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Dive Log and Guest Comments

Dive Log
Dive news by Angie and the LBR Crew
We will post news as we receive it

August 14, 2010
What a great group of guests at Laguna this week!. And rather international. Representatives from Beijing, Canada, and Israel (and of course the Americans) converged to form a common bond over diving.

This weeks highlights included swimming with dolphins, watching a frogfish go fishing, checking out undulating upside down jellyfish, 2 conch mating, and a yellow headed jawfish swishing eggs around in his mouth. Although the best was Gerald "leaning" against the ladder on the first day and taking a swim in the drink. This probably set the tone and brought everyone together for a great laugh!

Thanks to all and see some of you again next year!
LBR Crew

 

July 30, 2010
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to Steve and Katy! We not only went diving but found them a whale shark and some dolphins on their special day. (No we cannot do this for everyone!) Their daughter, Brook, was extra-spoiled as well since it was also her first dive ever in the ocean.

Joining them the following day was Mike who easily mixed with the family and although did not have the same whale shark luck, still had a great time. Meanwhile, Barbara held down the fort at the resort and made sure the pool was perfect every day! We expect to see all back at Laguna Beach within the next year! Thanks for a memorable week and see you soon--
LBR Crew

 

July 24, 2010
Well a smaller group included family Philips and Cheryl and Diane (who completed her Divemaster on Utila this trip!) and Saar. Congrats also go out to Charlotte of the family for completing her Open Water course and finally assimilating into one of her in-laws favorite sports! Hope you love it as much as they do!

Sighting of the week included a torpedo ray, spoon-nosed eel, and a male yellow pikeblenny--don't know that one? Well come and check them out!

LBR Crew

July 10, 2010
Farewell to Paradise Island Divers from Charlotte, NC. Thanks to Nancy for bringing the group to Laguna this past week! This was a lively bunch who were on a true vacation. Diving was part of the relaxation but not all of it! We and the whale sharks were happy to meet everyone and hope you visit again next year!

There was one boat which housed our repeat guests and one of our previous managers Ms. Liz--great to see you again--even Waggy said so!

The list of sightings this week included a nurse shark, spotted eagle ray, and a black spotted sea goddess amongst our usual unusual critters--give us a shout if you have photos of any of these guys--thanks!

LBR Crew

July 3, 2010
Many returning guests this week made the resort feel like one big family! The Salva Vida Scuba Group, led by Kris and Mindy, checked out everything from scuba, to horseback riding, to white water rafting and ziplining on the mainland! The other boat also had returning resort manager Miss Liz and company, Jim and Joyce (2nd trip this year with 3rd booked for the next) and some newbies!

In-water whale shark encounters were had by both boats this week--thank goodness! Again the spinner dolphins were abundant as well. Other creature sighting included a cornetfish (rare for here), bridled burrfish, wrasse blenny, and a giant crinoid (shrimp included!).

The highlights also included the "dry dive" which seems to have been a great hit and was recommended to future groups--we will have to offer it and see how popular it becomes!

LBR Crew


June 26, 2010
What a great week of diving with Scott's Scuba from Pennsylvania! Thanks to Scott and family for bringing another terrific group to Laguna Beach. Almost everyone managed to at least spot the whale shark from the surface while the folks on the Another Time actually had time in the water with the big guy. In addition,
the dolphin encounter made the trip--no one was even the least bit swayed when the flight was cancelled and all spent one more night than expected here at Laguna. No one has complaints when Swedish Chef Andy is cooking!

Hope the trip home was uneventful and all are back diving in Crusty's!

LBR Crew
 

June 19, 2010
Thanks to the University Club for their patronage last week. The guys had the resort to themselves and took advantage of having Captain Wagner and Divemaster Kate to respond to their every whim! Although no whale sharks were sighted they managed to glimpse the elusive frogfish as well as a spoon nosed eel, rosy razorfish, and sailfin blenny. A few managed to squeeze in some fly-fishing as it is possible to get a Grand Slam here in Utila (catching tarpon, bonefish, and permit all in one day--who knew!).

