Let’s finally chat about one of my favorite little islands in Central AmericaāUtila in Honduras. Some of you might not have heard of it before, thanks to its more famous sibling, Roatan, which is a well-known cruise ship destination.
Utila is a must-visit spot for one big reason: scuba diving! Don’t get me wrong, there’s more to do than just diving, but that’s the main draw, especially since it’s super affordable. I got my scuba certification in Utila, and it was way cheaper than anywhere else I’ve been.
The island itself is absolutely adorable! It has such a laid-back Caribbean vibe with its colorful houses, delicious local food, and stunning nature all around, so naturally, I extended my stay here quite a bit.
In this article, I’ll share where to stay in Utila, what to do, and some insider tips and recommendations about the island. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
- Where to stay in Utila – Best Hotels
- Where to stay in Utila – Best Areas
- Where to stay in Utila for the first time: Utila Town
- Where to stay in Utila for Seclusion and Relaxation: Neptunes
- Where to stay in Utila for the best beach: Bando Beach
- Where to stay in Utila for the best views: Pumpkin Hill
- Where to stay in Utila – Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Utila – Best Hotels
Alright, so when you’re thinking about staying in Utila, you’ve got a few different options. A lot of people choose to stay with their dive school since they often offer package deals that include accommodation, though these are usually pretty basic. If you’re after something a bit nicer, I’ve got some favorite hotel recommendations in Utila right here.
Manurii Garden
First off, let me tell you about my absolute favorite boutique hotel on the island: Manurii Garden. This place is super modern, beautifully decorated, and just an all-around beautiful place. I love how it comes with a swimming pool and is in such a great locationājust a short walk from Utila Town. It’s like a little slice of paradise and one of the best hotels on the island!
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Mango Inn Resort
One of my absolute favorite spots in Utila has to be Mango Inn Resort. It’s got this fantastic rustic island vibe that just feels right. Seriously, this 3-star hotel gives you everything you need: a swimming pool, free breakfast, free cancellation, and even free parking. The best part is that the average price for a room at Mango Inn Resort is pretty unbeatable.
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Coral View Beach Resort
A little more affordable and out of the way is the Coral View Beach Resort. It’s one of the cheaper Utila hotels and more popular among locals and other Hondurans, but I stayed here for a couple of nights and thought it was great for how cheap it is. If you’re looking for something a little quieter or for a family vacation, then this is your place to go.
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Utila Lodge
Lastly, another of my favorite and one of the most popular spots to stay in Utila is Utila Lodge. It is in a great location right next to the ferry pier and is highly rated on most booking platforms. The lodge offers different rooms built on a pier over the water, making it one of the coolest hotels in Utila. The rooms come with free breakfast, air conditioning, and fantastic views.
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I’ve heard about some really popular hotels that I didn’t get a chance to stay at myself but are definitely worth checking out! First up, Serenity Beach Cottages. It’s a bit out of the way, but they offer a super relaxed and secluded experience. Just a heads-up, it’s boat access only, so be prepared for a little adventure getting there!
Another spot I couldn’t stay at was the Sea Eye Hotel. They’ve got a fantastic private beach that’s perfect for chilling out during the day. If you’re looking for a little slice of paradise, these places are definitely worth a look.
Where to stay in Utila – Best Areas
So, Utila is a pretty small island that you can mostly walk around, but a lot of folks rent ATVs, golf carts, or scooters since there aren’t really any cars. Some spots can only be reached by boat, so definitely keep that in mind when booking your hotels in Utila.
Tip: If you’re not really into scuba diving, check out our guide on where to stay in Mancora for another amazing Latin American beach spot.
Where to stay in Utila for the first time: Utila Town
If you’re coming to Utila for the first time, I highly recommend staying in Utila Town. It offers everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts, and most of the dive shops are right thereāsuper convenient if scuba diving is on your list!
Utila Town is essentially one long main road, which gives it a lively vibe. People are always walking up and down, and on weekends, it turns into a bit of a party scene. Just a heads up! It’s a blast going out here with all the little food spots, cafes, and bars, but it can also get quite busy and noisy at night.
Things to do in Utila City Centre
Scuba Diving: If you’re in town, diving is an absolute must! With all the dive schools and shops right in the center, it’s super convenient. My go-to spot is Underwater Vision. It’s hands down the best dive school in Utila ā fantastic facilities, awesome dive instructors, and brand-new gear.
Get some Baleadas: You can’t leave Honduras without trying Baleadas. They are a local staple and seriously delicious. I grab them every day after diving at Mama Rosa. It’s this charming local food joint serving up those quesadilla-style tortillas that hit the spot.
Relax in a Beach Club: Chill out at Huffy Utila Beach! This tiny beach club has a cool Tulum or Bali vibe with hammocks and fun nets over the ocean where you can just hang out. Plus, they offer all sorts of water sports rentals like jet skis and banana boats ā which are a total blast.
Relax on the Beach: Check out Chepes Beach ā it’s free and perfect for a laid-back day. You can easily walk there from the town center or rent a bike for a breezy ride. While it might not be the prettiest beach in Utila (that would be Water Cays), itās great for relaxing, swimming, and soaking in those stunning Caribbean views.
Where to stay in Utila for Seclusion and Relaxation: Neptunes
Technically, Neptuneās is a restaurant in Utila, but everyone just calls the whole area Neptuneās because itās outside of Utila town and only accessible by boat. Luckily, thereās a cute little boat taxi/ferry that runs throughout the day, so itās super easy to get there and back.
