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(The following text & all vessel photos courtesy of our longtime partners, the Aggressor Fleet.)

 

 

HELPFUL BACKGROUND INFO re’ UTILA AGGRESSOR:

 

Divers will find the health of Utila's coral to be among the healthiest in the Caribbean.  Shallow coral gardens, steep, bottomless walls, virtually undiscovered banks & seamounts that rise from extreme depths, make for interesting & diverse topography.   Utila is also known for its incredible diversity of reef fish & macro critters.  As for big animal encounters, the whale shark is a well known visitor to these waters.

 

Best time of year for diving is the dry season (March through September) Honduras diving experts will agree.   October & November can be especially rainy many years.   But January & February are delightful diving months, & quite stable many years.   According to NOAA, the Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially June through November; however, this time period also has some of the best diving conditions in the Caribbean with calm seas & warm waters.  The best time to see whale sharks is February through May.

 

Topside Utila is generally flat with one hill called Pumpkin Hill.  Underwater however, one will find diverse topography suitable for beginners to the most seasoned divers. The south side of Utila is a gentle, shallow fringing reef, with colorful walls, & plenty of sand patches for "muck dives".  On the north side of the island, divers will find the deeper, steeper & more extreme walls & formations of Utila, with crack & swim through & walls that drop off to hundreds of feet.  The west end of the island is dotted with small picturesque islands called "Cays", & many shallow banks.  The entire island is surrounded by virtually unexplored sea mountains, some that rise from 500 ft to 40 ft from the surface.

 

The Utila Aggressor is built & powered for comfort, safety & stability.  She is diesel-powered, cruises at 15 knots & has 110-volt power on board.  Accommodations include 5 air-conditioned staterooms offering full & single berths & ensuite baths with hot freshwater showers, hair dryer, TV/DVD & port windows.  The sixth cabin, known as the “quad”, has four single berths with a private bath.  The Utila Aggressor sleeps 14 guests in privacy & comfort.  This wonderful scuba diving yacht features a roomy, air conditioned salon & dining area, sun deck complete with a hot tub, lounge & deck chairs, stereo & CD player, shaded wet bar & grill, a complete photo center with a digital video & still photo editing computer.  Diving amenities include Nitrox, individual dive lockers, camera table with low-pressure air hoses, & two hot, fresh water showers.

 

The menu on board Utila Aggressor is varied & plentiful, with a variety of American feasts, barbecues & local cuisine.  Wake up to fresh fruits, hot entrees, cereals, & juices. Lunches are buffet-style, featuring hot soups, homemade breads,salads & sandwiches and/or entrees.  Dinners are diverse, including seafood, beef or chicken. Each evening, enjoy fresh homemade desserts.  Please notify our office of special dietary requests as well as speak to the ship’s Chef after boarding.

 

Soft drinks, ice tea, beer, & wine are complimentary.  We suggest you bring your favorite brand of liquor from the U.S. or pick-up some at the last duty-free port before entry into Honduras.  Remember, drinking & diving DO NOT EVER mix.  Once you consume alcohol, you become a non-diver until the next day.  Absoluto, amigos.

 

While aboard, dress is very casual.  Days are warm, bright & sunny. However, evenings can be cool.  We recommend packing a sweatshirt or windbreaker.  For easy luggage storage, we suggest packing in a soft duffel bag.  There is a variety of nightly entertainment, including diving, fish identification slide shows, movies, games & more…  The crew especially loves new releases of DVD movies, music CDs, recent magazines & books. Feel free to bring along your favorites.

 

The crew of the Utila Aggressor, with their unique combination of talents, offers the ultimate service.  While on board, you may pick a buddy of your choice, or dive with one of the crewmembers.   There is ample storage space for your diving equipment in your personal locker.  The Utila Aggressor provides 80 cubic ft. tanks, weight belts & weight.  The stern & platform area are spacious.  The boarding ladders were designed for convenience to allow divers easy entries & exits.  Enjoy two fresh hot water showers on the back deck after your dives.

