Living on a Sailboat exploring the world
This morning, I am sitting in my little Utila apartment eating papaya, drinking a freshly brewed Honduran coffee, and studying physics. The other day I got a text message from a friend back home asking about my vacation. Yes, I am eating fresh exotic fruits and the weather is hot and sunny, but it’s not a vacation. First, I completed my Divemaster training and now I’m taking a PADI Instructor Course in Utila, Honduras.
On Saturday, I took a trip “off island” for the day. After 5 weeks on the tiny isle of Utila, working hard to complete my DM training, a day trip to Roatan sounded like a fun change of scenery.
This was not a solo trip. Instead, UDC arranged it and a bunch of instructors and DMTs took the early morning boat from Utila to Roatan. We did 2 dives and spent a few hours walking around another island with cars and lots of shops! A big change of pace for me to go to the big island, and a nice escape from the studying.
It’s amazing how exciting it was just to be somewhere else. I love Utila and it’s laid back atmosphere, but it was still fun to go somewhere with a gelato place. And to dive new dive sites. Day trips are a great escape!
The dives were great. From my limited experience and what I have heard from other divers, the diving in Roatan is better than Utila. Apparently the marine park has been protected for a longer time, and I could see the difference in the coral health and especially the size of the marine creatures.
For our dives, we visited a wreck and a site with cool swim throughs, and saw some much larger grouper than we see on Utila. A nice eagle ray and a swimming turtle completed the fun morning of diving.
I am now a divemaster! It took 4 & 1/2 weeks of hard work – and a lot of fun – and I am done. Check it off my list: Divemaster course complete!
During the last 4+ weeks, I spent a lot of time in classrooms learning dive theory, and a lot of time in the water practicing skills. I also assisted on classes and went diving.
It helped a TON that our instructors were amazingly patient, supportive and fun. I needed some extra help on skills like tying knots and the breath holding snorkel and Nico and Sabi were so supportive. I owe it to them for being able to say Divemaster course complete!
