Steve Dankewich: Owner of Utila Time Realty
Real Estate Pioneer & Land Developer
Steve Dankewich’s roots on Utila trace back to 1995, arriving just as the island's international property market was beginning to form. With a background featuring over a decade in Canada's landscape design industry, Steve brought a unique vision for architecture, terrain, and tropical development to the Bay Islands.
The Real Estate Legacy: After building a foundational career in Utila's property market, Steve retired from active sales in 2009—but not before mentoring and giving many of the island’s current leading brokers their very first start in the industry.
The Dive Shop Years & Family Life
Following his retirement from brokerage, Steve and his wife Tara (owner of The Tea Garden) decided to enter the scuba diving business to give their children a dream island childhood. They reopened Gunter’s Dive Shop, creating a vibrant lifestyle where their kids practically lived on the dock—diving, fishing, and meeting people from every corner of the world.
Signature Island Projects
While raising his family, Steve's creative vision shaped some of Utila's most recognizable landmarks:
The Island House: Led the historical reconstruction of Utila’s oldest Main Street property, now home to Holy Guacamole.
The Caldera: Co-developed the premier, lush tropical subdivision nestled at the base of Pumpkin Hill.
Rockies Volcano Bar: Co-created this iconic venue, famous for its cold drinks and panoramic views.
The Tea Garden: Designed and landscaped this stunning tropical oasis, seamlessly incorporating a natural cliffside into a terraced dining area complete with a cascading waterfall and lush flora.
The Return: Making Deals Happen
With his children now adults, Steve is back to doing what he does best. He is channeling his decades of unmatched island knowledge and structural expertise back into the market—expertly bringing buyers and sellers together to make deals happen.
