Utila just keeps getting better Utila is the smallest of the three major islands that make up Honduras Bay Islands, has been keeping the stork busy with new arrivals, although none of them are babies. The biggest arrival is a longer, paved airport runway. The new 4,000-foot-long airstrip replaces the old 1,800-foot runway made of packed dirt. The improvement will allow larger aircraft to service the island, including direct flights from neighboring countries. The access road connecting the airport to the rest of the island was also smoothed and paved. The upgrades should substantially improve the travel experience for Utila-bound divers.''Some people may miss the old-world quaintness of the dirt runway,'' says Arlene White of Utila's Laguna Beach Resort. ''Some people felt it added to that 'Old Caribbean' experience they get when they escape to a simple, charming place like Utila. But there is still plenty of old-world ambience here. The new runway simply makes the journey a bit nicer, more relaxed, especially at the end of a long day's journey. We're very pleased about it.'' Laguna Beach Resort also has several new additions. It recently added four private bungalows, which bring its total capacity to 36 guests. The units face the resort¿s lagoon and each has a porch and its own pier. Inside, the bungalows are equipped with king-size beds and air-conditioning. Laguna also added a new 34-foot Newton dive boat, bringing its total to three vessels. The new boat has a flying bridge and room for up to 24 divers. However, capacity of the three boats far exceeds the resort's guest space, guaranteeing that no boat will ever need to take more than 12 to 14 divers. The new boat will serve good duty when the resort hosts the staff of Reefnet in July for the great Annual Fish Count (GAFC). Reefnet, a company that produces a comprehensive CD-ROM catalog of Caribbean reef fish, will be conducting fish population surveys for the entire month. Divers who stay at the resort during July can join the fish-counting fun while they dive. Reefnet will provide guests with a free fish-identification seminar once a week. Laguna Beach Resort is on a private peninsula with its own beach that provides access to unlimited shore diving. The property has a dive shop, a restaurant and bar, a library and an activity center. For more information:Utila Tours, Inc.Toll Free: 800-668-8452Tel: 337-893-0013Fax: 337-893-5024Email: [email protected]