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Utila
From Wikitravel
Utila [1] is the smallest of the three major islands in the Bay Islands group in the west Caribbean Sea off the northern coast of Honduras.
[edit] Get in
Getting to Utila is a relatively simple process from many gateway cities. Direct flights to both San Pedro Sula and Roatan are now available from Houston, Atlanta, Miami and Toronto.
From either Roatan or San Pedro Sula a simple Honduran airline flight (with SOSA or Charter) gets you to Utila.
If you make it to La Ceiba, right on the coast of Honduras, you can take a ferry over. Its about an hour ride. The Ferry runs twice daily. Once in the morning and once in the evening. The ferry fare as of December 2008 is 400 Lempiras one-way, or $23 USD one-way. (see The Utila Princess [2] for current fares and schedules). There is also currently (2008-2009) a Catamaran that operates a direct daily passenger service between Roatan and Utila. (see Roatan<->Utila ferry [3] for details)
TACA, Delta, American and Continental all service Honduras.
[edit][add listing] See
Utila is consistently ranked among the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. Utila certifies more new divers than any other location in the Caribbean and arguably around the world. Historically, diving on Utila has been startlingly inexpensive, hence its reputation as a backpacker resort. Nevertheless, the diving remains spectacular and the holy grail of diving: the Whale Shark, is reliably found in Utila.
Moreover, Utila is legendary for its macro creatures. Utila rewards the diver that perfects their buoyancy and is willing to slow down and spend time to find the hidden little creatures of the reef.
While Utila is not known for its beaches, there is some excellent snorkeling available right offshore- especially towards the Blue Bayou area. It is possible to snorkel either right off the few small beaches, or with most of the dive boats. Snorkel equipment rental ranges from $5-$15 USD
[edit][add listing] Do
- Diving Utila boasts the cheapest Open Water courses in the Caribbean, price is currently $229-$280 USD for PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, or Rescue Course. The price is standard across the island. This does not include the required $3 a day reef tax. [4]
- Snorkeling, whaleshark, fishing, trip to the Cayes, hiking, kayaking, etc.
[edit][add listing] Buy
One needs to understand that islands are isolated and thus gasoline is sparse, Euro and other currency (except US dollar) unchangeable to Lempiras, and credit cards are not always taken.
Utila now has 3 working ATM machines, though it is possible for all 3 to be down at one time.
Funkytown Library (located at the main road at the Reef Cinema) offers a wide range of great books for sale, exchange and rent. Feed your head.
GROCERIES: There are many small grocery stores and corner stores to buy food for cooking. Almost all the hotels have shared public kitchens).
[edit][add listing] Eat
The food has a wide variety of fruit, seafood meals, pasta, vegetarian and breakfast fitting for a king with fresh and full-bodied coffee. \
Not to be missed is RJ's located across from Alton's Dive Center furthest from the pier. The BBQ is great and the "Ruminade"(home-made lemonade with local rum) is just what you need after a long day of diving. Only open Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.
[edit][add listing] Drink
- la piccola, main road. The best italian home made food on the island! edit
- There is no shortfall in entertainment with the consistent danceable music of Coco Locos, the bar on a dock, and the open-air feel of Treetanic Bar, perched up on a tree.
- Bundu Café offers free movie nights and live music Jam on Thursdays
- If you want to dance the night away, it is the Bar in the Bush on Wednesdays.
Local divers can be found recounting stories of Whale Sharks at Tranquilla next to Colo Loco
- Cafe Mariposa, Calle Central (Behind Banco Atlantida), ☎ +504 9754 9957, [5]. 11AM-10PM. Under new management for just three months as of March 2009, this place is causing a lot of interest because of its delicious food and drinks, great service, and unmatched views of the harbor at sunset. There are daily specials and a great atmosphere to help you relax and enjoy your time on the island. mid-range. edit
[edit][add listing] Sleep
Places to stay are plenty, and range from about $5+ for a dorm bed to $40 for modern rooms with hot water in low season (as of December 2008). Accommodation is usually provided free with dive courses
- slumberland, (left from the dock after chepes beach), [6]. private villas on the water the best views of the bay. great accommodations, privacy and close to the reef 150. edit
- Captain Morgans, [7]. Rents small houses (some out on islands) for about $5/person. Captain Morgan is a true pirate and his office is right by the ferry terminal.
[edit] Cope
Lots of lotion-based insect repellent is required to deter these ravenous Sand Flies. Baby oil also works a treat for ridding yourself of Sand Flies!
[edit] Contact
Internet costs 30-50 Lempiras per hour
[edit] Real Estate
Utila is a great spot to look at investing in real estate. Prices are still low, and land can be titled cleanly in your name. Be smart and use a licensed real estate agent who can walk you through the process. Licensed agents include:
- Utila Realty, [8]. This family owned fully licensed company offers a low-key, no hassles but professional approach to buying and selling real estate on the island of Utila. Year-round residents who are also personally invested in the island.
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