 

UTILA AGGRESSOR is one dandy divin' yacht, amigos del mar.

Brilliant hues of corals & sponges will treat you daily.

UTILA AGGRESSOR IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

 

This wonderful Honduras scuba diving yacht is built to United States Coast Guard & IMMARBE standards, including all appropriate licenses for crew.  Full length skeg & stabilizers add to guest comfort & safety.  This Bay Islands scuba diving yacht is a world-class adventure boat.  You’ll love her.

 

EQUIPMENT ON BOARD:

• (2) 12-V71NA GM diesel engines totaling 900 hp

• (2) John Deere 65 KW generators, 110-208 volts

• (2) 5,000 psi Mako air compressors

• 2,800 cubic ft. cascade storage Air & Nitrox

• U.B.S. DNAx Membrane Nitrox System

• 1,200 gallon/day Village Marine water maker

• Full line of scuba equipment rentals

• 80 cu. ft. air/Nitrox tank for each guest

   *Additional scuba equipment available on request

• Defibrillator (Which emits electrical impulses to a heart attack victim.)

• Personal computer with e-mail capabilities

• Global Positioning System (GPS) with plotter & alarms

• 48-mile radar with alarm

• Depth sounder with alarm

• Weather Facsimile

• Auto pilot

• (2) Compasses

• (3) VHF radios

• SSB Marine Radio

• 406 E.P.I.R.B. emergency position system

• Dinghy with outboard motor

• Fire detection system & fire extinguishers

• First aid kit, DAN (Divers Alert Network) Oxygen System

 

UTILA AGGRESSOR Stateroom Features:

(1) “Quad” room with (4) single beds, lavatory, private head & shower, closet, (2) portlights, & a TV/DVD combination. (Located forward on below deck.)

 

(5) “Deluxe” staterooms with lower double bed & upper single bed, lavatory, private head & shower, (1) portlight, closet & TV/DVD combination. (All located on below deck.)

 

 

UTILA AGGRESSOR, Special on-board Amenities:

• Salon with entertainment center containing (1) television, (1) DVD player, & (1) stereo system.

• For a fee, e-mails may be sent via satellite phone.

• Partially covered sun deck with wet bar, hot tub, ice machine, bar-b-que grill, (1) settee & chaise lounges.

• Full-service galley with freezer/refrigerator storage & ice machine.

• Large swim platform with (2) warm, freshwater showers, fin storage & (2) water exit ladders.

• Dive deck with personal gear lockers for in-place air/Nitrox fill, rinse tanks & three-tier camera table with low pressure air hoses.

• Weights, weight belts, 80-cu.ft. aluminum tanks with standard “K” valves for use with standard yoke regulators.

• Rental scuba gear & rental underwater digital cameras.

 

 

UTILA AGGRESSOR has a great hot tub, but remember to decom safely first !

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about UTILA AGGRESSOR:

 

1. Where is Utila?

Utila, the smallest of Honduras' Bay Islands, is located 18 miles off the Caribbean coast of Honduras in Central America.

 

2. What is included in this Honduras diving charter?

Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air tanks, weights & weight belts, airport transfers on day of arrival & departure, meals & snacks, soft beverages, local beer & wine are include in the charter rate.

 

3. How many days is the Bay Islands scuba diving charter & how many dives can I make?

The Utila Aggressor charter is seven days, Saturday afternoon to Saturday morning with five & one-half days of diving. Most guests make up to 5 dives a day. Diving begins on Sunday morning & finishes midday on Friday when we return to the dock.

 

4. What airport do I fly into to meet the Utila Aggressor?

Passengers will fly in to San Pedro Sula & be met by a representative who will transfer guests in an air-conditioned bus to La Ceiba. All flights will be met in San Pedro Sula & passengers accommodated regardless of what time they arrive on Saturday. This is a scenic drive that takes 2 1/2 hours.

