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Dive Review of Plantation Beach Resort in
Honduras/Cayos Cochinos

Plantation Beach Resort, Feb, 2010,

by Daniel O. Benson, OR, US (Sr. Contributor Sr. Contributor 24 reports with 14 Helpful votes). Report 5386.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 4 stars
Snorkeling 4 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments Cayos Cochinos
You can mark this as one of the best dive values in the world right now!
Getting there: Several airlines fly to San Pedro Sulu (SAP) including Continental, Delta, Spirit, Mexicana and TACA. You then must travel to La Cieba via small airline ($100.00 pp), van ($150.00 for the whole van divided among the number of passengers) (3 hours) , intercity bus ($40.00 pp) or the chicken bus ($25.00 pp)(interminable) . You will need to overnight in La Cieba. The next day a small boat will take you from La Cieba to Cayos Cochinos.  This  1 1/2 hour boat trip always leaves in the morning.  Cayos Cochinos staff will help you make all these arrangements.
The resort: The resort is small and simple. Rooms are spacious and clean. Rooms have overhead fans but no air conditioning. Most have resident geckos. Rooms are generally quiet but things can fall from the trees at night onto the roof and wake a light sleeper. Earplugs are always a good idea.
The main lodge (where the bar is located, socializing is done and meals are served) has satellite internet access and a wireless LAN set up. Non-diving activities include snorkeling, swimming, hiking, kayaking and visits to outer islands. Hammocks and a large array of books are available. Topside photography opportunities abound. A TV is in the lodge along with a large selection of DVDs.There is NO SHOPPING. 
Food: Food is served family style and is very good. Three meals a day are served and included in the price of your dive package. Alcohol and sodas cost extra.
Diving:  The Cayos Cochinos have been a marine preserve for many years and it really shows. Marine life (including corals) are very healthy and some of the best in the Caribbean. We saw several large (4'+ Grouper), large octopus, toad fish, many other varieties of fish, and lots of other healthy stuff.
Staff: The entire staff at Cayos is friendly and competent. The dive staff is absolutely fabulous. We've been diving all over the world, and they are some of the best we've encountered. Robin and Mike treat you according to your abilities. If you are accomplished divers they treat you as such. You can plan your own dives and take responsibility for yourself if appropriate. For one hour plus divers, this is the place for you! If you need assistance they are available as well. The diving is very easy. There is little or no current. You don't touch your gear all week, and they even rinse your wet suit.
Weather: This is the second time we have visited Cayos. The first time was in May. At that time the weather was great and the visibility was awesome. This time was in February and the area had experienced a series of storms. We lost 3 days of diving and had to be transported to the mainland early because of rough seas and rain. So be sure to check into the weather before planning your trip.
Photo and Video: There is no shortage of subject matter for the underwater photographer and videographer. Robin and Mike are great spotters. You can spend as much time photographing the subject as you wish. When you are done they will guide you to the next great subject!
Summary: If you want a laid back atmosphere with good diving and great value, this is a place to consider. We will go back again. Remember those good feeling you have about camp when you were a kid? Find them again at Cayos Cochinos! For more information, see the National Geographic Adventure Magazine February 2008. This article lists Cayos Cochinos as one of the 12 tickets to paradise. www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/travel/best-island-vacations/cayos-cochinos-honduras.html.
Websites Plantation Beach Resort   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving Indonesia, New guinea, Hawaii, Solomons, St. Vincents, Cuba, Mexico, Bahamas
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy, cloudy Seas calm, choppy, no currents
Water Temp 78-80°F / 26-27°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 30-50 Ft/ 9-15 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Don't get hurt. The divemasters were helpful if needed, but treat you like responsible adult divers.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? no

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities 5 stars
UW Photo Comments Safe place for cameras on boat. They will place rinse tank on boat if needed, but short boat trip to dive sites make this unnecessary.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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