deep sea fishing excursions from Utila takes you out to the Continental Shelf where the waters are teeming with marlin, snapper, tuna and barracuda. Fishing from a traditional panga boat, you can enjoy a relaxing day, with the possibility of catching a fish that can be prepared and cooked by the Utopia chef. It's clear that the attractions of the sea could fill an entire vacation, but that would mean missing out on ziplining through a spectacular rainforest preserve. An excursion to La Ceiba on the mainland allows visitors to get some insight into the local wildlife, while enjoying some exhilarating routes along the canopy. Also, a short trip from the Bay Islands, the Pico Bonito Rainforest Park offers atmospheric jungle trails up to scenic waterfalls and breathtaking views of the "beautiful peak" itself, Honduras's tallest mountain. Hikes can be timed to include lunch in the park lodge.
Back on Utila, relaxing rewards await as you take a sunset cruise on a chartered sailboat including wine and cheese or end your day with a relaxing massage at Utopia's U Spa. Whatever your adventure vacation desires- the wind, waves, beaches, reefs and rain forests, The Bay Islands are the perfect Caribbean escape.
To view Utopia Village specials click here or email us at travel@utopiautila.com
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 05:45 AM
HONDURAS REEF RUINS AND RAINFOREST
If you are planning to visit Honduras on your next vacation or dive trip be sure to take advantage of what this amazing country has to offer. There is something for everyone from ancient ruins and lush jungles to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Exploration. Relaxation. Adventure. It’s all here. Explore the ancient wonders of Copan, what some call the Paris of ancient Maya cities. Fly hundreds of feet above the rainforest on a zip line through dense canopy. Or spend time in the Bay Islands, catching your breath in a place that is forever taking it away with its breathtaking sunsets, white sand and barrier reef. Test your nerve in La Ceiba against the raging Rio Cangrejal, a magnificent river with harrowing rapids that winds through lush jungle. There is a litany of things to see and do here, and a lifetime of memories to be made.
The Bay Islands of Honduras are little known by North American travelers. Just a jump South of well known Belize, the International Airports of the Island of Roatan or the mainland city of San Pedro Sula are a mere two and a half hour direct flight from Miami, Houston or Atlanta. There are direct flights from the New York area as well with prices typically in an affordable range.
Diverse terrain and climates cover this small country known as the heart of Central America. Bathed by both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, covered with tall mountains and lush jungle and surrounded by magnificent barrier reef, Honduras and The Bay Islands are definitely a small jewel waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers and ocean lovers.
Try one of our combo packages and enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving with 2 weeks-2 Islands or exploring ancient ruins and coffee plantations with our Reef, Ruins & Rainforest add on.
For Further Information Contact Us At: travel@utopiautila.com
For Pricing on Activities and Packages go to -Activities & Excursion Price List
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 @ 11:32 AM
Follow our blog for a series of whale shark factoids that are sure to appetite your scuba dive adventure palette! Start with this National Geographic whale shark video!
Whale Shark Are Filter Feeders. Click here to request a 2012 lunar calendar
Scuba Divers who love to dive and travel have a bucket list of places they just have to go and better yet those oceanic animals they want to see and photograph. Some divers are nuts over the little things like reef seahorses, nudibranches and the tiny uncommon Sea Plume shrimp, while others look for the big stuff- Hammerheads, dolphins, Humpbacks and the World’s largest fish, the whale shark. Diving with sharks has gained popularity over the recent years and diving with whale sharks is most incredible as the fish is so large and at the same time very tame. Whale Sharks are mainly migratory and therefore only show up in certain areas of the world during distinctive seasons. The seasons mainly correspond with spawning periods and the food sources that sustain them. If you really want to swim with a whale shark- the amazing chase is on!
There is as of yet very little known about the ocean’s gentle giants. The research studies that are now being conducted are fairly recent compared to others species like dolphins and Humpback whales that have been closely studied for over forty years. One reason is the rarity of the locations that they feed along coastlines and another is the fact that they tend to stay at depths of thousands of feet between feedings. They are pelagic dwellers, otherwise known as Open Ocean where they remain at depths between 2.6 miles and up to 6 miles below the oceans surface.
