Okay. Taking the shortest trip I've ever done to a region of the world which I've never previously been. I'm sure some of you out there have had similar experiences. Needless to say, it's driving me bonkers.
Here's what I know:
1) Arrive at Honduras San Pedro Sula airport around 7:55 p.m. (19:55) Sunday, Dec. 6.
2) Depart San Pedro Sula airport at 9:25 a.m. (09:25 hahahaha) Monday, Dec. 14.
And my questions:
I) No where have I seen night transportation (trains, planes, buses, flying nuns) to either La Ceiba or Copan (or heck, just a short bus in either general direction). Am I missing an option here or am I just stuck staying my first night in San Pedro Sula?
II) My three prime considerations: Copan Ruinas area two nights, Utila open dive certification four nights. Somehow, somewhere in the middle of that, I'd like to traipse about in Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cuero y Salado. I'm left feeling that this is not all possible, given my very real time constraints. If I were to sacrifice any of those, I think it would be Utila, but... I don't know.
III) Recommendations? Perhaps you know of something better with which to do a seven day trip in Honduras? Help, please; and know that you are appreciated in advance.
Also!
I know the election is Nov. 29, but since I am planning on not being in major cities that much, I am not too worried. Aware, yes. Worried, no. Time will tell if I should change that.
You could hire a private driver to get you to Copán or La Ceiba that night, or you could fly as far as La Ceiba, otherwise you're stuck till morning. We enjoyed Omega Lodge and they offer a Cuero y Salado trip, though I think you can put one together on your own. We chose to visit the Cacao Lagoon and really enjoyed the day.
Copán, La Ceiba area, and Utila for OW certification is too much for just a week. I've spent a total of more than a month in Copán Ruinas and will head back in the future - a shame to hit it for just 2 days! And as a diver having just 4 days for that is a pity, too. You're either going to have to reduce the list or have a hectic "vacation" - sorry.
Photos and travelogue/blog links below. Keep us posted!
Part of what's been weighing on my mind is the weather... Looking at past history, December seems to be wet, to say the least. With that in mind, would it even be realistic to expect four days worth of diving if I spent my entire time there?
You're more apt to squeeze in dives during a rainy spell on Utila than Roatán, where runoff from the mountains causes visibility problems.
It looks like you've answered your own question; spend a few nights in Copán (though just 2 still seems a shame), then head to La Ceiba. If the weather's great, dart over to Utila for some snorkeling or to Roatán which also has great beaches and hiking opportunities) and save the OW certification for another trip. It's possible to do the coursework online or back home and then do just the OW dives on site in less time, though it might cost more for the combination. You could also do a "Discover Scuba" option and enjoy diving for a day or 2 without so many tests.
I don't recommend the Utila Dive Center after I experienced serious safety violations there, though I ended up with a different instructor for a 1-on-1 Advanced OW certification course which was a good experience. I really enjoyed Alton's on another visit - that's where I'll keep going back for future trips.
Spend the night in San Pedro Sula, you don't have too much option there, then I'd head over to Utila or Roatan first (personally, I prefer Roatan- much more beautiful, more activities, not much more expensive than Utila), because if you leave it until the end of the trip, and there's some bad weather that moves in, you could have a cancelled flight/ferry and not get over in time for your departing flight. rainy season- some days are beautiful and sunny, others are rainy, almost all are diveable. You could do as hopefulist suggests and get the academic part of the course done in advance with PADI elearning which will save some time, though for this option, you need to know which dive shop you'll be doing the rest of the course with. You can decide how long to stay based on how you like the diving and how the weather is. Then head over to the wildlife refuge for a day, and then up to Copan for a couple days, and back to San Pedro Sula for your flight out. A little tight, but do-able. Just don't have anything carved in stone, so if you're having a good time somewhere, you can stay and enjoy it, and worry about the other stops another trip. Have fun!
I spent two weeks on Utila in December, 2005. It rained at night, but diving was possible every single day with no problems whatsoever. I enjoyed the storms at night and every single day was bright and sunny. Looking over my photos, I don't think I had one cloudy day in 15 days there!
Thank you all; I think I've got a dust-speck of an idea of how I'll now do things.
1) One night in SPS, followed by an early morning bus to La Ceiba
2) Play it where it lies. If the weather is bad, I'll go to the park. If not, I'll go to Utila.
3) Two nights minimum in Copan Ruinas.
4) One night in SPS, then back to Denver.
hey pc - i will be doing an identical trip the week directly after you! i will be flying into SAP on the 12th, departing on the 20th. plan to bus to utila and take a 3.5 day beginner naui course starting on the 13th at alton's dive center {any feedback on this place from anyone?}. i'm up in the air on what to do after that. these responses have given me some good ideas.
but lmk what you plan to do. i'd like to hear. thanks and safe travels, pc!
I had a great experience at Alton's in 2008. I wasn't taking a course but enjoyed listening to the instructors with their students - they seemed patient and interesting and thorough. As a diver with Advanced OW certification, I appreciated that experienced divers were never in a dive group with student divers so we could dive a different profile and there was less pressure on the student groups. Check out BJs BBQ, nearly across the street from Alton's.
Looking forward to the trip reports!
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