Where is utila

Just chill out, kick off your flip-flops, crack open a Salva Vida and enjoy! Here are the 12 best things to do in Utila, Honduras. Since getting our scuba diving certification in Koh Tao , we have been hooked! We try to go diving as much as possible wherever in the world we are. And the scuba setting here is perfect. The waters are warm and clear. There are a ton of fish and corals around. There are plenty of scuba sites to choose from for all levels of divers.

If you get lucky, you may spot some whale sharks! There are a ton of scuba schools in Utila. The joke around here is that the buildings on the main street are either a bar, a scuba school or a souvenir shop… they may not be wrong!

We chose to dive with EcoMarine Utila — we liked that they had small groups and the instructor was very knowledgeable. Pricing-wise, it was very much in line with the rest of the schools around.

Our tips to choose a school are to walk in when there are people and see how they get treated. Make sure you check the equipment and talk directly to the instructor who will be diving with you. You want to make sure you get those good vibes. If you want more tips on how to pick your scuba diving school, make sure you check out our article here. Another tip for scuba diving in Utila is to ask about their accommodations. A lot of the schools will offer their students free or very cheap housing if you do your certification with them.

Often, they are dorms or private rooms with shared bathrooms. There are a few beaches to choose from in Utila, most being of the soft sand and clear water variety. There are two main beaches on the island, that are on opposite ends of the main road: Chepes beach and Bando beach.

Chepes beach is located on one end of the main strip in Utila town, while Bando beach is on the other end. Chepes is free to access, and there are a few parasols in the water, making it super inviting on hot sunny days. Bando beach is one of the best places on the island to watch a sunset. Just be warned that the sandflies come out at sun fall, making the experience a little a lot less enjoyable.

If you want to find some secluded beaches, head to the North. Pumpkin hill beach is a lovely but rocky beach that is rarely visited. There are also some other beaches around the island, past Bando beach, but they are wild beaches, so expect not to see too many people, but some trash. Pro tip: The sandflies get ferocious at sundown.

Make sure you always have some coconut oil on you for a natural repellent. Put a thin layer on your exposed skin. Neptunes is a bar, restaurant, and grill that is located out of the main part of town. They have this beautiful long dock and private beach for you to enjoy. We highly recommend you head out there early enough so you can enjoy as much time as possible there.

We were lucky enough to be there on a day when they had 2-for-1 specials on drinks, which made our time there even more fun! They provide lounge chairs and a shower so you can really spend all day here. Another plus is that they rent out snorkeling equipment so no need to buy your own. And, they even offer free shuttle service to get here. They offer free boat rides every hour on the hour starting at 9 AM, and they run until 6 PM.

The water in Utila is just beautiful and the underwater world is teeming with fish and beautiful corals! Just be careful as some boats get really close to the dock and drive by really fast. If not, you can go snorkeling off any of the beaches, just by swimming out there. Another option is to ask scuba schools if you can tag along with one of their dive rides and just snorkel off the boat. Pro tip: If you plan on snorkeling a few times on the island, or in Honduras , make sure you buy your gear especially a mask and snorkel.

The best and most eco-friendly way to swim with whale sharks is to encounter them by chance, while snorkeling or scuba diving.

A lot of times, they will lure the sharks by throwing in fish. However, if you want to increase your chances of spotting whale sharks, the best time to see whale sharks in Utila is from March to April and from October to December.

Not many people do this, which makes it a perfect way to avoid crowds. Just by Chepes beach, there is a canal that cuts through the interior of the island and takes you all the way up to Rock Harbour, at the north of the island. The best way to explore this canal is to rent a kayak.

You can rent one at The Venue and paddle your way up. The journey up will take you 45 minutes. Make sure you pack tons of water, snacks, and lunch if you want to hang out at Rock Harbour. You should also bring sunscreen, and a hat. If you have some snorkeling gear, bring it along with you so you can check out life underwater when you get to Rock Harbour. At the north of the island, there is Pumpkin Hill. Pumpkin Hill is the highest point in Utila and the first visible part of the island when approaching by sea from any direction.

The best way to get there is to rent an ATV. They have started developing some real estate around Pumpkin Hill, so the roads may improve over time. You can drive up halfway with your ATV, and then hike the trail up to the very top of the mountain.

Use caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well. There are no restrictions on travel for U. S government employees. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Your dollar will go a long way on this island. Keep in mind that when it comes to other islands and what things cost there, Roatan still ranks high in terms of affordability and getting the most bang for your buck. The best diving in Honduras is in the Bay Islands.

Of these, Utila has the better diving, and has the added advantage of being cheaper than Roatan. Stand-out dives include The Canyons and Black Hills. These two international airports have direct service from several U.

The main reason for the concentrated violence is that these are the cities where the majority of Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 members live. Violence rises from fights between the gangs to see who gains control over these regions. Spotting one is like winning the ocean jackpot.

Jump to: Table of contents. These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Utila.