Tis the season on the island. Although whale sharks are present year round in our waters off Utila, the frequency of sightings are higher during the calmer months. Our guests this past week (Las Vegas, Boston, Florida, Texas, Canada) were treated to epic diving, compliments of the whale sharks. They swam with our gentle giants on two separate days, sizes varying from 15 ft. to 35 ft in length. We're hoping to have their videos up on our website very soon. Happy Sunday.

Utopia's motto is "you come as guests ........ and leave as friends", this week proved exactly that. We hosted a truly gracious group of doctors (podiatrists, hence "Dive Pods"). They come from all over the U.S. and gather once a year for their seminar training and diving. Most afternoons were spent in lecture, but mornings were devoted to finding the elusive whale sharks. The last day of diving, they were found, but descended before the docs could get in the water. So close and yet so far. The winds were unusually forceful during their stay, our dock was not accessible most days, so in came the jungle bus for transport to a calmer dock west of Utopia. The jungle bus became a staple of their trip and they insisted on being photographed with "her" on the last day. For those of you unfamiliar with our notorious bus, it's a well, "broken in", converted truck for guest transport. She's seen better days, but keeps on ticking and adds to the adventures of staying in a remote area.

One doc was missing from their dive group this year. Joe lost his battle to cancer in 2008 and was to be on this Utopia trip. They wanted to do something is his memory, so we picked some colorful flowers to use for his memorial. They chose our dock and the day before their departure they held a quiet service, each speaking a few words, then tossing a flower into the sea in memory. I didn't want to intrude, so sat back and took a couple of photos (above). I was touched, a really beautiful place and signficant tribute to a man I did not know, but was clearly loved and missed very much. I hope this group returns to Utopia, they truly are our new friends.

Not a bad day to be us! We're holding a hammock for you.

Utopia hosted its first "Bring Utilatown to Utopia" Friday night. This will become a monthly event where friends, business owners, dive shop employees and island residents who live in town place advanced reservations for a night of cocktails and fine dining at our on-site restaurant, Dulce Vida. Our 40 ft. dive boat, the "Miss U" picked up our local guests at Morgan's dock at 5P and brought them out to our remote location. It was a magical night of mingling with old friends and sharing our little slice of paradise. Many have not had the opportunity to visit Utopia due to our location, we are boat access only. Above are a few photos of our island folk enjoying their evening. Buen provecho!

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