The Best Scuba Diving in Utila
uTILA & Captain Morgan's
Frequently asked questions
in the know
Booking a dive course or trip with Captain Morgan’s is very easy! Just go to the desired course page (e.g. ‘Recreational’ -> ‘Entry Level then choose Open Water’) and click add to cart. Then simply go to your Shopping Cart (on the top right corner of the page) and proceed to check-out via PayPal. Very safe and easy! If you have any doubts you can always contact us.
what you need to know
You know you wanna be here.
Honduras Airports
There are 3 main international airports that you can fly into if you are planning to arrive to the country by air. They are
- San Pedro Sula. As the biggest Airport most major cities fly here.
- Palmerola. Honduras' newest international airport located close to the captial city Tegucigalpa.
- Roatan. Beside Utila but a more expensive option for people traveling through Latin America
- La Ceiba. Limited international flights, this would be the best choice as their are charter flights and ferries directly to Utila
From Palmerola or San Pedro Sula, you can catch flights on local airlines (CM Airlines or SOSA), to La Ceiba.
Then take the Utila Dream ferry to Utila.
Bus & Shuttle Travel
A less expensive option, would be to catch a bus from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba and then take the ferry, Utila Dream, to Utila.
Bus Companies that go from San Pedro Sula Bus Terminal to La Ceiba. (not all listed)
- Mirna
- Diana
- Cristina
- Viana Express
The majority of bus companies in Honduras do not have websites or apps to book online. You book when you walk up to the counter. Buses leave every 30 minutes to 1 hour from San Pedro Sula Bus Terminal all day. No busses run at night.
There is currently 1 tourist shuttle company that stops at the airport San Pedro Sula, check their schedule for times. The price is approximately $30, but they only stop once per day.
Ferries
Ferry La Ceiba to Utila.
The Utila Dream Ferry leaves twice daily from La Ceiba. Check prices and schedules online. If you buy a round trip ticket online you get a 10% discount.
Ferry Roatan to Utila.
The Utila Dream Ferry leaves once daily from Roatan. Check prices and schedules online. If you buy a round trip ticket online you get a 10% discount.
The Galaxy Wave Ferry leaves Roatan once daily on the weekends. Check prices and schedules online.
Where is Captain Morgan's in Utila?
Once you arrive on Utila we are easy to find.
- You can pick up a tuk-tuk form the ferry or the airport and have them drop you to Captain Morgan's Dive Resort.
- If you have pre-booked with us, we will make sure we have a taxi waiting to pick you up. Just remember to keep us updated on your arrival dates and times.
If you arrive and haven't pre booked and feel like a walk, then just leave the ferry terminal, turn left and walk for about 10 mins and you will find us on the left hand side just after the Caribbean Market supermarket.
We will be here ready to greet you. Kick back and relax with a cold beer as you watch our famous sunsets.
Safety in Honduras?
The cities aren't as bad as the newspapers tell us. Yes, there is crime but just like any other city.
If you need to get around we can suggest some taxis and tour guides we use and trust.
There are beautiful cities in Honduras and we have some wonderful places to visit. Just be wise as you would traveling anywhere. Honduran people are very friendly and have a lot to show us.
Even though these are options for all types of traveler, please still be aware that when you are in large cities always be cautious of your surroundings. We want you to have a great time and enjoy Honduras and Utila.
Do you have free accommodation?
We offer free accommodation in the dorms if you are taking one of the following courses:
The free accommodation is based on dorm style rooms. If you don't want to share, you can upgrade to Private Rooms at a discounted price.
Their is a diver rate that applies for days that you dive at Captain Morgan's Dive Resort.
How many people are in the scuba classes?
We like to have max 4 people per instructor. We believe in having more time with the Instructor and bigger groups don't help you the diver. If we go over 4 students we hire another Instructor. We want you the student to enjoy the course as much as possible.
How many people are in fun dive groups?
Our Dive Masters guide the fun dives with a Ratio of 6 to 1.
Generally we have a Qualified Instructor/Dive Master guiding with a trainee Dive Master closing the group.
How long is the Dive Master Internship?
Our Dive Master internship can be done in about 4 to 6 weeks. This is based on following our outline. Courses can take longer if needed. We don't want you to feel rushed. Before you begin we will have our Dive Master orientation where we sit down with the new Interns and explain the day to day life that they will lead over the following weeks.
The Dive Master Course Requirements:
- Have the Stress and Rescue Diver Certification or any recognized Rescue Program
- Have the React Right or any recognized First Aid Certificate
- Have at least 40 logged dives
What about bugs?
Bring OFF or any product with deet. Depending on the time of the year, sand flies are about.
What about vaccines? Do I need any for Honduras?
While we have no issues that necessitate recommended vaccinations, you should always consult with your doctor before traveling.
What should I bring with me?
Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing. Casual clothing is more than acceptable around the island of Utila. Hats and sunscreen for sun protection are needed. Even with the cool winds the sun is very strong.
We provide towels for use in the room only. For use on the dive boats, you should bring your own towel.
What do I need in my Passport?
A valid passport is all that is required for US/Canadian/European citizens. Check with your travel agent or the Honduras consulate if a VISA is needed for any other nationalities. Please, MAKE sure your passport is valid at least 6 MONTHS beyond your return travel date.
**UK passports must have a Visa before entering the country from a Honduran embassy or consulate.**
How can I explore Utila?
If you wish to explore the island on your own, it is very simple.
- Quads and Golf Carts are available for rental. Ask us and we can help.
- You can also walk. The island is beautiful and deserves to be explored.
- We also host boat tours, depending on number of guests.
What is the weather like in Utila?
The average temperature is around 85˚ Fahrenheit. As tropical climate island rain can be expected from the end of October to January.
Diving on Utila
The visibility usually is around 70-80 feet/20m+.
Water temperatures can range from anything between 79˚ in January to 86˚ in June. Then it begins to drop slowly from 86˚ in October to around 80˚ by the end of December.
The North Side of the Island is consider the best part of the Island. It is also further away form most dive centers and as such they don’t go as often as they want. We at Captain Morgan’s Dive Resort try to go at least twice a week if not more. This depends on the weather and number of divers. We need a minimum of 6 divers to go to the North Side. On the North Side we have seen dolphins, nurse sharks, whale sharks and much much more.
When we go to the North Side as it is further away we normally arrive back at 12 to 1pm.
The south side has many smaller fish and has dolphins also. As it is closer we normally arrive back after our double dive at 11am.
Why DIVE with Captain Morgan’s
Go with the one that’s right for you
Experience
With a combined 50+ years experience in the Scuba Diving Industry you won’t come across a better dive experience on Utila. From Kevin the owner with more than 25 years in the industry and our Manager with over 20 years experience you are in good hands. Join us today and discover Utila.
Education
Come join us today and begin your scuba diving adventure. We offer all course from SSI Open Water through SSI Dive Master. Our programs are built upon the individual student offering a better experience.
Friendly Staff
An important aspect of any Dive School is a friendly and welcoming staff. At Captain Morgan’s we believe in treating our clients as friends which is why so many come back. Join us today and dive with the Captain Morgan’s Family.
Learn to dive
achieve your goals
Captain Morgan’s Dive Center
The best diving experience on Utila!