diving on Utila

I thought I'd post this stuff for other clubs as these guys offer some great courses and it's a fab island.

Advanced Underwater Naturalist, one week, ?250.00

Immerses divers in the eco-systems of the Caribbean. Do you have UK ocean experts who want to expand their knowledge? If so, this is the course for them! See below for the fantastic variety of modules* included:

PADI Distinctive Specialty in Coral ID
PADI Project Aware Specialty
PADI Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
Learn about a variety of Reef Survey Techniques
Conduct a full REEF Survey. This will result in free REEF Membership
Study Coral Diseases
Learn to identify a wide variety of fish, corals and algae

*Modules also available in shorter course format



Research Diver, 1 week, ?250.00
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Need some members with experience in current Practical Survey Methodologies? This course builds on the learning?s from the Advanced Naturalist course to give divers additional practical experience.



Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty, 1 day, ?55.00

Divers can also follow the Advanced Naturalist with this tailored whale shark specialty. In one day we look to educate divers about the largest sharks on earth, as well as providing a truly exciting personal encounter!

The first half is spent to learning all about Whale Sharks and the ecosystems that they play such an amazing role in. In addition, divers gain practical knowledge on how to spot the sharks and begin to understand the behavioral patterns displayed out in the water. On the dive we find and identify these gentle giants. Divers will be involved in the process of tagging, photographing and conducting behavioral research. Every trip is approached from a scientific perspective, so divers should expect to get educated?. and wet!



Whale Shark Research Week on Utila, Honduras (Feb to May), ?335.00

The only place in the world offering divers a course which entails 6 days / 7 nights diving our beautiful coral walls and searching for Rhincodon Typus, the Whale Shark.

Divers will be educated in all aspects of the current methods of Whale Shark Research including Tagging, Identification, Behavioral studies and Conservation. Each diver will visually tag (using our photo equipment) a Whale Shark and enter this unique record into our database, accessible by scientists and others worldwide! The learning experience will include evening presentations from our scientists as well as practical field training. This is a chance to witness Whale Sharks in their element and share a special encounter with our crew. This is set to be one of the most memorable diving holidays ever!

Big Blue Diving Specialty, 2 to 3 days, ? 85.00

Another unique course designed to open up the pelagic zone to divers who have always had underwater topography as their frame of reference. During Big Blue dives our researchers have witnessed pods of 150+ dolphins go by, Manta rays feeding, Silky Sharks, Marlin and Wahoo attacking their prey and many other animals not seen on a regular reef dive.

The Big Blue Diving Distinctive can be taken at any time but also works perfectly into our Whale Shark Week with dives being conducted in the "Big Blue" during quiet times of shark activity (typically in the middle hours of the day). Participants leave as better divers, enjoying a dive experience many others will never get the chance to do.



Marine Ecology and Cartography, 1 week , ?475.00

Stay on our Live-aboard field School, a 45 foot sailboat designed specifically for this course! Once aboard divers will join two of our professionals, a Marine biologist and a Hydrographer, who will educate them in all aspects of sailing, diving, marine biology and ecology and marine cartography. Divers also have the option to add underwater video and photography to the experience.


Videography, 6 days, ?365.00 (two day course ?140.00)

Got any budding directors in your dive club? This specially designed course will give anyone the tools they need to start underwater filming and production.

We cover the basics in film and documentary making, biased towards the underwater realm. We will take divers from initial concept through script writing, filming, sound recording and editing to an end product that they can take away and start sending to Hollywood.


Photography, 1-3 days, ?35.00/ ?75.00/ ?105.00

Expert guidance to help divers improve the number the number of quality shots per dive. Classes range from a 1 day introduction to 3 day advanced courses and include presentation and editing techniques. All courses include photo critique, PC/DVD Slide Show and a CD of all of the hard work!


E-mail: <a href="mailto:darcy@dive-utila.com">darcy@dive-utila.com</a> and check out www.dive-utila.com