Whale Sharks Dive To Depths Of Thousands of Feet Between Feedings
If you truly wish to see a whale shark there are few places in the world where they are spotted regularly. The whale shark inhabits only tropical and warm-temperate seas. The four top places in the World to see whale sharks is Australia, Mozambique, Mexico and Honduras Bay Islands. Off the West coast of Australia, they are known to migrate every spring to the continental shelf. The coral spawning of the area's Ningaloo Reef provides the whale shark with an abundant supply of plankton. In Mozambique, Tofinio is an exceptional location where whale sharks tend to gather in numbers due to the upwelling and nutrient rich waters at Tofinio point and the surrounding area. In Mexico, during the summer months (June - September) hundreds of Whale Sharks gather just north of Isla Mujeres in a seven-mile radius to take advantage of the plankton rich waters created by the joining of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Around the tiny island of Utila off Honduras Caribbean coast is one of the only locations in the World where researchers have discovered a year round population rather than just a migratory one. It is perhaps the unique combination of the undersea topography and food source that keeps the whale shark in this popular diving destination.
Although more frequent in the months March-May, the Whale Shark is regularly sighted around the North side of Utila where the Cayman trench drops into the abyss.
These periods coincide with the full and last quarter moon. Between April and June whale sharks dive significantly deeper in the new moon–first quarter periods once spawning and other food sources are no longer occurring and spend longer time at depth. This means that during full moon and last quarter moon there can be more sightings along with the right wind conditions. Fortunately, Utila is home to a great variety of dive shops and resorts that offer both whale shark education programs and excursions that provide snorkel immersion.
End the chase and fulfill your dive adventure by swimming with the amazing whale shark! Visit Utila, Bay Islands and Contact us at Utopia Village for more information and 2012 scuba dive package specials.
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Thu, May 12, 2011 @ 02:48 PM
Yoga on the Beach combined with snorkeling and diving excursions.
Wellness and Adventure travel has evolved over the last few years. Those folks that used to spend three grand on a weekend at “Canyon Ranch” are now looking for better value and will travel farther distances to exotic locations. These days the economic downturn has become a driving factor for travel destinations to offer not only better value but also options that include local culture, sports and best of all variety.
Pravassa, a boutique wellness travel company located in NYC offers wellness travel packages to people of all ages and incomes to exotic destinations. One of the most popular retreats is the Yoga retreat.
Yoga is rooted in India where the traditions began so this has been and will always be a popular destination for teachers and students alike. For the U.S. market, Tulum, Mexico and Costa Rica have carved out a niche for yoga related travel and saturated the market. The new destination for Yoga today is off the grid in Honduras.
Honduras is located North of Costa Rica far closer to the US and has much to offer travelers and vacationers. The Mayan ruins in Copan, rainforest on the mainland and reefs in The Bay Islands located off its coast are natural wonders filled with culture and mystique. Yoga enthusiasts can travel to Honduras and experience an off the beaten path retreat at small casually elegant Caribbean style places. Locations near the ocean are popular for combining the relaxation and meditative qualities of Yoga with soothing waves, rustling palms and the underwater wonder of snorkeling and diving activities.
Linden Schaffer at Pravassa focuses on what her clients are asking for in their evolving Wellness travels. It was an avid request that she find a new Yoga fit for her clients. Linden commented,” I found Utopia Village in Honduras by chance during an Internet search for Central America Boutique Hotels. My clients had been requesting an option other than Costa Rica and once I read about Utopia it seemed to have exactly what we were looking for: newness in destination, remoteness of location and size of resort that could cater to our needs. I visited last year and added Utopia Village to our travel menu.”
If interested in the next Yoga Retreat hosted by Pravassa at Utopia Village, click here & we will send you the Yoga Info Packet. Simply write YOGA in the message box!
Pravassa successfully combines elements of wellness and adventure in their trips. The trips appeal to those who are looking for new ways to have fun and to get to know a new locale. By combining wellness, fitness, culture, activities and unique locations, Pravassa invites people to shift their perspective and expand their minds. Yoga and mediation are offered in the morning, but afternoons are free to explore activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting or in the case of Utopia, snorkeling and scuba diving. By offering this type of getaway that combines Yoga and Scuba Diving, it has opened the eyes of both Yogis and Scuba Diver groups that they can combine these activities in one retreat.