 

5. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the Utila diving charter price?

Yes. Guests must pay a $95.00 US port fee which includes the Government cruising tax & marine park fee. In addition, guests pay a $12.00 US reef conservation & chamber fee. There is also a 12% government sales tax on all on board purchases. The port fee & sales tax are collected at the end of the week when you settle your tab. A departure tax of $25.00 US, a $2.00 US Agriculture tax, & a $3.00 US Immigration tax will be collected at the airport. *These fees are levied by the Honduran Government & are subject to change without notice.* Due to current extraordinary fuel prices, Aggressor Fleet charges a $100 per guest fuel surcharge

 

6. Do I need a passport?

U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months for entry into Honduras. For details on travel requirements for U.S. citizens, please visit the U.S. State Department's web site. Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. visa for traversing the United States via Miami, New Orleans or Houston. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.

 

7. How do I meet the Utila Aggressor if I am already in Honduras?

If you arrive in Honduras prior to Saturday, you will need to make your own way to the boat anytime after 2:00 p.m.

 

8. Where does the Utila Aggressor dock for this Utila diving tour?

The Utila Aggressor docks at Muelle de Cabotaje, Puerto de La Ceiba.

 

9. What is special about the Honduras scuba diving around Utila?

Divers will find the health of Utila's coral to be among the healthiest in the Caribbean. Shallow coral gardens, steep, bottomless walls, virtually undiscovered banks & seamounts that rise from extreme depths, make for interesting & diverse topography. Utila is also known for its incredible diversity of reef fish & macro critters. As for big animal encounters, the whale shark is a well known visitor to these waters.

 

10. What is the water temperature in the Bay Islands of Honduras?  Will I need a wetsuit?

The water averages 80 degrees F, rising to a high of 82 F in July, August & September, & dropping to a low of 78 F for a few weeks in December & January. A 3 mm wet suit, shorty, or heavy lycra suit (Polartec) is recommended apart from the warmer months of summer, but even then, at least a thin lycra suit is suggested, as divers often make four or more dives a day & may develop a chill.

 

11. What is the best time of year for diving?

The dry season (March through September) is best. According to NOAA, the Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially June through November; however, this time period also has some of the best diving conditions in the Caribbean with calm seas & warm waters. The best time to see whale sharks is February through May.

 

12. What type of topography can I expect to see in Utila?

Topside Utila is generally flat with one hill called Pumpkin Hill. Underwater however, one will find diverse topography suitable for beginners to the most seasoned divers. The south side of Utila is a gentle, shallow fringing reef, with colorful walls, & plenty of sand patches for "muck dives". On the north side of the island, divers will find the deeper, steeper & more extreme walls & formations of Utila, with crack & swim through & walls that drop off to hundreds of feet. The west end of the island is dotted with small picturesque islands called "Cays", & many shallow banks. The entire island is surrounded by virtually unexplored sea mountains, some that rise from 500 ft to 40 ft from the surface.

 

13. Is there dinghy diving off UTILA AGGRESSOR?

No dinghy diving. All diving is done directly from the dive platform of the Utila Aggressor.

 

14. Is there night diving off UTILA AGGRESSOR?

Absolutely. The night diving is completely cool, more fun than we can express.  You MUST try night diving at least once.

 

15. Is it customary to offer a crew tip on this Honduras diving adventure?

As in any service-oriented business, gratuities are customary & voluntary. From past experience, many guests have offered gratuities based on the total cost of the charter. Satisfied passengers who believe they have been provided with a very good service have left generous gratuities of ten percent (10%) of the charter price. Average tips are in the five percent (5%) range. The Captain will have an envelope available when settling the tabs for on-board services or purchases. Gratuities may be by cash, credit cards, traveler's checks or personal checks. All gratuities are shared equally.

