Utila Tourist Information
The smallest of the three major Bay Islands, Utila lies closest to the Honduran Mainland and is by far the flattest of the islands. Utila is located approximately 18 miles from the coast and can be easily reached from La Ceiba either by sea or air. The Tropical Ferry operates Monday through Friday, leaving from La Ceiba's municipal dock located east of La Ceiba. The trip takes only one hour on this fast motor vessel. Arrival in Utila is at the municipal dock, conveniently located in the central area of east harbor. Air service is available daily via Sosa Airlines. Sunday schedules are limited, so it is best to plan on arriving and departing during the week. There are some charter air services available from both La Ceiba and Roatan that can help you get in or out of Utila. The main town in Utila is known as East Harbour or simply Utila, and is located on the eastern side of the Island, between the Upper Lagoon and the Lower Lagoon. The Upper Lagoons entrance is between the airport and town, precisely where the only bridge in the road between the airport and town is located. Thus, some of the rooms and dive shops are actually located right on the lagoon, such as Sharkeys Reef and Crosscreek Hotel.
The main road is paved until the end of town, however, a dirt road continues and will take you as far as Blue Bayoul, that is very popular with many backpackers and offers one of the few beaches in Utila. The Blue Bayou is located at the entrance to the Lower Lagoon. On the other side of the Lagoon you will find one of the most exclusive resorts in Utila: The Laguna Beach Resort. It is located on a narrow strip of land, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Lower Lagoon on the other. Shore diving from both resorts is outstanding, as the reef is only a few feet from the beach. You require a motor launch to reach this resort.
The Airport, or better said, landing strip in Utila is located in the area known as the "point" in "East Harbor" and is within walking distance from all the hotels and restaurants. It is basically impossible to get lost in Utila. There is one main road following the coastline along the harbor. This road is a pedestrian road, although you do have to watch out for the four or five cars on the island, as well as for the occasional motorcyclist and the many bicycles. Bicycles are the main means of transportation and there are several outfits that rent these if you wish an alternative to walking. Very near to the airstrip you will find the brand new Seafree Resort, Utila's newest hotel catering to more sophisticated clients who prefer modern ammeninties such as air conditioning, TV and hot water. The resort, locatd where the old Bahia del Mar restaurant is sitting right on the Caribbean and offers what is probably the nicest sunset bar on the island!
Although Utila is world famous for its diving, which is not only excellent, but also very inexpensive, this does not mean that Utila is necessarily a "cheap" resort. Accommodations and food are much less expensive than at the other islands, but Utila also has some world class diving resorts, such as the Utila Lodge, the Laguna Beach Resort and the Seafree Resort.
If you are arriving to Utila by air, you are within walking distance of all hotels and resorts in East Harbor. If however, you prefer to have transportation, there is a taxi that you can pick up at the airport and that will take you to your hotel. The going rate is Lps. 15.00 per person.
Utila's electric current is supplied by a generator on the island, and under normal circumstances, there is only electricity from 5:00 a.m. till midnight. Most of the better hotels in the island have their own generators, which means that you will not be left without electric power as the rest of town is.
An interesting site on the island is Gunters Driftwood Gallery, where Gunter an Austrian who was attracted to the island 28 years ago and has lived here since. His gallery is located just off Cola de Mico Road. Here you will find a variety of driftwood carved wood items, s well as coral jewelry and some paintings. Gunter is great source of local information and is always very friendly. It is better to call in advance to make sure that he is there. His phone number is 425 3113.
The only mountain on the island is Pumpkin Hill, from where you can get a view of the whole island, as well as of Roatan, further east. There is a trail that leads you to Pumpkin Hill, which is located three miles from town. If you decide to follow the trail, remember to be back before nightfall, or else take a good flashlight with you. There are caves around Pumpkin Hill, where according to legend pirates hid their treasures. Although Utila does not have many beaches, there are several small keys within reach by boat that boast a good beach and a lot of privacy. The largest of these keys are actually populated, such as Pigeons and Suc Suc Keys. Here you can stay at Vicky's Rooms for rent, a small "hospedaje" with ten rooms which rent for Lps. 80 per double unit. Rooms do not have a private toilet or shower. Eating on the keys is limited, however there are a few restaurants: Susan's restaurant is probably your best bet. She is open for lunch and dinner and offers inexpensive meals well as soft drinks and beer. Another alternative is Maggies Restaurant.
The other keys, such as Bells Key, Southeast Key, Sandy Key and Morgan Key are all privately owned and have nice houses. You can rent most of these keys. Prices vary, but you can get them for about $75.00 US per day and up, and can sleep up to 6 persons. Sandy Key can be rented by calling George Jackson, who lives on Pigeon Key at Tel 425 3161. He also has a fax installed on the same number. Water Key is probably the prettiest of the keys. It is uninhabited and a very popular place to camp out. There are no facilities here, so you must bring all your food , camping gear, etc. Getting to the keys can be a little tricky, however, Gunters dive shop operates a more or less regular service to the keys. You can also look for Swin Jackson, who has some very good motor dory's for rent. You can find Swin at his home, located in front of the Crosscreek Dive shop office or at phone number 425 3397. Swin offers good boats at very fair prices and knows the island and keys very well. If your stay in Utila allows enough time, I definitely recommend visiting the Keys. These offer a totally different view of Utila. Camping on Water Key is safe, and there is excellent snorkeling off the windward side of the key.
There are many different restaurants and bars around town. Perhaps the most frequented restaurants are the Bundu Café, Zanzibar Café and the new Looney Lagoon Restaurant. Other alternatives include Mermaids Corner, who has a new pizza oven. The Bundu Café is an excellent place for a good European style coffee, as well as light Sandwiches. Las Delicias Bar is a good informal get together bar, where you are sure to find someone to play backgammon or a chess match with you. Probably the best restaurant for breakfast in Utila is Thompson's Bakery, open 6:00 a.m. till noon. The new Looney Lagoon Bar & Restaurant located at Crosscreek offers good music and booze, as well as food and is now one of the popular spots for breakfast. Opening for breakfast from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., and serving American breakfasts, pancakes, etc. Finally, the real party bar in town is the Bar in the Bush, located on the road towards Pumpkin Hill, just out of town. Open on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, this bar offers some activities, such as volleyball, good music and a festive atmosphere that lasts until past midnite. The 07 disco also offers a chance to party, and is located within town, very close to the municipal dock.
© by Honduras Tips
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