See you all next year!

LBR Crew
June 3, 2010
What a wonderful week with mothers and daughters! Moms Wren and Cynthia joined their daughters Larrea and Aubra for an action packed week with Divemaster Kate. Monday and Tuesday there were dolphins and Wednesday and Thursday were 2 different WHALE SHARKS which of course put everyone on a high for the rest of the trip! Not to forget all of our other tiny creatures we see on a regular basis. Although they were a bit overshadowed this week they still made their appearances thanks to Kate's sharp eyes.

Thanks ladies and hope to see you again somewhere underwater!

LBR Crew

May 22, 2010

We were taken over by our SSI friends from the Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Georgia Dive Shops! Led by the uber-laid back Scott and Lisa this group enjoyed a week of warm, relaxed diving. Sea temperatures have crept up to 82 and continue to rise. The visibility was usually 100+.

Although we could not produce a whale shark we did manage a few pods of dolphins in which several jumped in to play. On our daily boards we managed to see horse-eyed jacks, barracuda, toadfish, golden tail moray, scorpionfish, black spotted sea goddess, retriculated sea slug, and of course more!

The finale was Friday evening´s weekly outing in which several of the guests decided to skip dinner and hang with the gang to see how we live outside of work. Most were feeling a bit under the weather for the flight home but well worth it so they said!

Thanks Dive Shops for a great week at Laguna Beach!

Congrats to Kristen for completing her dive course and first ocean dives here on Utila!

LBR Crew

April 17, 2010
They're BAAAAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKKKK! Finally! So the whale sharks have been spotted again. At least 3 different sharks were identified and encountered. Of course everyone is ecstatic and ready for more. We shall see how long they stick around. This of course was the highlight of the week and no one remembers anything else!

Look forward to sharing the experience with everyone!

LBR Crew
 

April 10, 2010
Well there was a bit more breathing room this week compared to the craziness of Easter. Mary Jane was able to try out her new camera, Laleh made it in time to do some diving with her family, and Phil and family received their Whale Shark Specialty cards (even without seeing one they are now prepared for their next trip)!

David took some amazing video of some roughtoothed dolphins who came to play and hang out with us on a snorkel for over a half an hour. What an awesome encounter--flipping and circling and diving all around us! Probably unlikely anyone will ever experience something like that again--thank you captain Waggy and Kerry! Also a frogfish was spotted and will hopefully be around for awhile--if you are not familiar with this bizarre/fantastic creature google it!

LBR Crew

April 3, 2010
Feliz Semana Santa! Happy Easter!
This was Utila's biggest week of the year. Semana Santa, or Easter Week, is always interesting, especially in town. And this week in the water as well! Sightings included a free swimming leopard flat worm, black spotted sea goddess, and a juvenile lionfish--yes they are here.

March is gone and still no Whale Shark--so we will have to keep our fingers crossed for April! Usually we have at least one spotting per month--here in Utila there is no "season" you have the same chance of seeing the big guy in March as you do any other month of the year--it is all up to chance and the Whale Shark gods! We do have one divemaster who does a dance which is moderately successful--you are more than welcome to join in!
Thanks to Diver's World of Erie and folks on the Island Time--we look forward to your return!

LBR Crew
 

March 27, 2010
A little rain, a little sun--not too hot, not too cold--another great week at Laguna. A shout out to our friends from Naples, Florida as well as all of the other divers this week including some honeymooners!

The whale shark is still being elusive! The crazy weather and late rains maybe? There are lots of theories going around. We will see when they emerge--maybe next week--or the week you decide to come!

Sightings of the week include sailfin blenny popping out of its hole, flying gurnard searching for food, and a new yellow seahorse spotted at a favorite dive site--we'll see if he sticks around!