 

16. What is planned for Friday afternoon & evening after we return to port?

This is your opportunity to tour Utila or just relax on board. (The tours are not included in the charter price.)The Utila Aggressor crew hosts a farewell sunset cocktail party Friday evening. Dinner is not served on board. The crew can recommend a local restaurant & arrange transportation. This meal is not included in the charter price.

 

17. Are extended tours offered in Utila?

If you choose to extend your stay in Utila, you may enjoy a day trip exploring the island on horseback, bicycle, four-wheeler, or sea kayak. Inland Utila excursions may lead you to freshwater caves, bat caves, jungle, & vistas of Utila. If you'd like to explore a little further, take the one hour ferry from Utila to the port on the mainland, La Ceiba, & go whitewater rafting on the Rio Cangrejal, or go on a canopy jungle tour in Pico Bonito National Forest.  Call John or Susan at U.S. DIVE TRAVEL’s planning office for more details on some very cool side tours to the Copan Mayan Ruins, as well – the largest ancient Mayan city discovered in Central America.

 

18. When is check-out time on this Utila diving vessel?

Saturday morning between 5:00 a.m. & 6:00 a.m., the Utila Aggressor will depart Utila for La Ceiba. After docking you will be picked up between 7:30 a.m. & 8:00 a.m. in an air-conditioned bus & will travel to San Pedro Sula. The bus will stop for a short visit at a local wood carving factory & arrive at the airport at approximately 10:30 a.m.

 

19. Where is the recompression chamber nearest to Utila island?

Utila's hyperbaric chamber is located in downtown Utila, next to the Bay Islands College of Diving. Two other recompression chambers are located on the island of Roatan.

UTILA AGGRESSOR offers wonderful critter-sighting opportunities, daily.

 

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TANKS, SCUBA GEAR & NITROX INFO:

 

*** All Aggressor Fleet diving vessels are equipped with 80-cu. ft. aluminum tanks. A few 60-cu. ft. tanks are availble upon request. Tanks have "K" valves  for use with standard yoke regulators. "DIN" & "J" valves are not used.

 

 

Nitrox Certification Course:

This includes all necessary equipment (tanks, use of oxygen analyzer, use of course materials, instructor, & check out dives). Student may continue to dive Nitrox, using the Student Fill rate, the entire week once they have completed the course. Certification will be from a national certification agency.

 

Nitrox Student Fills:

This includes all nitrox tank fills at 32% beyond the certification level & only available to those who take the course on board.

 

Nitrox Unlimited:

For a set fee, (call us) this includes all Nitrox fills at 32% for certified Nitrox Diver, proof of certification required.

 

Rebreather Re-fills:

Charges are per tank (Guests with their own Rebreather)

Partial Pressure blending for up to 50%. Check availability.

 

Rebreather Guidelines on Aggressor Fleet boats:

 

1) Guests must provide their own rebreathers & associated equipment & supplies (including tanks).

 

2) Every rebreather diver must have a buddy (on rebreathers or scuba) for the entire length of the dive.

 

3) No Aggressor Fleet destination will provide soda sorb.

 

4) Partial pressure blending for up to 50% is available on all yachts.

 

5) Guests need to bring a filling yoke with a 3-foot whip to fill tanks using a standard H O2 cylinder.

 

6) On Aggressor yachts that dive from a skiff or dinghy, all divers must end the dive with the group.

 

UTILA AGGRESSOR also offers 1 or 2 exciting wrecks,
when weather & currents permit.

 

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General Dive Certification Courses available on board UTILA AGGRESSOR:

 

All certification & specialty courses are taught in accordance with national training agencies such as PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, TDI, etc.  Call us for specific prices.

 

Introduction to Scuba

Non-divers discover the beauty of scuba diving, all under the guidance of a personal dive instructor. Includes all equipment & two open water dives.

 

Open Water Certification

Get your national certification agency certification in one week. Learn: entries & exits, ascents & descents, underwater navigation, octopus use, buddy breathing & buoyancy control. Includes lectures, written & practical tests, check-out dives, scuba & personal diving instruction.

