I never planned to come to Honduras, much less the little slice of Caribbean island paradise known as Utila.
But of course, plans change when you’re on the road, and I found myself squeezing in time for a quick four day visit to Utila after some time in Nicaragua and Guatemala.
Four weeks later, and I’m still here…and, I HAVE AN APARTMENT.
This. Is. Not. A. Drill.
I always wondered what it would be like to get stuck in a place while traveling; to feel so happy in the present moment and so content and comfortable with where you’re at, that you just never want to leave. I always imagined that I if I did get stuck somewhere, it would be in a place like Lake Atitlan, or even Isla de Ometepe.
But Utila?
For one thing, I consider myself first and foremost a “mountain person.” Keep your bustling cities and your tropical islands, and leave me with my cool air and forested hills and tranquility…except, um, Utila is an island. A tropical Caribbean one, with humid salty air and afternoon thunderstorms and mosquitoes and palm trees and sand and boats and power outages.
For another thing, Utila has quite the reputation for being a “party place”, and I’m really not a “party person.” Truly and seriously! Ask me to choose between Netflix+bed and alcohol+festivities, and I’ll be in my PJs and streaming movies before you can say “What are you doing tonight?”
And yet, I’ve now been on the island for 28 days and feel literally no desire to leave. In fact, it’s more than that: I want to stay. Plain and simple, I like it here.
I’m happy here. I’m comfortable here.
So much so that I decided to make it official and rent an apartment here!
I have an apartment in Utila!!!
In case you can’t tell, I kind of still can’t believe it. For 200 bucks a month, I’ve got my own cozy little space with my own bedroom and a kitchen and a little deck above the lagoon.
But for me, wanting to stay on Utila has much more to do with having fallen in love with the island itself: I’ve fallen in love with scuba diving.
After finishing both my Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses here, I spent some serious brain power trying to figure out what I was supposed to do next. According to “the plan”, I needed to hit the road and head back to Guatemala, eventually moving on to Belize and then Mexico to wrap up my trip.
Despite my initial excitement for this plan, I couldn’t help but to feel meh about the whole idea in the present moment. As much as I loved Guatemala, I wasn’t really looking forward to heading back quite yet. As much as I wanted to see Semuc Champey and Tikal and Caye Caulker and San Cristobal and Tulum, I wanted to stay in Utila and keep diving more.
So I changed “the plan”.
I mean, that’s what traveling is all about, right? Staying flexible and following your heart, and remaining open to whatever curveballs and lessons and opportunities life throws at you. If there’s ever a time to deviate from “the plan”, it’s when you’re on the road living your dreams and chasing your freedom.
I never expected to love Utila, but I do. And I never expected to love scuba diving, but I really do. So after I made my decision to stick around a bit longer, I decided to continue my scuba education as well, by signing up for the Rescue Diver course and eventually the Dive Master course.
Let me repeat that for you one more time: I’M BECOMING A DIVE MASTER.
A Dive Master. A freaking scuba diving professional.
When I leave Utila, I will actually be able to lead certified divers on my own, and assist instructors as they teach student courses. I’ll be able to work at PADI dive shops all over the world. ME! Who would have guessed it?!
As a new official “Dive Master in Training” (DMT) at Underwater Vision in Utila, I’m an actual member of the staff. Basically, I’m an intern.
That means plenty of 5:30 AM wake up calls to set up for the 7:00 AM morning boat, preparing equipment and filling out diver rosters and ensuring things are running smoothly. It means tests and homework and training videos and projects. It means staff meetings on Mondays. It means new routines and rules and challenges and learning curves.
It means scuba diving every day, and being part of the Underwater Vision family. It means creating a temporary home for myself here on the island. It means following a new passion and living in a beautiful and exotic place.
It also means I’ll miss out on the rest of my planned Central America adventures, since I need to be back in the States before Christmas for a holiday trip with my family (which, by the way, I’m SO excited to share details about!)
But truthfully, I’m not sad. For whatever reason, staying here in Utila and following this new revised plan feels right to me.
As much as I enjoyed exploring the cultures of Nicaragua and Guatemala, and sightseeing churches and ruins and historic towns, I really believe that this is what I’m meant to be doing right now. Belize and Mexico? They’ll always be there for me to visit, and I’m sure I’ll make it there someday.
But I’m just insanely happy here. I wake up smiling every morning, and I go to bed smiling every night. I love walking down the street to Bush’s for groceries and Mermaid’s for smoothies. I love Underwater Vision’s breakfast sandwiches and iced coffee, and Seven Sea’s’ super chicken baliadas. I love the crazy locals at Skid Row and the top deck at Tranquila Bar. I love my new friends. I even love the freaking morning dive boat.
For me, this adventure was about exploring my independence and challenging myself. It was about growing and changing in some way. It was about learning something new about myself. It was about coming home as a happy and fulfilled and inspired person.
And I’ve achieved that. I’m glad that I got my culture fix in Nicaragua and Guatemala, because Utila doesn’t really deliver on that aspect. But, hey. I’m living on a Caribbean island in Honduras, surrounded by crystal clear seas and amazing people and cheap food and freaking awesome dive sites.
What more could a girl want? I officially live in paradise!
Have you ever loved a place so much while traveling that you decided to just abandon all your plans and stick around?