Yoga means something different to everyone so as people get to know the practice and figure out what it means for them, it can manifest in different forms. For some people yoga is just asana or the physical activity that goes along with the practice and they use this as exercise. For others it includes mediation, service (volunteering) and breathing exercises and for even more it extends into their diet and they become vegetarian or vegan. Most people who attend a Pravassa vacation have some knowledge of yoga, even if it's just the asana. Once they leave the vacation, they are filled with additional knowledge as to what yoga can be and how they can incorporate it into their lifestyle.
September is National Yoga Month according to the National Health Organizations. Start today and reduce stress and increase your overall health.
http://www.womensheart.org/content/Exercise/yoga.asp
http://www.yogamonth.org/
Beginners in both Yoga and diving are welcome! We are holding a hammock for you.
If interested in the next Yoga Retreat hosted by Pravassa at Utopia Village, click here & we will send you the Yoga Info Packet. Simply write YOGA in the message box!
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Thu, Apr 14, 2011 @ 01:33 PM
Top Ten Eco-Friendly Dive Travel Tips
Whether on vacation or at home, you can make a real difference to our environment. Here are a few simple tips that allow you to tread more lightly on this Earth while enjoying an amazing dive trip. The beautiful house reef at Utopia is one of Utila's greatest natural assets. Our motto is to both preserve and enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
1. Turn off lights, water and air conditioners when you leave your room.
2. Minimize water use. Turn off taps when shaving or brushing teeth and reuse towels.
3. Knowledge is king- learn about marine life and teach others not to fear just respect.
4. Save and plant trees- they are the oceans best filters!
5. Dispose of all trash responsibly on land and at sea.
6. Support and attend underwater clean up dives.
7. When diving and snorkeling, never touch plant and animal life. Minimize fin movement, which stirs sand that can choke the reef.
8. Never chase an animal – while hiking, diving or snorkeling.
9. Do not take souvenirs from nature or archeological sites.
10. Contribute to the local community or marine organizations by donating time, talent or treasure.
Eco-Friendly Policies:
As a resort operating in a fragile and biodiverse ecosystem, Utopia understands the importance of preserving and protecting the environment and its indigenous communities. The resort's policies to “reduce, reuse and recycle” actively encourage all employees and visitors to participate in these endeavors.
Much of the inspiration for the resort's interiors came from the beautiful Gumba Limba tree that is endangered in Honduras and monitored closely by environmental groups: Trees are critical in minimizing erosion, nourishing the soil and helping filter the ocean.
Utopia Dive Village accomplishes much of its conservation techniques through a few simple tasks:
- Vegetable and fruit scraps are composted providing nutrients for the gardens.
- Utopia’s kitchen buys and prepares fish from sustainable sources.
- Seeds from papayas are collected and replanted throughout the gardens.
- Beaches are always kept clean and all trash is disposed of properly.
- Encourage water conservation; Utopia remains self-sustained using three wells, a rainwater collection system and several cisterns.
- Linens are laundered once per week, unless otherwise requested.
- Refillable shampoo, hand soap and lotion bottles are used in lieu of disposable mini plastic bottles.
- Operable windows, screened in areas and ceiling fans minimize the use of air conditioners.
- Large windows flood the rooms with natural light reducing energy usage.
- Jars and containers are reused; old towels are used as cleaning rags.
- Cans and plastics are recycled and reduce trips to the landfill.
- Plastic plates and cups are rarely used and deposit bottles for beers and sodas are the norm in lieu of plastic.
- Many of Utopia's staff are local residents and have been taught recycling techniques.
- Long-term employees have been trained in areas they would not normally be exposed, such as basic electrical and plumbing, culinary techniques and spa treatments providing them with rich professional foundation and steady income for their families.
- Utopia supports regular underwater clean up dives sponsored by PADI's Project Aware.
- The resort participates in the Whale Shark research and photo id programs and donates part of the reef fund to The Utila Centre for Marine Ecology. UCME is a registered NGO that focuses on saving the reef systems in the Bay Islands.
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Thu, Mar 31, 2011 @ 11:40 AM
Lower Fares to Honduras & New Direct Connections From San Pedro Sula to Utila!
Summer is the perfect time for a vacation- Utopia Village weekly packages including room & all meals starting at $899 plus taxes and kids age 7-10 stay free in a room with an adult. Book now and come snorkel or dive the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Utopia Village is the only resort on Utila with a full spa on site. Included in every package are 4 star gourmet meals from our restaurant Dulce Vida.
