Best Dive Shops in Utila: My Experience as a Divemaster
- Cecília Garcia
- May 19
- 6 min read
Planning a trip to the Caribbean and wondering which dive shop in Utila is the best for your course or some fun dives? Stick with me—I spent over three months diving almost daily on this incredible Honduran island, and I'm here to share everything I learned.
Top Dive Shops in Utila: Discover Where to Dive
How I Chose My Dive Shop in Utila
Upon arriving in Utila, I dedicated my first three days solely to visiting dive shops. I literally went to every single one. I spoke with instructors, trainees, and divers I met at dive centers, bars, restaurants, and even on the streets haha. I evaluated the facilities, the vibe, the professionalism of the staff, and, of course, the course prices.
After all, the Divemaster course isn't cheap. It costs several hundred dollars and requires about one to three months of commitment. I wanted to be in a place that would provide solid support as I embarked on my diving career.
Spoiler: After extensive research, I found my dream dive center and have zero regrets! I received excellent training from instructors who remain professional role models for me. I dived extensively and left feeling ready to work with confidence and safety.
Still unsure if diving in Utila is worth it? Start here: Scuba Diving in Utila: Discover Why This Caribbean Island Is a Diver’s Paradise
What to Consider When Choosing a Dive Shop in Utila
Course Language
Almost all dive shops in Utila have instructors who speak English and Spanish, and some offer courses in French, German, and Portuguese. If you're not comfortable with diving-specific English, it's worth asking in advance if courses are available in your language.
Location
Most dive shops in Utila are located on the island's main street, close to bars, restaurants, and markets. Unless you're staying far from the town center, the location of the dive shops shouldn't be a problem or a decisive factor.
Additionally, all the shops I visited have their own docks, which greatly facilitates boarding and unloading equipment—a crucial point, especially if you're studying or already working as a Divemaster or dive instructor.
Size of the Shop and Number of Boats
Some dive centers have one or two boats, while others have up to four. This makes a significant difference when dividing groups by experience levels and creating more personalized outings. If you're starting out or taking specialized courses, look for places that can effectively separate diver profiles.
PADI or SSI?
This is a common question—and there's no right answer. In Utila, you'll find dive shops that certify through PADI or SSI. Both are internationally recognized certifying agencies offering high-quality courses. The choice depends on your goals:
If you want to pursue a diving career, consider where you plan to work afterward. Some resorts and dive centers prefer one certifying agency over the other.
Most dive centers in Utila are PADI, but there are also good SSI options (I'll tell you more below).
Top 5 Best Dive Shops in Utila
This was my choice—and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to go professional. BICD is a true diving college, renowned for instructor training and technical diving courses.
The structure is impeccable: three own boats, air-conditioned classrooms, experienced instructors who truly embody the profession's role model, and an extremely professional yet welcoming vibe.
At BICD, you can take basic and advanced diving courses, specialty courses, study marine conservation, professional underwater photography, technical diving, and even train up to the Master Instructor level.
When I did my Divemaster, I had the opportunity to learn from three outstanding PADI Platinum Course Directors, which made all the difference in my learning and experience! One of the instructors is Nick Derutter, creator of Dive Saga, one of the largest diving YouTube channels, and author of the book "Career in Scuba"—highly recommended if you intend to become a Divemaster or dive instructor!
Another standout feature of BICD is that they have their own hyperbaric chamber on-site—the only operational one in Utila! This provided me with valuable learning about diving safety and medicine, something I would hardly have had the opportunity to experience elsewhere.
Pros: Advanced and technical courses, three Platinum Course Directors, excellent support for those wanting to make diving a profession.
Cons: Not the cheapest option on the island.
Certification: PADI
Courses Offered: From basic courses (Open Water) to specialty courses, underwater photography, marine conservation, technical diving, and professional levels (Divemaster to Master Instructor)
UDC is the largest dive shop in Utila and simply one of the largest dive centers in the world! If you want to study with those who have trained hundreds (or thousands) of instructors, this is the place.
With a complete structure that impresses all divers, UDC has a highly qualified team, whether for Divemaster or Instructor training, technical diving, marine conservation, underwater media, or even freediving courses.
Want to learn something very specific in diving and don't know where to study? Come to Utila Dive Center —they can certainly assist you!
Pros: Huge structure, energetic vibe, focus on professional training.
Cons: Larger groups, which may not appeal to those who prefer more personalized service.
Certification: PADI
Courses Offered: From basic courses (Open Water) to specialty courses, underwater photography, marine conservation, technical diving, and professional levels (Divemaster and Dive Instructor).
With a more relaxed vibe, Alton’s attracts both beginners and experienced divers seeking a welcoming and high-level environment. The groups are smaller, allowing for a more personalized experience.
In my opinion, Alton’s is one of the best dive shops in Utila for certified divers looking for a personalized experience for some fun dives.
They offer high-quality equipment, safe and spacious boats, and prioritize safety, with constant equipment maintenance and dedicated technical support.
Pros: Good value for money, personalized experience, welcoming environment, friendly staff.
Cons: Smaller structure compared to giants like BICD and UDC.
Certification: PADI
Courses Offered: From basic courses (Open Water) to specialty and professional levels (Divemaster).
One of the oldest dive shops in Utila, Underwater Vision is a classic among travelers. A good mix of structure, good accommodations, and a lively social area.
In addition to being an award-winning dive center, it offers a comprehensive structure capable of providing accommodations for all budgets and PADI diving courses for all levels, always with international quality standards.
It's a great option for those looking to learn or improve their diving skills with comfort, good structure, and slightly more affordable prices.
Pros: Fun atmosphere, experienced instructors, good integration with other travelers, good value for money.
Cons: Can be noisier at night (depends on your vibe).
Certification: PADI
Courses Offered: From basic courses (Open Water) to specialty and professional levels (Divemaster and Dive Instructor).
If you're looking for an SSI Dive Center in Utila, this is a great choice.
Tank’d Pro Dive Center is one of the 10 SSI Career Centers in the world—and the only one in all of Central and South America! It's also the only center in the region with the titles of SSI Diamond Instructor Training Center and Extended Range Instructor Training Center, thanks to its highly qualified team.
This dive shop offers courses with personalized attention: classes have a maximum of 4 students, ensuring safety and a more enjoyable experience. From the first try dive to technical diving, they offer all possible courses for those wanting to start or pursue a diving career.
Pros: More intimate experience, highly praised staff, ideal for SSI courses.
Cons: Fewer instructors available compared to other dive centers.
Certification: SSI
Courses Offered: From basic courses (Open Water) to specialty, technical diving, and professional levels (Divemaster and Dive Instructor).
Conclusion: Which Is the Best Dive Shop in Utila?
It depends on your profile and goals. Want to go professional and study with the best? Choose BICD or UDC. Prefer a more relaxed vibe and close attention? Alton’s or Underwater Vision. Looking for an SSI school with small groups? Tank’d Pro Dive might be ideal.
The important thing is to visit the centers in person (if you can), talk to the instructors, and see if the energy matches yours. Utila has excellent options—the secret is finding the one that makes the most sense for you.
If you have questions or want to discuss courses and certifications, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram! I love helping new divers start this incredible journey 🌊
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