How to get to Utila, Honduras
One of the most popular islands for travelers to visit in Central America, Utila really is a must-visit gem for backpackers.
Here we can enjoy some of the most transparent waters in Latin America to go diving in (which is also super cheap to pick-up your diver’s license in), as well as kicking it back in a chilled-out Caribbean town.
How to get to Utila
In this guide we’ll explore how you can get to Utila from both the Honduran mainland as well as from other islands. We’ll also take a look at where to stay as well as some other tips based on our time spent here.
Utila Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Caribbean Ocean
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Moderate
- ⏱ Time needed: 3-5 days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: January-April
Where is Utila?
Utila is located some 29km off the shores of mainland Honduras, within the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
It’s one of 8 islands that make up the Bay Islands archipelago, and is known for its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (which is the second largest of its kind on earth).
This makes it both a perfect place to go diving and snorkeling, and also to enjoy the warm Caribbean climate. The overall best months for a visit are between January and April, although it’s still warm year-round (you’ll just have more rain in other months).
Is Utila worth visiting?
We think that Utila is a must-visit for any traveler backpacking Central America, let alone just Honduras! This Caribbean island is one of the most accessible for travelers in this region, and also is known for its cheaper prices.
This is a much better option for those on a budget compared to say Cozumel or Bocas del Toro. Those who want to learn how to dive will find it much cheaper here than Roatán – and overall is one of the cheapest places to learn in all of Latin America with numerous dive schools available.
Utila has a hot Caribbean climate year-round, and is also known for its impressive snorkeling and diving conditions. Located close to the Mesoamerican Reef, here we can spot exotic marine species such as Turtles, Nurse Sharks and even Reef Sharks in the deeper waters off Utila.
How far is Utila from Roatán?
Utila is located roughly 44km south-west of Roatán. The main way of getting between these islands is by ferry, which takes just under an hour.
This means it’s possible to visit both of these stunning Caribbean islands within the same trip, and often travelers do so in order to experience the very best of both spots.
You can get here quicker if you charter a flight, however this will be more expensive (and schedules will be less frequent and dependable). We’ll look at this option in more detail later.
Where to stay in Utila?
At 11km long, Utila is quite a small island and you’ll find that the majority of accommodation options are centered around the town on the east coast. Thankfully there are a variety of options here, whether you are looking for a cheap stay or a more deluxe apartment.
Those who want to stick to a low budget will want to stay at Paradise Divers Hotel. Here you can choose between dorm rooms and privates, where they also have a small restaurant on-site.
I (George) stayed here and got my diving license with them, so I can fully recommend them if you want to take your PADI course when in Utila.
If you want a more private and independent stay, then you may want to consider this private apartment in town. Here you’ll be right on the main street, with your own en-suite kitchen and bathroom. You’ll also be just a short walk from both Chepes and Bando beaches.
If you are looking for luxury, then you can’t do any better than the Odyssey Resort. Here you’ll be right next to the Caribbean Sea, staying in your own luxury cabin. You’ll also have an on-site bar, restaurant and gardens to enjoy. You’ll also be situated close to Bando Beach.
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The Best Ways to get to Utila
Below we’ll now cover the different ways you can get to Utila. Through our own experience and research we’ve found 3 different ways of making the trip (at this time of writing).
Getting to Utila from La Ceiba by Ferry
By far the most popular way of getting to Utila, departing from La Ceiba is simple given it’s an easy city to reach when backpacking through Honduras.
You’ll need to head to the ferry port, where you’ll find there are frequent ferry departures throughout the day to Utila. The journey will take around 45 minutes, and you can easily buy tickets at the counter to leave then and there.
The cost of a one-way ride is 720 Lempiras ($30), and will cost the same regardless if buying a return (there are no discounts for buying a return ticket up-front).
How to get to Utila from Roatán by Ferry
The second most popular method of getting to Utila is by ferry from Roatán.
This more luxurious island has a better-connected airport, so you could easily arrive into Roatán by air, or by using the ferry from La Ceiba. The journey is a little longer than the previous ferry ride – with the Roatán to Utila ride taking around an hour.
Costs of a one-way ferry ride are the same as the route from La Ceiba to Utila. This means you’ll spend 720 Lempiras ($30) for a one-way journey. Also bear in mind there is only one ferry ride each day so you’ll have to book in advance.
Flying to Utila with CM Airlines
By far the least popular and practical of the three, there are various airlines such as CM Airlines who do charter flights to Utila from around Honduras.
We can’t comment on pricing since you’ll need to contact them directly to find out how much they cost. But we can only assume they’ll be more expensive than the standard ferry options (given the ferry is generally cheaper and has frequent daily departures).
If you have used flights before directly to Utila then please comment below and let us know!
How to get to Utila
And that’s all for this guide on how to get to Utila.
This mesmerizing Caribbean island is a must-visit when in Central America. Although getting here isn’t the most simple (unless you don’t mind spending on flights), we think it’s worth it given the awesome diving conditions and beautiful beaches that are on offer.
In this guide we’ve explored how to get to Utila, as well as where to stay and what to do.
Be sure to read our Backpacking Honduras Itinerary to learn more about what to do in this Central American nation, as well as how to plan your own itinerary here.
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