Skip to content 
**There is advertising on this post with clickable link. We may earn a commission on these links
**To know about our Terms and Conditions, click Here
Position Of Utila Island, Honduras
Introduction
Looking for a place to get your scuba diving certification? Are you a backpacker? Not interested in big hotels? I know a beautiful place that’s perfect for you! Welcome to Utila Island in Honduras. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your next diving course.
The island of Utila, located in the Caribbean Sea, is part of the Bay Islands Department, of which Roatan is the largest. They were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502 during his fourth voyage. Today, the island of Utila is home to more than 5,000 people, the majority of whom have their roots in Africa, England, and Germany.
But today, Utila has become a haven for divers. There are about ten diving schools here, making it a prime destination for those seeking to earn their diving certification or simply practice scuba diving. Among these schools are some of the most renowned, including Utila Dive Center, Alton’s Dive Center, and Underwater Vision.
Scuba Diving
But why is Utila or Roatan so popular for scuba diving? Simply because these islands are located on one of the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean, making them an interesting place to observe marine life. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Utila, like many Caribbean destinations, is suffering from rising temperatures and human-caused pollution.
Now, let’s move on to the main topic, diving courses. Having obtained my diving cards in Canada, I wanted to know what warm-water diving is all about. So, I opted for Utila to obtain my Professional Divemaster certification. I chose UDC (Utila Dive Center) for my training. I highly recommend them; they are professional, the courses are well-structured, and they offer free diving for life if you come to obtain your Professional License.
If you come to obtain your Open Water, the course lasts four days and includes accommodation at the Mango Inn for six nights as well as two fun dives. In addition, your certification will allow you to continue with night diving and more if you wish.
If you are already an Open Water diver and want to continue your journey, you can always complete your advanced course or specialties like buoyancy, night or photography.
If you’re looking for something else, there are about ten other schools available in Utila to meet your needs. I recommend contacting them to receive the latest information before making your choice.
Here are some of them:
Boat used for diving
Open water course at the end of the dock
Dive Site
Utila has several interesting dive sites, including:
Moon Hole: Perfect for open water certifications, the bottom is about 35 feet deep and is a large patch of sand.
Airport Cave: One of the most popular sites, a small cave a few meters long allows you to get a taste of cavern diving. In addition, a lot of marine life can be seen here.
The Lighthouse: A very interesting dive site. Where the boat drops you off is about 10 feet deep, but after that, the bottom gently slopes to the depths of the sea, allowing you to encounter a lot of underwater flora and fauna.
Advanced Course at Moon Hole
Utila Island
Let’s talk a little bit about the island now. Utila Island is the westernmost island and has an area of only 45 square kilometers. Most of the island is at sea level except for Pumpkin Hill, which rises 74 meters above sea level. Most of the island is composed of marshes and mangroves. The island is located on the southern part of the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean, called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
Spanish is the primary language, but since Utila is part of a former British colony from the 17th and 18th centuries, most people can communicate in English. The people are very friendly, and the crime rate is low. At night, I recommend taking public transportation to get home. The roads are small, so motorcycles, tuktuks, and carts are the main vehicles on the island.
The Lampiras is the local currency, but they accept American money in many places. I recommend exchanging it for local currency, though. There is a bank or you can simply exchange it in grocery stores.
There is a small beach near the village for sunbathing, and a few beaches around the island. Keep in mind that the island is known more for diving than for its beaches. For any kind of information, you can follow the Facebook page Utilawannaknow to connect with local people or other travelers.
For active people, there’s a gym with several memberships available. Do you enjoy dancing or socializing? There are two nightclubs and several bars with live music available. There’s even a small cinema if you feel like watching a movie.
Welcome to Utila sign at the ferry exit
Tuk Tuk, best way to get around Utila
Souvenir Store
Advertising
At VistArt.shop we offer multiple choices of prints from canvas to acrylic. We do offer custom prints and custom travel posters as well
Accommodation
Utila Island is much less touristy than Roatan. There are no large, luxurious hotels here. All are cheaper and designed more for backpackers than traditional travelers. However, if you’re looking to rent a room, the Mango Inn, Eastern Harbor Resort, Sea Eye Hotel, and Coral View Beach Resort are good choices. For hostels, there’s the Mango Inn and Las Hammock Hostel.
If you’re looking to stay longer, I recommend renting an apartment. Several options are available, including Moon Apartment, Eastern Harbor, and Coopers Inn. Your school can provide you with a list.
Moon Apartment
Food
There are two grocery stores where you can buy food. Be careful, though, those grocery stores are small and have the minimum food available. However, there are dozens of restaurants available on the island, including a cafeteria. Note that food tends to be greasy on the island, and people who want to eat 100% healthy have a hard time finding what they want.
How to get to Utila Island
There are two ways to get to the island: by boat or by plane. The two nearest international airports are on the island of Roatan and in San Pedro Sula. American Airlines operates this route year-round, while several other airlines operate seasonal flights. To get to the island, you can opt for a private charter or take the ferry from La Ceiba or Roatan.
• Please note that if you land in San Pedro Sula, you will need to find transportation to get to La Ceiba. Below is a local travel agency that can help you with this.
Bush’s Tours & Charters
Whatsapp: +504 8921-0045
+504 3145-7139
Email: bushsutila@gmail.com
DreamFerry operates a ferry service between Utila and La Ceiba or Roatan.
DreamFerry from Roatan to Utila Island
I’ll leave you some useful links for your next trip to Utila below.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rigorous training is the key to diving with confidence and fully enjoying the wonders of the underwater world. By mastering basic techniques and safety rules, every diver, novice or experienced, can explore the seabed with peace of mind and lasting success. So, get equipped, follow the advice of your instructors, and let yourself be guided toward new aquatic adventures!
About The Author
Having worked in aviation, the United Nations, and as a photographer, I have gained experience in the world of travel and adventure. I founded Discovery Earth to help educate people about our beautiful planet through journalism and documentaries.
Having worked in aviation, the United Nations, and as a photographer, I have gained experience in the world of travel and adventure. I founded Discovery Earth to help educate people about our beautiful planet through journalism and documentaries.