Thanks to everyone for a nice week at Laguna!

LBR Crew

March 12, 2010
The weather has changed yet again and is hot and humid--what we expect for March! The water is warming up nicely and everyone is getting a bit red and crispy from the lack of sun over the last month. We just said goodbye to 3 time returners Ken and group--the "boys" weekend went well--it is always nice to have this group at Laguna!

The rest of the resort divers finished this morning with a wreck dive where a large grouper was spotted--hope he stays around. Of course the fire worms were crawling all over and the green moray was under the bow. Missed seeing the gold spotted sea goddess but we know he is still there!

Congrats to Jennifer for getting in the water and doing her first dive in 25 years! Everyone meshed well and will be going for some drinks with their favorite captain Kerry and divemaster Alberto--great way to finish the week!

LBR Crew


March 5, 2010
Well this was the coldest week of the year it seemed! Just a bit of rain but the winds were chilly--by cold we mean 70-75 degrees farenheit--we are spoiled. The upside was no bugs! That is always a nice bonus. Divers managed to see some interesting underwater creatures including some spoon nosed eels, flying gurnards with wings fully expanded and "flying", and 2 red tipped sea goddess. Many thanks to Ron and company--see you again in the future!

LBR Crew
 

February 13, 2010
Laguna Beach was infiltrated this week by Scuba Tech from Destin, Florida. This is one of the most fantastic laid back groups we have seen at Laguna! Everyone was on pure vacation. The week started with the Superbowl blow out--let's just say there were a few missing divers Monday morning. The days progressed with beautiful weather and great diving. Although the whale sharks remained a mystery there was a sighting of a small sperm whale! Very rare here and a special treat. Other aquatic life included sailfin blenny, yellowheaded jawfish, eyed flounder, and some neck crabs.

We would like to especially thank Nancy and Carla for bringing such a wonderful group--hope to see you again in the future!

LBR Crew

February 6. 2010
Another beautiful week at Laguna Beach where four Ohioans were hiding from snow! In addition to the gorgeous weather, they managed to have some excellent under water sightings including a large orange seahorse, a spotted eagle ray, and a male quill fin blenny.
We also had some of the best food ever served at the resort prepared by our new chef Andy--thanks Andy! Can't wait to see what else he comes up with this week.
Thanks again to Duane, Annie, Gerry and Jeanette for a wonderful week at Laguna!

LBR Crew
 

They're baaaaaaaack! Thanks to the keen eyes of Captain Wagner the elusive whale shark was spotted this week after many without. Several other boats were in the area but the Another Time managed to wait out the chaos and get several good sightings and photos. This one was approximately 25 feet and hung out on the surface for a good half hour. We spotted the shark again the next day in the same area--what a week! Eric and Jennifer were extrememly spoiled as they were the only divers on the boat these days and had some amazing private encounters. I have a feeling they will be back!

Divemaster Al

November 28, 2009
We are back in action here at Laguna Beach and started off with a wonderful sunny week for Thanksgiving. However, on Turkey Day our missing rains returned in full force but did not dampen our diving spirits. It was actually warmer in the water!

Over the course of the week we managed to see some sailfin blennies doing their dance, as well as some yellow headed jawfish rotating their precious eggs. One juvenile goliath grouper was finally identified after some debate amongst the group. The whale shark remained elusive but I sense some calm coming soon and we will continue the quest.

Thanks for a great week everyone--hope to see you all next year!

Kate--Divemaster
 

October 24, 2009
The beginning of the week started with a storm and lots of rain (the season is here!) but cleared up nicely for the last 3 days with flat seas and plenty of sun. Thanks to Willie's group from Norfolk, Virginia and to the divers on the Island Time for a great, laid back week of diving. Notable sightings this week included a splendid flatworm, sailfin blenny, neck crabs and the rare toadfish. Spinner dolphins put on a nice show and hung around for awhile allowing plenty of photo ops!

