The Dive Log
Squid, Rays, Dolphins, Sharks, and Captain Kerry’s Buns: Utila, June 2026
Eight people joined us on this recent trip to Utila in June. Two of whom were new divers who received their Open Water certification with us, five who were experienced divers, and one who just came along to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean with her husband and us. It was a hot, sunny week, the viz was awesome, and we had a lot of fun.
Our First Private Group Trip: Utila, January 2026
Every trip we run is special in its own way, but this one felt extra-special because it was our first-ever private group trip! — organized by returning customers who loved Utila so much they wanted to share it with their friends. People flew in from New York, California, and Washington D.C. to make this happen. It was one for the books!
Is DAN Insurance Worth It?
Is diving insurance worth it? DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance is the gold standard for scuba divers — covering hyperbaric chamber treatments, emergency medical evacuation, and 24/7 expert dive medicine support that standard health insurance won't touch.
The Truth About Nitrox
Being Nitrox certified and knowing how to use Nitrox is a must for any diver and everyone should put it at the top of their specialty list. There are some interesting misconceptions about and some great benefits of using Nitrox
Where We Started and Where We’re Going
Barbary Coast Divers and Deep Ocean Explore Store are partnering up to offer certification courses
February Dreams
How to describe our February fun-diving trip to Utila: amazing, magical, special, outstanding. I know how it sounds, maybe a little over the top? Superfluous even? The hard thing is, that’s exactly what it was. Fantastic and above and beyond what we could have hoped for.
What You Need to Know About Getting Your Open Water Certification
The Open Water course is where it all begins. But before you sign up, there are a few things you should know to make the process smoother, more enjoyable, and cost-effective.
Storm? What Storm?
Tropical Storm Sara was treating the Bay Islands gently until the day of our departure. It hit Utila hard. Almost everything close to the water was damaged. Docks broke, beaches and roads flooded, and some buildings were damaged as well.
What Gear To Get & When
Depending on where you learn to dive, you may be required to provide some of your own gear to take a scuba course. In popular scuba vacation spots, you might need none of your own gear to take a course. In California, most shops will require you to have your own mask, snorkel, boots, and gloves.