Whale Shark Research Project

A 5-Star Gold Palm PADI all inclusive resort, Deep Blue Resort Utila occupies a beach front location. Surrounded by coconut palms are ten spacious, air-conditioned deluxe rooms, all with large private balconies overlooking the white sand beach and the crystal waters of the Caribbean. A real escapism resort, reached only by boat and with no telephones or TVs - although if required free Internet access is available.

Scuba diving on Utila is rich and varied with more than 70 buoyed sites around the island, unlimited shore diving on three of the best south side sites, three boat dives per day and a full range of PADI courses and specialities available. The north side of Utila has the second largest barrier reef in the world with awe inspiring sheer walls dropping to over 1,000 metres. The south side of Utila consists mainly of shallow fringing reefs, the top of the reef at around five metres dropping down to between 30 and 40 metres. Scuba diving heaven!

During surface intervals the Whale Shark search is on! Utila's north side is on the Whale Sharks migratory path and, during their migration past the island, a microlight aircraft is used to spot them and so increase your of encountering these magnificent creatures. Scientists and marine biologists tag the Whale Sharks and take DNA samples, whilst putting together an extensive video and photographic library. Guests can assist by taking video footage, photographs and by logging individual Whale Sharks. You will also have the opportunity to become a Shark Speciality Diver.