Utila Infomation

Utila is the smallest and most westerly of the Bay Islands. It is the least developed island in the chain, its charm and beauty having only been discovered by the more adventurous tourists in the past 6 years or so. For many in the know, Utila is currently offering the best investment opportunities in this corner of the Caribbean. Virtually all the beaches here have remained untouched and unspoiled. If you are looking to "get in early" on some excellent real estate deals, then this is the place for you.

Utila is a very special place. Ask anyone who has been here and you'll hear tales of sun drenched days and star packed nights. You'll hear of white sand beaches, tropical desert islands and fantastic diving. Utila has a unique atmosphere, a Caribbean paradise forgotten by the ravages of modern life. There are few cars and everybody gets around by bicycle or scooter, and as you might imagine, nobody is in any particular hurry.

The people of Utila are famed for their easy going nature and friendly disposition. They have a fascinating history and love nothing more than to tell stories of their adventurous ancestors; many of whom were pirates, who plundered Spanish galleons in centuries gone by. To this day Utilians speak a sing song English and carry names such as Morgan, Cooper and Jackson.

Utila is only 1 hour south of the Cayman Islands and an easy 2 hours from Miami or Houston. It is simple to reach, with efficient daily flights from American and Continental Airlines to the main land of Honduras and then a short hop to the islands small air strip. People from all over the world come to Utila to dive the beautiful reefs which surround the island and to swim with the amazing whale sharks which pass close to the island as they filter the seas for plankton. What they find when they arrive is that Utila has much more than just underwater adventures to offer. Visitors can pack their time with any number of fun activities. The ocean obviously takes center stage on this Caribbean paradise island. Sailing and sea kayaking are popular pastimes here.

There is so much to discover around the island, fish packed lagoons, unspoiled beaches, desert islands, fresh water caves and mangrove swamps full of iguanas and birds. You can ride horses into the bush, visit secret beaches and swim in the ocean with the feeling that you are the first person ever to set foot in your own little corner of paradise. The fishing is fantastic around Utila. You can take a boat out into deep water for some fine sport fishing, the huge marlin and dolphin fish guarantee excitement and anglers are rarely disappointed. For fly fishermen, Utila also has virgin bone fishing flats. To this day very few enthusiasts have cast their flies against these challenging fish, those that have, tell of a pioneering adventure out in the shallows.

As the day comes to an end, Utila's night life begins. There are many popular restaurants where diners can enjoy local specialties like "bando", a delicious coconut fish soup. Lobster, fish and conch are as fresh as can be and the local chefs work magic with the sea's bounty. There are also a number of international chefs now living and working on Utila. Cross Creek run by Dave from America is always packed and the atmosphere is fun and friendly. Pedro from Spain runs the Cafe Mango, serving up his famous filet mignon and a variety of delicious Spanish dishes with a Caribbean twist.

The bars on Utila always offer a friendly welcome. There are a number of spots where adventurers gather to enjoy a cold beer or a cocktail at their favorite watering hole over the sea at sunset. If you like to dance, then you'll love the island parties. The Bar in the Bush, Coco Loco and The Casino all offer dance nights when the islanders gather to celebrate life.

General Information for visitors

Climate:
The rainy season runs from November till late January, however, the rain normally comes only at night and the sun creeps out during the day. Temperatures range from the mid to high 80's F (27-30 Celsius) year round and clothing requirements are no more than a pair of shorts and short sleeved shirt.

Electricity:
110 volts, 60 cycles as in the USA.

Entry and exit requirements:
No visas are needed to get into Honduras for the vast majority of nationalities including Americans and EEC passport holders. Upon arrival, a 30 day visa will be granted automatically and this can be easily extended on the islands for a small fee.

Fishing:
Outside the protected coral reef there is some great deep-water fishing to be found. Wahoo, kingfish, marlin, bonito, Spanish Mackerel and black fin tuna are there for the taking and keen anglers will not be disappointed. There is also some virgin flat fishing to be found: bonefish, tarpon, snapper and permit can all be taken from the extensive flats found around all the islands. Guides and boats can easily be arranged locally.

Medical:
No special vaccinations are needed to enter Honduras. Tropical diseases such as malaria are very uncommon on the islands. Water and food are generally very safe throughout The Bay Islands. Doctors are available on all of the main Bay Islands and the local clinics can cope with most minor emergencies.