Hope to see everyone next year for more!

LBR Crew

October 4, 2009
WHALE SHARK!!!!!!!!!!!! This encounter made the trip for Dave and Rhonda who would have missed it had they not extended their trip by 2 days. Unfortunately their good friends Chris and Terry missed it having to leave on schedule--I am sure they will rub it in nicely. In addition there were bottle nosed dolphins earlier in the week. A night dive had an octopus pounce on a crab, a stalking barracuda used the lights to feed, and the bio luminescence was amazing! Overall we expect to see everyone in the future living here after retirement--that seems to be the plan!

LBR Crew

September 26, 2009
Although there were two separate boats, everyone became fast friends this week for a great atmosphere. Congratulations to Pat for finishing her Open Water course! Trudi managed to take the final exam for her Nitrox course as difficult as it was to study on vacation. New instructor Kate also studied hard for her Beautiful Oceans Instructorship and hopes to return soon to work here on Utila!
Sightings of the week included sailfin blenny out of his hole, yellow headed jawfish with eggs, mushroom scorpionfish, and 2 queen triggerfish. A whale shark was sighted from the surface as well as dolphins! Always a good time.
Thanks to all for another great week at Laguna Beach--

LBR Crew

September 20, 2009
Wow! Whale sharks 3 days, a sailfish that hung out for over a minute, and dolphins. This was a great week for pelagics! Cathy, Alan, and David were certainly spoiled and will most likely be returning next year after all of this excitement. In addition, the small group saw a pregnant seahorse, long armed octopus, and northern stargazer all at Little Bight dive site. Throw in the tassled nudibranch on the night dive, quillfin blenny, and a juvenile french angelfish and we had an epic week of unusual sightings. Thanks to divemaster Al for excellent eyes and never ending enthusiasm!

LBR Crew

September 12, 2009
We just said good-bye to our long time friends and guests the fabulous five--Jaime, Gail, Greg, Gail, and Holly--who just completed their millionth trip to Laguna Beach. Ok so it is not that many but getting close! Thanks for another great trip you guys--and sorry Wagner found a whale shark today--you just missed it by a smidgen. Next trip!

Carmen, Jose, and Francisco all from Peru, rounded out our company for the week. They managed to fit in their Advanced Open Water Courses and do every single dive offered for the 11 days they were here. Muy Bien! (Sorry we do not have the upside down exclamation point on this keyboard).

Nos Vemos!
LBR Crew


September 5, 2009
Well this week was a little different with 2 of our guests, Scarlet age 3 and Ellery age 1, stealing the show. Although they were not diving they did check out the boat for some swim time and snorkeling and became everyone's best friend. They kept all entertained and in good spirits!

The big guy was spotted from the boat but did not stick around long enough to get in the water with him. Still and exciting encounter for all who have never seen one!

Add a new seahorse sighting and 3 octopus in one night dive and we round out another successful week here at Laguna Beach! Thanks to all!

LBR Crew
 

August 15, 2009
So Phil, Jan, and Carolyn made their 9th visit to Laguna Beach while bringing along new timer Jeff to the mix. Their luck prevailed and a whale shark was spotted mid-week which reinforced their love of Utila! They managed to go to all their favorite dive sites including The Pinnacle with their favorite swim-thru.

Thanks for making the week memorable with old friends--see you all again next year!

