Went to Utila in search of Whale Sharks with a group from the Shark Research Institue and stayed at the Deep Blue Resort. The whale sharks were a no show, but the staff of Deep Blue and the reefs of Utila more than made up for the missing sharks.
Deep Blue is set on gorgeous grounds and you share them with iguanas and crabs. (Along with the unbiquitous no seems, so be sure to bring the Deet)
The rooms are nice and clean. The food excellent and ample. The views of the Caribbean and the far off mountains above La Cieba wonderful and relaxing. Tranquil is the perfect word for it.
But the diving is why I was there and what can I say that hasn't been said before. It is spectacular. And a better boat staff you will not find anywhere. Marlowe was everything a dive master should be. Her briefings were brillant and the flexbility she allows on the dives unique. She lets you and your buddy make the dive about you and your buddy not about following her. She brings so much energy to the boat just by setting foot.
And Swin is remarkable as well. If it is swimming in the local sea, he will find it. Between the two of them you will not find a better crew anywhere.
As for Steve, Shirley and Susan, I arrived as a guest but I will return as a friend. How many places can you say that about.
If you are thinking of diving Utila, do yourself a favor and stay at Deep Blue.
I know I am a little late writing this, Shirley, but better late than never. :)

WOW…what a great trip! I’ve been diving in 11 countries and stayed in a number of resorts. Deep Blue Utila is one of the best. If you’re looking for the party life, this resort may not be for you. But if you’re looking for a place that has beautiful surroundings, awesome diving¸ comfortable boats, and a fantastic staff that will dive “your way” and treat you like family, this is the one. It’s quiet, secluded, peaceful, and has some amazing dive sites, that are available for shore diving, right out of the front door.

Shirley, Steve and Susan own and run the place. The first time you meet them you’ll feel like you’re a long lost friend rather than a customer. The resort is clean, grounds are manicured, and the rooms are comfortable with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea. The food was very good and was served around our dive schedule. You just can’t visit Deep Blue without having one of Steve’s special rum drinks, made with fresh coconut water (from a coconut cut off one of their many trees) and served in the coconut shell.

Captain Swin made sure we got to the best sites. He was born and raised on Utila and knows the waters well. If we wanted to see something special or return to a specific site, all we had to do was ask and it was done. Marlo, our dive guide, is one of the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and accommodating guides I’ve ever encountered. She seems to know every nook and cranny of every dive site in Utila and has a fun, positive attitude that makes her a pleasure to dive with, and just to be around. She found squids, seahorses, octopuses, turtles, eels, toad fish, flying gurnards, starfish, and tons of other creatures for us. She is just outstanding.

Edin was more than happy to shuttle us to town whenever we wanted to do some site seeing, shopping, visit one of the local bars or have dinner at one of Utila’s restaurants. There are also kayaks available at the resort, which is a nice way to take a tour through the bay and mangroves.

This is just a great place. The only problem we had was the week went by too fast. We will definitely visit Deep Blue Utila again.

Had a fantastic time at the resort, staying in beautifully kept rooms in lovely location on the island. The vibe is laid back and friendly, food was amazing just what you needed after diving all day!
The diving was excellent, along with the weather! I was a new diver and was made to feel very safe by the instructors who were very friendly and more then happy to help you. They were also very knowledgeable and took us on some fantastic dives. Were also able to see dolphins and whale sharks which was once in a life time opportunity!
Would definitely recommend this place!

My friend and I had an amazing week at Deep Blue. Steve, Shirley and Sue created an amazing atmosphere and we were always able to have a laugh with them in the evening. The food was also amazing and we really missed the three course meals when we left, especially the chocolate cake! As new divers we felt really looked after by the instructors and Swin the boat captain was fantastic enabling us to see both dolphins and whale sharks. I would really recommend this place if you are looking for somewhere to relax but also get the most out of a weeks diving.