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Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center
This center studies whale sharks and monitors the coral reef. It offers regular snorkeling trips to track down whale sharks and spear invasive lion fish…
Getty Images/WaterFrame RM
Utila
Honduras' most popular backpacker haunt, little Utila is also one of the cheapest places in the world to learn how to dive. You'll meet people here daily who came to get certified, went home, sold all their stuff and came back on a one-way ticket. Utila's sublime tropical beauty and chilled-out vibe makes it hard to not to entertain that idea yourself at least once.
The island is only about 8 miles (13km) long and 5km wide, and is focused around Utila Town, the island's only settlement, which is set on a curving bay with two small beaches and dozens of hotels, restaurants, bars and dive shops. There are few roads and much of the island is impenetrable wilderness accessible only by sea.
Another draw: juvenile whale sharks – gentle giants measuring up to 20ft-long (6m) – are spotted around the island. Spotting one is like winning the ocean jackpot.
Explore Utila
- WWhale Shark & Oceanic Research Center
This center studies whale sharks and monitors the coral reef. It offers regular snorkeling trips to track down whale sharks and spear invasive lion fish…
- IIguana Research & Breeding Station
Up the hill from the town center, this great place studies and protects the highly endangered Utila iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri), which is known locally as …
- BBando Beach
Utila Town's privately run beach is a small strip of white sand, a few lounge chairs, some shady palms and a lively bar. You can take a dip here, but the…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Utila.
See
Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center
This center studies whale sharks and monitors the coral reef. It offers regular snorkeling trips to track down whale sharks and spear invasive lion fish…
See
Iguana Research & Breeding Station
Up the hill from the town center, this great place studies and protects the highly endangered Utila iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri), which is known locally as …
See
Bando Beach
Utila Town's privately run beach is a small strip of white sand, a few lounge chairs, some shady palms and a lively bar. You can take a dip here, but the…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Utila
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