 

Open Water Check-out Dives

After completing pool & classroom work at home, bring a referral form or letter from your instructor stating the portion of your work completed. Training conducted by professional instructors.

 

Master Diver with Rescue

This certification is the highest recreational diver level you can reach. The Master Scuba Diver indicates you have a significant amount of training & experience in a variety of dive environments. Prior to the course, you must have completed the following: Advanced Open Water, First Aid, CPR & 3 specialty courses. The Master Diver certification includes Rescue Diver & 2 additional specialty courses of your choice.

 

*Registration/card fee & books not included in course price.

 

Aggressor Fleet Limited & Aggressor vessels cannot assume responsibility for paperwork that is not mailed to national certification agencies for processing. This is the responsibility of the student.

 

Serious medical conditions require a clearance letter from a physician. This is required by the certification agencies. Please present this letter to the on-board instructor prior to any course work.

 

 

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Specialty Scuba Diving Courses Available to Interested Students:

 

Advanced Open Water:

This continuing education course includes three specialties of your choice such as deep diver, navigation, underwater naturalist, etc.

 

U/W Photographer or Videographer:

This is an introduction to basic underwater photography using a digital or video camera. You’ll learn about the different lenses, cameras, strobes & techniques. This course gives students an overview of digital still and/or digital video cameras, housings, lighting, exposure, storage & computer editing. Equipment not included.

 

Night Diver:

Learn how to plan a night dive using the proper signals & navigation. Discover marine life found only at night.

 

Deep Diver:

Learn emergency decompression procedures, how to plan deeper, safer dives, while understanding the risks involved in deep diving.

 

Environmental Diver:

Learn about critters, fish, living coral and their behavior patterns. Discover where to find them & how to study them in their environment, what they eat & how they breathe.

 

Wreck Diver:

Learn all the necessary skills for safe wreck diving.

Exploration of wreck sites when safely feasible.

 

*Registration/card fee & books not included in course price.

 

Aggressor Fleet Limited, Aggressor vessels & your dive travel agent cannot assume responsibility for paperwork that is not mailed to national certification agencies for processing. This is the responsibility of the student.

 

Dive Equipment Rental includes: BC & Regulator, Dive Computer;  Night Light.

 

* All Aggressors are equipped with 80-cu. ft. aluminum tanks. A few 60-cu. ft. tanks are availble upon request. Tanks have "K" valves  for use with standard yoke regulators. "DIN" & "J" valves are not used.  To ensure availability of equipment, videos & programs, please reserve in advance. Prices are subject to change without notice & may vary between vessels.  Equipment availability is subject to change due to the remote location of Aggressor destinations.

 

 

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UTILA AGGRESSOR FINAL TRIP-PLANNING DETAILS:

 

If you are making your own way to the Utila Aggressor the name & address of the dock is:

Muelle de Cabotaje, Puerto de La Ceiba; La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras.

 

 

TAXES & FEES (Per Person)

Port Fee (Cruising tax/marine park) $95

Fuel Surcharge $100

Departure Tax $25

Agriculture tax/Immigration Tax $5

Total $225

Gov’t Sales Tax (12% of onboard purchases)

The port fee, fuel surcharge & 12% sales tax may be

paid onboard with a credit card. The departure tax,

agriculture/immigration tax will be collected at the

airport & must be paid in U.S. Cash with exact change

as each tax is collected by a different agency.

 

 

C-CARDS & DIVE-THE-WORLD CLUB

Remember to bring your c-card or proof of certification.

The divemaster requires proof of certification before the

first dive. If you are a member of Aggressor Fleet’s Dive the World

Club, you will receive onboard discounts. Your

membership is indicated on the Captains Rooming list.

 

WAIVER & APPLICATION PAPERWORK – SUPER IMPORTANT !