We’ve already bought the tickets for you girls, so you’d better not change your mind!! I’m making an awesome itinerary for a white Christmas so get ready for silks, layering and snow boots! Not sure if Derek told you, but we’re going to a place called Mont Tremblant, among a few other stops. Let us know what day you’re returning to Houston. Dad and I are really looking forward to this much-needed getaway! So excited!! XOXO
This is awesome! I fell in love with scuba diving in the Caymans and would love to get certified!
Jenn recently posted…Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
I totally never expected to love diving–no idea what I was thinking back then! I highly recommend getting certified, it opens up so many more opportunities.
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
This is awesome!! I love that you’ve fallen in love with this place and were not afraid to change your plans so you could remain happy. And scuba diving sounds amazing!
Thanks Emily! Scuba diving is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done. If you’ve never done it, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
This sounds amazing! I love when I end up somewhere that just feels like where I am meant to be.
Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki recently posted…This One Time, In Iceland, I Hiked A Glacier
I know, it’s such an unexpected and happy feeling! Nearly 5 weeks here and I’m still totally happy…and to think I almost skipped it entirely!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
This is so exciting!! I’m a rescue diver and I’ve always wanted to become a Divemaster and get to lead dive groups! I love the idea of showing people what amazing things lie just below the surface of the water! I’m so glad you were able to fall in love with SCUBA! Are you getting to work as a trade to get your Divemasters? The only reason I haven’t done it yet is the expenses! I’m still saving for a big trip! I currently live on Andros Island in the Bahamas where the third largest barrier reef in the world is located and I am just getting started exploring the reefs. I have even signed up to help rebuild parts of the reef that have been abused by boats and locals. I love your blog and have been following since before your trip began. It has really made me excited about exploring Central America! Enjoy Utila it sounds like your perfect piece of paradise!
Hi Hannah! Thanks for your comment, that’s amazing to hear! It’s definitely expensive, although compared to elsewhere in the world Utila is a pretty affordable place to get your Divemasters and take other PADI courses. The key benefit here is that I can dive as much as I want for “free” (as in, it’s included in the cost) so I can do fun dives or assist on courses every day if I want, as long as there’s room on the boats. They also offer three weeks of free accommodation, although I opted to just rent an apartment since I’m planning to be here a while. And it’s not too hard to get work as a Divemaster here once you’re certified, so you can start getting paid. Not a bad gig at all!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
I’ve never heard of Utila but it looks gorgeous! Adding it to my list!!
Brianne recently posted…Sayulita Mermaid Yogis Retreat: Part IV
Utila is great! (Although, I may be a bit biased…haha). Definitely check it out one day!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
Congrats! I have always thought that the best part about slow travel is getting to stay and explore a new place that feels like home.
Jenny @ Till the Money Runs Out recently posted…Soaring Over San Diego – Flight Lessons in My Hometown
Thanks! I agree–I love having the freedom in my timeline to just stick around and enjoy being here, without worrying about a return flight just yet!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
What a wonderful post! I found you via Em Busy Living! Congratulations of your Diving Master internship!
I can totally relate. I went to the Czech Republic for 6 weeks and came back 2 years later. if that’s not loving a place, I don’t know what it is lol!.
Victoria@ The British Berliner recently posted…48 hours in Bristol – 48 things to do!
Haha wow, that’s so awesome! I’m definitely loving it here as well–not sure I’ll make it to 2 years, but I guess you never know!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
AMAZING! SOOO JEALOUS!
Amanda | Lesson Plans & Layovers recently posted…Am I Over-Thinking Solo Travel?
Ahh thanks, honestly sometimes I can’t believe how cool it is that I’m still here!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
I am leaving for Utila in 2 weeks to start my Dive Master training, this post is going to help me push through this last week of work! Can you give me an inside scoop about Underwater vision? What is the program is like and how your instruction has been so far? I am in between them and Utila Dive Center but want to make my decision when I arrive and check them both out in person.
SO COOL! You’re going to love it. Underwater Vision is THE BEST. Such cool yet professional instructors and staff. They make you totally feel like family–they’ll joke around with you and become close friends, but also push you to stay on track and set your own goals for yourself. Seriously just the best people. I’m so happy with my decision to come here and highly recommend it! You get 3 weeks free accommodation here with your DMT, although I’m sure it’s probably similar elsewhere on the island. UDC and Underwater Vision are next-door neighbors, so it’ll be easy for you to check out both (although I obviously think you should choose UV!) I’ve learned so much and had the time of my life too!
Kelly | The Wandering Blonde recently posted…So…I Live in Utila Now?
Hello Kelly,
My hubby and I are considering to move to the Caribbean in a few years. He’s really adamant about Belize and I’m adamant about Honduras. I’ve heard Utila is nice but no one ever elaborates in why? When we visited Rotan in Dec 2017, I was expecting turquoise blue water like Cozumel and was disappointed to see the waters were very dark/muddy looking.
Hopefully you’re able to shed some light on what’s there to do in Utila besides scuba diving. I enjoyed networking, listening to bands, laying on the beach and hopefully find work there to sustain us…. Thanks in advance.
Your beach photos are awesome! They really add a lot to your article. Do you use a high end camera to get such great shots?
Also, SCUBA diving is a cool activity! Wish I could do it.
We’ve been looking at moving there soon. We are mountain people. Our life is hectic. Your comments hint home! Every day i learn more about this island. Every day i seem to desire more. I’m glad you have found a spot in time that bring enjoyment to your life!
I’d like to pick your brain more about life there if you’d agree…