Introducing Utila

Utila is a slow, welcoming place, where the locals and visitors interact much more frequently than on Roatán, mainly because everyone is in the same town. Dive courses and fun dives cost about the same here as on Roatán – maybe slightly less – but food and lodging is noticeably cheaper – although more expensive than on the mainland. Utila’s shops focus on certification courses, and classes can be larger than on Roatán. Utila does not have the beaches that Roatán does, and the snorkeling isn’t as good, but the strong local presence and culture make for a unique, refreshing island experience. The party scene is stronger here, which appeals to younger backpackers.

Utila is a small island, about 13km long and 5km wide, with tiny cays dotted on the south side. It is the closest island to the mainland, just 29km away. Utila is mostly flat, with only one small hill. The population lives almost entirely in one settlement on a curving bay; another small settlement is on a cay about a 20-minute boat ride away.