Bay Islands (Utila), Honduras

I haven´t been able to get to a internet cafe recently and my trip to Utila is already a few days old.This is the problem with being on such a tight schedule. The opportunities to sit back and contemplate are few and far between.

Having endured a gruelling 10 hour travel day (our wake up calls vary between 5.30 and 6.30 - yes, loving it!), I was elated to finally reach the coast line. As the distance from Guatemala increased I couldn´t help but notice how people were losing their indigenous features; these being replaced by a blend of carribean, brown and white. The ferry from La Ceiba to Utila was a bumpy ride and I think if it wasn´t for my previous outings with my family our the boat in France, it would have definitely been a "head overboard" situation.

Utila is the third largest and less developped of the Bay Islands. As the boat approached the make-shift dock, I had a flashback of scenes from The Beach. Utila is the most backpacker friendly of the three islands. It has an amazing laid back feel to it, with many tanned bearded backpackers lazily kicking back with locals drinking papaya juices.

The Bay Islands have an interesting history, for nearly 200 years Spanish conquistadores and British pirates battled for control of these islands. The result is that still today people speak a mix of english and spanish.

Utila is also one of the cheapest diving spots in the world (approx 25 USD per dive!). I managed to get 3 dives under my belt. My apprehension of getting back under water quickly vanished thanks to Sean and Lynne, my dive instructor and trainee divemaster (respectively). Sean is a Reading Uni graduate who is looking to develop a diving academy in different locations around the world. It´s called Sunken Dreams. I had the opportunity to get to know them both and learn about his ideas for his business. It was like a breath of fresh air to see someone so dynamic and optimistic who really wants to make things happen. I was impressed by Sean´s professionalism and ability to connect with people. Both him and Lynne (and the cool diving) are what I will remember about Utila (oh without forgetting the cool fish, crabs and my first shipwreck!) So a big shout out to both of them for making the experience so cool..