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In pristine Caribbean waters, lies the world’s second largest coral reef. The scuba diver paradise island of Utila awaits.

With a recorded past dating back to July 1502, Utila’s history continues down a long road of tales of pirates, changing hands from Spain to England to Honduras, and becoming a top scuba diving destination.

Utila’s population of roughly 10,000 primarily work within tourism and general services. No chain restaurants, no big box stores. It’s a small town with a friendly and tight knit community, surround by the Caribbean Sea.

There’s more to do than just water activities, with beautiful beaches, hiking, ATV tours, exploring the tiny islets (Utila Cays) along with the best nightlife in the Bay Islands at your disposal.

Tourism

Utila’s economy depends on tourism. Top attractions include Scuba Diving, Snorkeling Beaches, Nature Hikes, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Fishing, Swimming,  Cave Exploring, Yoga and visits to the Utila Cays. Utila has been featured on HGTV’s Caribbean Life.

Learn how the best ways to Travel to Utila.

Scuba Diving

People often travel to Utila primarily to scuba dive. From a beginner open water class to prepare for your first scuba dive to experienced divers takingtheir PADI certification to become a divemaster, instructor or rescue diver, Utila’s dive schools offer it all. With over 60 dive spots, including caves and numerous wrecks (such as the famous Halliburton), Utila proves it is earns its name as 1 of the world’s top dive destinations.

Ecotourism

The Bay Islands Conservation Association is dedicated to conserve and protect the coral reef, sea turtles, and the lush ecosystem of Utila. Many include volunteer work, research experience programs, or a visit to BICA or Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center,  Iguana Research & Breeding Station  during their stay on Utila. The spiny tailed “swamper” Iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri) is only found on Utila!

 Attractions

Other popular attractions include Utila Chocolate Co, Nightlife, Turtle Harbor, Utila Brewing Co, Cayos Cochinos,  Utila’s National Park Mangrove Canal, and exploring areas of Utila only reachable by boat.

Animal Welfare

Every animal lover should stop by Jasper’s Utila Animal Shelter. Whether you’re in the market to adopt a new dog or cat, or just need a new furry friend on Utila, Jasper’s team is busy keeping Utila’s pets safe, and rescuing any stray pets.

Beaches

Popular beaches include Chepes Beach, Pumpkin Hill Beach, and Bando Beach, along with many hotels and resorts with private beaches.

By air, ocean or both

How to Travel to Utila

Once arriving to one of the three international airports in Honduras, your transfer to Utila is either a Ferry Boat or a Small Airplane.

If you’re deciding between Ferry Boat or a Smaller Airplanes and don’t strongly prefer or dislike either, a smaller airplane is more costly but fastest, if it lines up with your international flight.  Starting at a group of 3 or more, a private charter flight may be almost the same, and eliminates any difficulty in timing your connection.

The Closest International Airports to Utila (in order)

  • Roatan, Bay Islands (airport code: RTB)
  • San Pedro Sula, Honduras (airport code: SAP)
  • Tegucigalpa, Honduras (airport code: TGU)

There is direct service from several U.S. cities including Miami, New York, Newark, Houston, Dallas and Atlanta. International direct flights also includes Mexico City, Toronto, Montreal, Madrid, Belize City, Panama City, Guatemala City & El Salvador.

International airlines serving Honduras include United, Delta, Avianca, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines & Aeromexico.

Cruise ships often stop at Roatan, and occasionally at Utila, normally by tender.

Easiest:
Fly to Roatan Airport (RTB)

Then choose from a 50 minute transfer via Utila Dream Ferry for under $30 USD, or take the 15 minute shuttle plane to Utila (costs vary, as low as $55 on CM Airlines scheduled flights or starting at $150 for charter flights)

Fly to San Pedro Sula (SAP) or Tegucigalpa (TGU)

Connect via CM Airlines (starting at $137 USD) or Sosa Airlines directly to Utila’s Airport (UII).

Optionally you can transfer to La Ceiba (LCE) via bus, car or plane and then take the Utila Dream Ferry to Utila.

From Central America

Most Central American countries have flights or boats connecting thru La Ceiba or Roatan, as well as buses connecting Central America.  If backpacking or on a tight budget, the least expensive method is bus to Utila Dream Ferry.

Why Support Utila?

The impact of the pandemic has affected the entire world. With Utila’s economy depending on tourism, the impact there is unique. 90% of businesses on Utila rely on those tourists, leaving the most vulnerable of the workforce without income.
Support Utila has been able to help provide food and medication to those in need, supplies for the health clinics, animal shelter, and anywhere else we can do, we’re doing.
Your contribution will fund improving and protecting the people, pets, wildlife and environment of Utila.
Every 100% tax-deductible donation gets us closer to that goal.