Whale sharks are spotted on Utila year round, they are deep divers up to thousands of feet and come to the surface to feed. Utila's geological make up is perfect for this. The Northside borders the Cayman trench dropping into the abyss and the fringing reef, inland lagoons and mangrove are host to many different types of snapper and grouper that spawn dureing the FULL MOON and LAST QUARTER MOON. Check out the lunar calendar for the best dates to vist Utila and see whale sharks!! http://lunaf.com/english/moon-phases/lunar-calendar-2011/http://lunaf.com/english/moon-phases/lunar-calendar-2011/

Utopia Village, Bay Islands, Western Caribbean

announces their best DEMA Deal to date.  The 2010 Las Vegas DEMA dive deal is a “Buy One Get One Half Off Package” good during Utila’s peak whale shark season 2011 if booked by February 15. This is a $225 savings per person over last years special! Contact Utopia reservations or your travel specialist for availability and DEMA Deal details. reservations@utopiautila.com

Insider tip –there is an extra bonus PADI Whale Shark Awareness Course - if interested sign up at “Enter To Win a Free Week Stay” on their website and get the course info and a chance to win a week dive package at Utopia Dive Village. www.utopiautila.com

The purpose of the Whale Shark Awareness Specialty course is to intro­duce divers and snorkelers to whale sharks and familiarize them with proper recreational diving techniques for responsible interaction.  The course includes the latest research information including biology, behavior, monitoring activities and worldwide conservation projects.  Utopia Village is offering this complimentary course to preferred customers including 2010 DEMA attendees and participants. (some processing fees apply)

A few more photos from the week spent with our new Texas friends from Arlington Scuba. A pleasant reminder of home for us Texan Utopians. We're running some great specials right now. Contact reservations@utopiautila.com for details. We're holding a hammock for you!

July is such a festive month on the island. As true to it's colorful reputation, Utila hosts a week long celebration of Carnival. I appreciate old and young alike "making parties" in the streets. It's a wonderful time where the community comes together and shares in the activites. From the crowning of the Queen and Mr. Utila to parades to dancing in the streets, it's truly an island experience. Come visit us at Utopia, we're holding a hammock for you.

Big Al Audet and his wife Tamsey returned to Utopia this week. He keeps us just as entertained as he did two years ago. Al has taken some amazing photos, both below and above water. Follow the link to see some photos by our friend Al.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6239029&l=21080d56af&id=659759195

For those that are on Facebook, Utopia Village' page can be found by searching groups "Utopia Dive Village". Please join the group and follow all the things going on in our little slice of Caribbean Heaven. Happy day all.

The Utopian Texans had a wonderful week socializing with ALL Texans at Utopia last week. We had divers from both the Dallas and Houston areas and were thrilled to have new friends from "home". The East winds were blowing unusually strong for June which dampered shore diving just a bit, but the breezes were welcomed by all for hanging out time at the Champa bar. Juan Carlos (Juca), our manager of dive operations, brought latin culture to the week with his Honduran music and latin flare. We're offering some "sizzling" summer specials. Please contact me for details (kyle@utopiautila.com). We're holding a hammock for you.

Three of our Nebraska Fire Fighters who stayed with us in Mid May. As you can see, another tough day at Utopia!