Utila is a backpacker island. A Caribbean paradise north of mainland Honduras. If you've ever been island hopping in Thailand you'll know what to expect from Utila. Except
pad thai has been switched with
poke tower, and
Singha,
Tiger and
Chang is named
Imperial,
SalvaVida and
Port Royal.
Main Street
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| Main Street on Utila, Honduras |
Like any other small island which attract backpackers, Utila has a
main street. This is where most of the restaurants, shops, bars and so on are gathered. Basically where things are revolving.
Chepes Beach
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| Chepes Beach on Utila, Honduras |
The most easily accessible beach from the main street of Utila is
Chepes Beach. Right off the street is crystal clear waters, white sands, benches and small huts just off of shore.
Neptunes at Coral Beach
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| Coral Beach on Utila, Honduras |
If you're looking for something a bit further from the main street head to
Coral Beach. This beach is owned by the operating resort on site; Neptune's. Neptune's provided free boats back and forth from the west end of main street. You don't have to be staying with Neptune's to visit, but spending a bit in their restaurant is most welcomed.
Water Cay
Take a day to head out to one of the cays lying just off of Utila's shore.
Water Cay is one of the larger sand islands with very few people. The feeling of being in the middle of nowhere is certainly present. Bring some snorkeling gear as there are marine life around the cays.
The Venue Sunset
The Venue is another hostel on Utila. In their "backyard" they put up a
"Utila"-sign, which is aligned perfectly with the sunset. Buy a few drinks at their bar to slip in and enjoy the sky burst into flames.
Poke Tower
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| Local dish; Poke Tower at Neptune's on Utila, Honduras |
Poke Tower is without a doubt the tastiest food I had in Honduras. Raw tuna topped with freshly cut pineapple and their inevitable banana chips. Being on an island, seafood is the way to go.
Honduran Beer
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| Bottled Beers, Honduras |
Besides the local breweries on the main land of Honduras. They also do produce some pretty decent
commercial bottled beers.
Imperial,
SalvaVida and
Port Royal are the most common ones. Port Royal was my favorite, but have a taste for yourself. Utila has a wide range of bars, considering its small size. Tequila Tuesday, Whiskey Wedensday. You name it, they got it.
Iguanas
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| Iguana on Utila, Honduras |
Iguanas are quite common to spot around Utila. They are fascinating creatures, which can often be seen hunting crabs in the dirt. Did somebody say dragons?
Pelicans
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| Pelican soaring above the ocean near Utila, Honduras |
Pelicans are also at Utila in larger amounts. They can often be seen near the ocean soaring above the surface looking for fish to catch.
Marine Life
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| Snorkeling Utila, Honduras |
Alright let's be realistic, the
marine life isn't the most lush on the planet. But it's definitely there, since Utila is overcrowded with dive shops. Snorkeling off of the cays will reward you with some marine life, but nothing out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to scuba dive at Utila - maybe next time.
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