LBR Crew

 

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Guest Comments

Click here for the latest review from Undercurrent
 

May , 2010
Thanks for another wonderful visit to Laguna - outstanding diving, seeing old friends and making new ones. I returned for the whale sharks and you definitely delivered! Awesome! Although I missed Kerry as my boat captain, Wagner did a great job - especially with his tuna catch which the ladies in the kitchen added t...o our dinner feast. A special thanks to our dive master, Rich, for all those great finds!See More
 

April 10-17, 2010:
We had a fabulous time at the resort last week thanks to a wonderful
staff. Our accommodations were fantastic and what a view to wake up to
every morning. Heidi our bartender was a jack of all trades, always
happy and accommodating. The food was spectacular, simple but out of
this world in flavor and creativity - thank you Chef Andy, the best food
we've ever had! The cleaning ladies & kitchen staff - INCREDIBLE!
Managers, Sole & Mateis were there for your every need and their lab
Hershey was so sweet. The owner Edith sat with you chatting and then
helped clear, incredible people and a wonderful family atmosphere. The
perfect ending to our vacation was our main man "WAY TO GO CPT.
WAGNER!!!" for finding us the whale sharks. We saw a mom bigger than
the boat and her youngster - TWO whale sharks together!! It was an
extraordinary vacation of diving with our dive masters Margo and Alberto
and our amazing dive buddies Joe, Penny, Ben, Tom, Steve, Jan, Jim,
Nancy, Satal & Pat, what a great group of divers and all sharing photos.
Thanks for a trip we only dreamed of coming true.
Kathy & Miguel Victorino
Sacramento, CA
 

October 23 to 31, 2009: From the moment we landed in San Pedro Sula for the charter flight to Utila, this vacation was perfect. The only problem: eight days was too short. The folks at Laguna Beach are dive service oriented. The staff couldn't have been nicer, more helpful, more competent or more flexible. Our Divemaster, Chris, with over 3000 dives off Utila and our Captain with 20 years on the job worked hard to do the dives we wanted and find sea life that would add to our life lists. With ideal dive boats for 18 and an ironclad rule of never more than 12, they made diving a breeze. From quietly observing a variety of sea horses to swimming with pilot whales, they worked their magic. We saw spotted eagle rays, manta rays, hawksbill turtle, green turtle, squid, a variety of eels, the dreaded lionfish and more. Most of our dives were on coral walls with the bottom at 200 feet--or a lot more. Viz ran 100 feet or better. The bar was always open and typically do it yourself on the honor system. High quality island food was served family style which made it easy to bond with new friends. The weather was perfect--90 degrees, dry, and clear. And don't miss the village of Utila--friendly, fun, laidback, and multi ethnic--an unbelievably cool place to take in the sunset and let the tropical evening settle over you. Chuck Hewett, Divemaster, 130 dives.

Charles E. Hewett, Ph.D
Bar Harbor, Maine

July 24, 2009
Thanks for this week Show Time Crew! I had an amazing time and finally fulfilled my dream of seeing a whale shark--one more to cross of the list.

I am glad I came despite warnings of political unrest which was nowhere to be seen! I flew into San Pedro Sula on the mainland with no problems and was met by the pilot and personally escorted to our charter plane. Forty minutes later I was in Utila at the quaint airstrip (you will see!) and on my way to the dive trip of a lifetime! Speaking with numerous other guests and travelers no one has seen what they are calling "unrest". The locals here were extemely friendly the times I ventured into town and I will definitely return in the future.

Thanks again Laguna Beach!
Audrey Barrett
San Fransisco
 

October 2008
"The dive operation - awesome ! Concerned with safety, very attentive, very thorough...This really left us impressed and we knew we were in good hands.
The Management attention to detail and willingness to help us explore transportation options was above and beyond - thanks so much Christine, Angie, Jorge!"

Matt & Angela Pollard

June 2008
I absolutely loved Laguna Beach Resort. The staff was incredible and the food was great. I am new to diving and I have to say that Al & Erika were awesome dive masters, they made my diving experience wonderful, especially the turtle we saw eating on some coral. It was fantastic and I can't say enough about Capt. Wagner he made the trip fun for our group. Capt. Kerri took us into town one night and was such a wonderful host, the people of Utila are very friendly. I would recommend Laguna Beach Resort for anyone who wants a vacation that is relaxing and peaceful. Thanks again to the staff I will not forget this trip.

Vicky Deleacaes