Diving certification costs??

Hi folks,

Flying into Sula over the American Thanksgiving holiday and have always been meaning to become licensed to dive. I am fairly flexible in terms of where I can go to learn (e.g., Utila, Roatan or elsewhere).

It looks like a basic dive course is 2.5 days and about $230, while open water dive is 4.5 days and about $290.

If you have any knowledge or experience of where a beginner should go to learn how to dive in Honduras, and about how much it'd cost, it would be MUCH appreciated!

Thank you...

Do the full Open Water course so you'll have certification. We have enjoyed both Roatan and Utila but they're really different - your guidebook (you have a guidebook, right? Moon Honduras receommended) will help you decide. For Utila check out aboututila.com for a list of dive shops, then check out the sites for current prices. Last I checked costs were about the same on Roatan for diving, though in general we've found other costs to be a bit higher on Roatan (but the beaches are nicer and there's good hiking there, too). Lots of photos and travelogues below if you're interested. Keep us posted!

For what it's worth, Utila Dive Center is the best option for all of us; I had a really bad experience there and had a great time at Alton's.

Luna Beach has a great dive program. They may be a little more expensive, but they have equipment and safety is a priority. Neil is also a great teacher.