{"id":9124,"date":"2024-01-24T16:51:32","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T21:51:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/supportutila.org\/?page_id=9124"},"modified":"2024-01-24T17:08:03","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T22:08:03","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/supportutila.org\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About Utila"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#000000″ scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” 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In pristine Caribbean waters, lies the world’s second largest coral reef. The scuba diver paradise island of Utila awaits.<\/em><\/h2>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding_tablet=”0px” top_padding_phone=”0px” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” min_width_desktop=”70vw” min_width_tablet=”70vw” min_width_phone=”70vw” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” min_width=”47vh”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-9-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”0.5″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”0.8″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” enable_border_animation=”true”][vc_column_text]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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.5″ width=”5\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” 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Tourism<\/h4>\n[\/fancy_box][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596673327176{margin-right: 8px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]Utila’s economy depends on tourism. Top attractions include Scuba Diving, Snorkeling Beaches, Nature Hikes, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Fishing, Swimming, \u00a0Cave Exploring, Yoga and visits to the Utila Cays. Utila has been featured on\u00a0HGTV’s Caribbean Life<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Learn how the best ways to\u00a0Travel to Utila<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][fancy_box box_style=”parallax_hover” icon_family=”none” image_url=”6788″ parallax_hover_box_alignment=”middle” parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity=”0.6″ parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity_hover=”0.2″ border_radius=”default” image_loading=”default” min_height=”250″]\n

Scuba Diving<\/h4>\n[\/fancy_box][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1597031966294{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]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 <\/a>certification to become a divemaster, instructor or rescue diver, Utila’s dive schools offer it all. With over 60 dive spots<\/a>, 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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][fancy_box box_style=”parallax_hover” icon_family=”none” image_url=”6796″ parallax_hover_box_alignment=”middle” parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity=”0.6″ parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity_hover=”0.2″ border_radius=”default” image_loading=”default” min_height=”250″]\n

Ecotourism<\/h4>\n[\/fancy_box][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596673487221{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]The\u00a0Bay Islands Conservation Association<\/a>\u00a0is 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\u00a0BICA\u00a0<\/a>or\u00a0Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center<\/a>, \u00a0Iguana Research & Breeding Station <\/a>\u00a0during their stay on Utila. The spiny tailed \u201cswamper\u201d Iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri) is only found on Utila![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”1%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”1%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][fancy_box box_style=”parallax_hover” icon_family=”none” image_url=”6790″ parallax_hover_box_alignment=”middle” parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity=”0.6″ parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity_hover=”0.2″ border_radius=”default” image_loading=”default” min_height=”200″]\n

\u00a0Attractions<\/h4>\n[\/fancy_box][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596673535212{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]Other popular attractions include\u00a0Utila Chocolate Co,\u00a0<\/a>Nightlife, Turtle Harbor,\u00a0Utila Brewing Co<\/a>,\u00a0Cayos Cochinos<\/a>, \u00a0Utila\u2019s National Park Mangrove Canal, and exploring areas of Utila only reachable by boat.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][fancy_box box_style=”parallax_hover” icon_family=”none” image_url=”6792″ parallax_hover_box_alignment=”middle” parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity=”0.6″ parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity_hover=”0.2″ border_radius=”default” image_loading=”default” min_height=”200″]\n

Animal Welfare<\/h4>\n[\/fancy_box][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1596673548425{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]Every animal lover should stop by Jasper’s Utila Animal Shelter<\/a>. 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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” constrain_group_1=”yes” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][fancy_box box_style=”parallax_hover” icon_family=”none” image_url=”6789″ parallax_hover_box_alignment=”middle” parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity=”0.6″ parallax_hover_box_overlay_opacity_hover=”0.2″ border_radius=”default” image_loading=”default” min_height=”200″]\n

Beaches<\/h4>\n[\/fancy_box][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1595484060572{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”]Popular beaches include Chepes Beach, Pumpkin Hill Beach, and Bando Beach, along with many hotels and resorts with private beaches.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.01)” bg_image=”6851″ bg_position=”center top” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” full_height=”yes” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”Travel-To-Utila” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”#000000″ color_overlay_2=”#606060″ overlay_strength=”0.8″ gradient_direction=”left_t_to_right_b” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#0054ff” background_color_opacity=”0.9″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”By air, ocean or both” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_custom_heading text=”How to Travel to Utila” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1594961134158{padding-right: 10px !important;}”]Once arriving to one of the three international airports in Honduras, your transfer to Utila is either a Ferry Boat or a Small Airplane.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

The Closest International Airports to Utila (in order)<\/p>\n