The beaches around Neptuneās are definitely nicer than the ones in Utila town, so if youāre dreaming of a beach vacation, this is the spot. There are plenty of Airbnbs and hotels in the areaājust make sure to check out Google Maps and Airbnb since many of them arenāt listed on Booking.com.
Things to do around Neptunes
Chill at Neptunes: The restaurant Neptunes itself has a lovely outdoor seating area where you can sip on cocktails and enjoy some tasty seafood dishes. They also have a small beachfront with lounge chairs and hammocks for guests to use.
Dive or Snorkel: Neptuneās is known for its prime diving spots, including the famous Black Coral Wall dive site. If youāre not into scuba diving, snorkeling is also a great option to see the colorful marine life in the area.
Explore Water Cays: Take a short boat ride from Neptuneās to explore the nearby Water Cays ā a group of small islands with beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Itās a popular spot for day trips and snorkeling excursions.
Where to stay in Utila for the best beach: Bando Beach
If youāre exploring Utila, let me share a little insider tip with you. While Neptuneās is tucked away to the west, Bando Beach is on the opposite side and itās a gem! It’s a cozy little spot with a cool beach club, super laid-back vibes, and way quieter than the bustling town center. Neptuneās might be a bit isolated, but Bando Beach is just a short stroll from town, making it super convenient.
So, if youāre on the hunt for some awesome beaches and a chill atmosphere without being too far from the action, Bando Beach is where you want to be. And hey, donāt just take my word for itācheck out some great options on Booking.com, but also give Google and Airbnb a look for more places to stay around Bando Beach and the east coast of Utila.
Things to do in Bando Beach
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard: Explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding Bando Beach by renting a kayak or paddleboard. It’s a fun and active way to see the beauty of the area.
- Hang out at Points: The Point Pool Bar and Grill is a super cool spot to hang out, grab a drink, and enjoy some delicious food. Plus, it’s right on the beach, so you can enjoy ocean views while you chill.
- Snorkel: As I mentioned before, snorkeling is a great way to see the marine life around Utila. Bando Beach has some great spots for snorkeling, so make sure to bring your gear!
Where to stay in Utila for the best views: Pumpkin Hill
Alright, let’s step away from all the beaches and coastlines to see what Utila has to offer further inland. Just a quick 15-minute drive from town, Pumpkin Hill is the perfect spot for anyone craving some peace and quiet with stunning island views.
Pumpkin Hill is dotted with eco-friendly resorts and lodges, making it an ideal place to unplug from the bustling town center. As you venture further inland, you’ll notice a more residential vibe with amazing holiday homes and Airbnbs scattered all over the hill.
Things to do in Pumpkin Hill
- Hike to Pumpkin Hill’s lookout point: Youāve got to catch the stunning views of Utila from the top of Pumpkin Hill! Heads up, thoughāitās a bit of an adventure. The hike is super easy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Once you reach the top, thereās this old lighthouse tower. It has a ladder inside that leads to the observation deck. It might feel a bit sketchy, but the ladder seemed sturdy enough, and the panoramic views from the top are totally worth it.
- Visit Iguana Research and Breeding Station: Ever wanted to get up close and personal with endangered iguanas? This conservation center is the place to be! Itās not just a great learning experience about these fascinating creatures, but also a way to support their preservation.
- Buy a t-shirt at Dr. Johnās: Donāt even think about leaving Utila without stopping by Dr. Johnās souvenir shop! This quirky little store is known for its unique t-shirts, perfect for keeping a piece of the island with you.
Where to stay in Utila – Frequently Asked Questions
š¢ How do I get to Utila?
There are a few ways to get to Utila, but let me tell you, the easiest and most fun way is to hop on a ferry from La Ceiba. The ride is just an hour long and sets you back about $25 USD for a round trip. And honestly, the ferry ride itself is part of the adventure! But hey, if you’re more into flying, no worriesāUtila has a cute little airport. You can catch a flight from Roatan, San Pedro Sula, or Tegucigalpa.
āļø How long should I stay in Utila?
If you want to truly soak in all that Utila has to offer, I’d recommend staying at least a week. If you’re thinking about getting scuba certified, the PADI open water diver course usually takes around 4-5 days. And if you’re up for the advanced open water certification, that’ll add another 2-3 days.
š What is the best time to visit Utila?
The best time to visit Utila is during the dry season, which runs from March to August. The weather is sunny and warm with little chance of rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities like diving and exploring. However, if you’re more interested in whale shark sightings, the best time to visit is between September and December.
š° Is Utila expensive?
Utila is generally more affordable compared to other Caribbean islands. Accommodation, food, and activities are all reasonably priced, making it a great budget-friendly destination. However, keep in mind that diving can be quite costly (even though Utila is one of the cheapest places to go diving in the world). I paid around US$500 for my open water diver, advanced open water diver, 6 fun dives, and accommodation for a week!
Where to stay in Utila – Final Words
As you might’ve guessed, I absolutely loved my time in Utila! It’s the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and island charm. What’s even better is that staying on a small island like Utila means you’ll quickly get to know the locals and other travelers. Whether you choose a hostel, guesthouse, or boutique hotel, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time on this little slice of paradise!
I know it can be tricky to figure out where to stay in Utila with so many cool options, but with this guide, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect spot for your stay. Happy travels!
