Utila Bay Island - Overview

Utila, which is the flattest of the Bay Islands, is located approximately 18 miles from the northern coast of Honduras. Utila is accessible by small aircraft or by one-hour ferryboat from La Ceiba.

English-speaking inhabitants of Utila first moved to the island in the early 19th century, from the British islands in the Caribbean.




Most of the population of Utila lives in East Harbour, a protected harbor on the southeast corner of the island. The main town is quite spread out and visitors may find it helpful to rent a bicycle for several trips back and forth between hotels, dive shops, restaurants, and bars.

Utila has become known for its inexpensive dive certification courses and therefore has been frequented by young international travelers, searching for excellent dive training at a bargain price. The several dozen or more small dive shops have contributed to this, but will never sacrifice the quality of the courses and services offered by the islanders.

Many of the hotels on the island cater to the bargain traveler but other high-end alternatives are available. Utila is one of the greatest places to see whale sharks, one the largest fish in the world.