About Utila

Friendly & Laid-Back Paradise

The Island

Utila is the most western of Honduras’s Bay Islands as well as the smallest, being only two miles wide and 11 miles long. Laid-back, funky and friendly, Utila is a paradise for the budget- conscious traveler and back-packer.

Besides offering a bargain travel option, Utila boasts some of the best diving in the world. It lies within easy reach of the world’s second largest barrier reef which is home to one of the most fascinating, accessible and diverse marine eco-systems on the planet where one can dive with representatives of everything from corals to whale sharks. Along with the many PADI certified dive shops to choose from, word has it that Utila is also one of the cheapest places in the world to get your PADI diving certification!

Once you come up for air from your diving adventures be sure to check out the wonderful local night life and dining.

A Little History

Prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1502 during his 4th voyage of discovery the indigenous Paya Indians were the original inhabitants of the Island. Signs of their culture still abound on the island.

Post Columbus, the Spanish colonized the islands and enslaved or removed much of the native population. Britain and Spain fought over the Utila and the Bay islands for much of the next 200 years. Favored by English and other Buccaneers and Pirates for its secluded, vacated safe harbors to this day the island is rich in Pirate history and lore. Keep an eye out for the Pirate Captain Henry Morgan’s rumored lost treasure captured during his famous raid on Spanish Isthmus of Panama in 1671.

Subsequent to the islands return by the British to Honduras in the 1800’s, Utila’s unique and wonderful culture is a result of the blending of many different influences including Caymanian, British, Spanish, Honduran, Garfiuna and others.

The Weather and What to Bring

The climate on Utila is sub-tropical so be ready for Sun, some rain and insects. Utila is considered a casual, low key island so you can wear your comfortable clothes. Sun protection is a must so light, long pants and a sleeved shirt or light sweater to “cover up “are appropriate, as well as affording some protection from bugs and the chill at sunset and don’t forget your sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen. Add some shoes that you can get wet, swim gear for snorkeling, diving or hanging out on the beach and you should be set!

It is important to note that upon arrival you are entering the country of Honduras so you must have a passport.

How to get here

Aerolineas SOSA and Atlantic Airlines planes leave Honduras’s two largest cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, for the coastal city of La Ceiba. From there the planes leave for the air strips of Utila and Roatan.
Budget travelers (and those who prefer salt air and sea wind over crowded airplane cabins) can travel from La Ceiba to Utila via ferry, called the Utila Princess every day at 9:30am and 2pm. There is also a private sail charter available from Roatan Island.