Facts about Utila

Located closest to the Honduran mainland and ensconced in the Caribbean sea, Utila is the smallest of the three major Bay islands. With a distance of 18 miles from the coast, Utila is one of the islands that was formed due to volcanic action and coralline growth. Inhabited by Payan Indians (closely related to the Mayan Indians) 600 years ago, and later a part of the British Colony, Utila is a part of Honduras today. Due to its colourful history, the island is consistent with a rich and heterogenous culture with a blend of British, American and Spanish legacy. This diverse mix of cultures makes Utila an authentic Caribbean island. The most attractive feature of this island other than being the least expensive, is the fact that it is till date, a largely undiscovered, placid and unblemished tropical island paradise.

The island of Utila is just 11 km long and 4 km wide at its broadest part and is encompassed by vast coral reefs abundant with rich under sea life. Offering a wide range of activities and breathtaking panorama, Utila is renowned for being the least expensive of the three Bay islands and for being the most beautiful island in the world for a scuba diving vacation. 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 Lagoon's entrance is between the old airstrip 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, but, a dirt road continues taking you as far as Blue Bayou, which 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. There is a small entrance fee to enjoy the beach and facilities located here. 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 the resort is outstanding, as the reef is only a few feet from the beach. You require a motor launch to reach this resort.

Bordering the Mesoamerican barrier reef system, which is the second largest reef in the world after the Australian Great Barrier Reef, Utila has some of the most spectacular beaches, coral reefs and tropical island sunsets in the world. The island is lavishly covered with thick canopy of pine together with mango, almond and palm trees. This abundance of vegetation makes the island habited by tropical birds, iguanas, and rare lizards. Utila has one prominent hill, popularly known as the Pumpkin hill, located just three miles from the main town. A view of the entire island and as well as of Roatan island, is possible from the top of the Pumpkin hill. A trail leading up to the hill provides the tourist with a pleasant walk and offers tourists a wonderful opportunity of coming in close contact with Carribean flora and fauna. According to the local legend, it was in the caves here in Pumpkin Hill that the pirates hid their treasure.