Utila is the smallest of three Bay Islands. It measures approximately 3x7 miles, and lies 18 miles off the Northern
coast of Honduras. Inhabitants are comprised of a mixture of descendants of British, Slaves, Central American Caribs,
and more recently, Hispanics from the mainland. There is also a growing set of Ex-patriots from across the world.
It is a bilingual community with English being the dominant language.
First and foremost, Utila is a friendly place. Though still a fishing village the tourism industry is becoming quite healthy. Many of the locals have worked on ships in the U.S. and some are U.S. citizens. Utila is not typical "resort" island, though it has two resorts, nor is it highly developed. On just about any evening one will find men, women, and children walking, talking and generally just enjoying themselves on the main street. The crime rate is very low and mostly of the petty theft variety.
There are a surprising number of excellent places to eat for such a small island. A variety of foods are available including Chinese, Mexican, Italian, German, Vegetarian, BBQ, Middle -Eastern and just general fare. Fresh fish is excellent and quite inexpensive. Meals tend to run $4.00 to $5.00 per plate.
Utila has actively been involved in research and preservation of its wildlife, some of which is more or less unique to the island. It has its own unique iguana, found nowhere else in the world. It also has one of the largest local populations of Whale Sharks off it's North East coast. In addition it has been actively engaged in the preservation of the endangered hawkbilled sea turtles.
First and foremost, Utila is a friendly place. Though still a fishing village the tourism industry is becoming quite healthy. Many of the locals have worked on ships in the U.S. and some are U.S. citizens. Utila is not typical "resort" island, though it has two resorts, nor is it highly developed. On just about any evening one will find men, women, and children walking, talking and generally just enjoying themselves on the main street. The crime rate is very low and mostly of the petty theft variety.
There are a surprising number of excellent places to eat for such a small island. A variety of foods are available including Chinese, Mexican, Italian, German, Vegetarian, BBQ, Middle -Eastern and just general fare. Fresh fish is excellent and quite inexpensive. Meals tend to run $4.00 to $5.00 per plate.
Utila has actively been involved in research and preservation of its wildlife, some of which is more or less unique to the island. It has its own unique iguana, found nowhere else in the world. It also has one of the largest local populations of Whale Sharks off it's North East coast. In addition it has been actively engaged in the preservation of the endangered hawkbilled sea turtles.