Airfare from major US cities have dropped significantly to both Roatan (RTB) and San Pedro Sula (SAP)- Check out the fare calendar on Trip Advisor. See below details on new airline with direct connections to Utila from mainland Honduras!
- NYC from $422 incl taxes
- Houston from $585 incl taxes
TRAVEL INFO
ITL to Roatan - RTB (neighboring island)
Continental,Delta or Taca to Roatan (RTB), neighboring island.
Interisland- Roatan/Utila
$55 pp one way Catamaran 3.5 hrs to Utila contact vfine@hotmail.com
approx. $240 rt pp ($120 one way) Private puddle jumper flight 12 min alicewwtravel@yahoo.com
*Some folks take cat to the island and fly back
ITL to Mainland Honduras - San Pedro Sula (SAP)
AA, Continental, Delta, Taca to San Pedro Sula
Interisland- SAP/Utila
New Airline Service in Utila: CM Airlines!
Direct flight from San Pedro Sula to Utila on Saturday’s.
3:00pm SAP/UTL, 8:40am UTL/SAP
We are holding a hammock for you!
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Thu, Mar 24, 2011 @ 02:32 PM
Utopia Village
offers the PADI Whale Shark Awareness Specialty course to scuba divers. The purpose of this is to introduce divers and snorkelers to whale sharks and familiarize them with proper recreational diving techniques for responsible interaction. The course includes the latest research information including biology, behavior, monitoring activities and worldwide conservation projects.
Check out this whale shark video taken by a Utopia Dive Village diver! Whale Shark Video
Whale sharks are spotted on Utila year round, they are deep divers up to thousands of feet and come to the surface to feed. Utila's geological make up is perfect for this. The Northside borders the Cayman trench dropping into the abyss and the fringing reef, inland lagoons and mangrove are host to many different types of snapper and grouper that spawn during the FULL MOON and LAST QUARTER MOON.
Check out the lunar calendar for the best dates to vist Utila and see whale sharks!!
Moon Phases Calendar
Fortunately, Utila is home to a great variety of snapper which is one reason why whale shark tend to remain in these waters year round and we have sightings throughout. The other significant reason is the great depths of the Cayman trench off the Northside coupled with the shallows where snapper spawn. Below are a few types of the snappers found here and their spawning seasons. Also 2011 lunar calendar Mar-June where the moon is full or in the last quarter and sightings may be higher as that is when the snappers spawn.
Species of Snapper around Utila (there may be more but these are most prevalent) • Red Snapper Spawn- Apr to Sept
• Yellow tail Snapper- April – Sept
• Vermillion Snapper Spawn- April – Sept
• Dog Teeth Snapper- Apr- Sept
• Mutton Snapper- Mar-June
• School Master Snapper spawn –July - Aug
• Mangrove Snapper Spawn- June- Aug
• Cubera Snapper- Jul-Aug
Make your dream of swimming with one of these gentle giants come true! Book Utopia Village and ask about last minute specials for this Spring & Summer!
email angelika@utopiautila.com for further information.
Posted by Angelika Lukacsy on Wed, Jan 05, 2011 @ 10:44 AM
Utopia Village is in the perfect location for 3 of the top 5 shore diving locations around the island of Utila. Utila is located in The Bay Islands of Honduras. The reef system in this part of the world is known by divers but is only being discovered by adventure travelers and vacationers.
The unique underwater terrain around Roatan and predominantly Utila is created by the shallow fringing reefs on the South side of the island and the vast abyss known as The Cayman Trench on the Northside of the island. Divers and snorkelers alike love this area set on the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Top 5 shore diving Sites:
- Cabannas One & Two
- Jack Neal Beach
- Sting Ray Point
- Silver Gardens
- Pretty Bush
The shallow fissures with sandy bottoms and beautiful purple coral gardens just off Utopia’s shores will tantalize shore divers. Utila’s crystal blue waters host over 90% of marine inhabitants found in the Caribbean, including schools of Blue Tangs, Southern Sennetes, and scores of other brilliantly colored Tropical fish. Everything from a myriad of juvenile reef residents to the larger Whale Shark, Manta Rays, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Moray Eels, lobster, Hawksbill turtles and octopus can also be sited.