Aggressor Fleet Ltd. & the Utila Aggressor will require

each guest to complete an application & waiver form,

prior to departure & diving. The completed & signed

Application/Waiver must be received by the Aggressor

Fleet Reservation’s office at least 60 days prior to

departure. Passengers who fail to fax or mail it will be

denied boarding.

 

TRIP INSURANCE & DIVER INSURANCE

Every effort is made to ensure you have a safe trip.

However, unforeseen circumstances can & do happen.

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation

insurance, as well as accident, medical, & baggage

insurance. We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN)

Insurance or an equivalent insurance.

 

HEALTH MATTERS

The Utila Aggressor has a first aid kit on board, including

oxygen & an AED. You may want to bring motion

sickness medication if you feel you will need it. Please

inform the dive guide(s) if you are taking medication or

suffer from allergies. We recommend a complete physical

before your trip. The nearest recompression chambers are

on the island of Utila & Roatan. There is NO smoking allowed

inside the boat or on the dive deck. Smoking is only permitted

on the sun deck.

 

DIVE GEAR SUGGESTIONS

We suggest you pack the following: mask, fins, snorkel,

regulator with visible pressure gauge, depth gauge,

buoyancy compensator, dive computer, dive watch, dive

light, safety sausage or other safety device. Each piece of

gear should be marked with waterproof paint or tape.

You will be diving in water that averages 78°-82°F in the

summer months & approximately 78°F in the winter

months. Most guests make as many as 5 dives each day,

so some sort of protection is needed. A 1/8” wet suit or

shorty is recommended.

 

CONSERVATION LAWS

Conservation laws do not permit spear fishing or

collecting. Bay Islands Conservation Association

guidelines & Municipal Environmental Laws are

followed by the Utila Aggressor.

 

RENTAL DIVE EQUIPMENT

A full line of rental dive gear is available aboard

including regulators, BCs, dive computers, & night

Please refer to our “Rates & General Information” card or

visit our web site, www.aggressor.com, for detailed

information & costs of rental equipment, courses, and

photo/video equipment.

 

UNDERWATER VIDEO/DVD

Our Video-professional can capture your diving

adventure on board the Utila Aggressor to share with

family & friends. Group Video (includes all guests/crew)

DVD-call us about fee price.

 

FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

Friday afternoon, the Utila Aggressor returns to Utila at

approximately 1:00 p.m. to provision & refuel. This is

your opportunity to stroll through town, sightsee or just

relax. The following activities can also be arranged:

horseback riding $35 per person for a 1 ½ hour tour; golf

cart rental 2 person $12 per hour or 4 people $15 per

hour; 4 wheelers $15 per hour or bicycles for $5 for a ½

day. There is also a nice beach with local charm called

Bando Beach which has sun chairs & a local

bar/restaurant. There’s a sunset cocktail party Friday evening.

 

PORT FEE - US$95.00 USD Government cruising tax &

marine park fees.

 

SALES TAX - A Government Sales Tax of 12% is charged

on all on-board purchases.

 

FUEL SURCHARGE - There is a $100 per guest fuel

surcharge. These taxes will be collected on Friday morning

when settling your bill.

 

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TAXES are collected as well, at airport.

 

TIPS ONBOARD

Gratuities should be voluntary & based upon the quality of

service the crew has provided. When settling your account

on the final day of the charter, the Captain will have an

envelope for gratuities that will be divided equally among

the crew.

 

CHECKOUT & TRAVEL TO La CEIBA on FINAL SATURDAY MORNING

Saturday morning the Utila Aggressor will depart Utila

between 5:00 a.m. & 6:00 a.m. to La Ceiba. This is a 2 ½

hour trip. Once in LaCeiba, passengers will depart the Utila

Aggressor for San Pedro Sula. On the way to the airport, the

bus will stop at a craft factory for short visit for last minute gifts &

will arrive at the airport at approximately 10:30 a.m. for the

outgoing international flights. If you are extending your stay in Utila,

arrangements can be made for transportation to your local hotel.