Expert: JRA - 4/18/2006

Question
thank u very much for taking the time to answer my questions..

which island is better for two people looking to get PADI open
water certified?
which resorts or lodging are clean and easy access to diving?
which dive shops u recommend?
what is the easiest or the fastest way for us to arrive in the bay
islands from the states?
thank u for time and i'll appreciated a quick response since we are
leaving in a week... have a nice day

Answer
Hello Jimmy,

If you are on a budget Utila is cheaper and the dive shops are equally qualified than in Roatan.  In Utila I would recommend Utila Dive Center and Mango Inn or The Utila Lodge and its dive shop, I can't recall the name right now.  There are about 100 dive shops and most of them are pretty good.  

A more expensive option in Utila would be Laguna Beach Resort, the only downside is that it is far from downtown Utila.

In Roatan I would recommend Fantasy Island or Pura Vida Resort, they are both right on the beach and have their own dive shops.

The fastest way to get to Roatan from the US is to fly direct to Roatan, from there you can take a ferry to Utila if you wish to go there.  The other option is to fly to San Pedro Sula (SAP) and: A) take the bus to La Ceiba to catch the ferry to Utila or Roatan or B) take a plane to Roatan or Utila from San Pedro Sula.

I hope this helps, take care and have a nice trip.