Utila Differently : How to Travel, Eat & Explore the Island Sustainably

Utila is often celebrated for its laid-back vibe, world-class dive sites, and vibrant nightlife. But if you’re interested in exploring the island with a little curiosity, you will find that the island offers a lot of sustainable things to do. From eco-friendly diving to plant-based dining and local conservation efforts, Utila offers a unique opportunity for conscious travellers. In this guide, I’ll show you how to enjoy the island sustainably—making the most of its beauty while supporting the local community and preserving its precious ecosystems for future generations. If you’re looking for sustainable things to do in Utila, Honduras, you’re in the right place.

1. Eco-friendly activities : dive, explore and give back

Utila is home to vibrant marine life, and if you want to enjoy it sustainably, there are plenty of options for you. From diving and lion fish hunting to exploring nature reserves and swimming with dolphins, there’s no shortage of sustainable things to do to connect with the island’s wild beauty while supporting conservation.

Eco-diving & sustainable diving schools 

Explore the island’s world-renowned dive sites, but do it sustainably. Many dive centres on the island, like Utila Dive Centre, are dedicated to marine conservation and offer eco-conscious diving options. The GoEco programme provides training while giving you the opportunity to work directly on marine conservation projects, including reef restoration and lion fish population control.

Sustainable lion fish hunting & jewelry 

Lion fish are an invasive species threatening the local ecosystem, and hunting them is a vital part of protecting the reef. While it’s an important activity, lion fish hunting isn’t for everyone—I personally found it so overwhelming that I had a panic attack underwater (story that you can find here if you are curious)! Participate in lion fish hunting excursions with local dive shops, and after your dive, consider visiting one of the local artisans who are turning these fish into jewelry. Lionfish scale jewelry workshops are a unique experience where you can learn how to create beautiful pieces from the scales of the invasive species. It’s a creative way to support conservation and take home a truly unique souvenir.

Turtle harbour nature reserve & iguana breeding and research centre 

A visit to the Turtle Harbour Nature Reserve offers the chance to explore the mangrove, a critical area for the Utila spiny-tailed iguana’s conservation. The area is protected and monitored by different NGOs. Back in town, the visit continues at the breeding and research centre where efforts are being made to protect the island’s endemic iguana species. The centre works on breeding and releasing native iguanas back into the wild, giving visitors the chance to learn about the island’s unique wildlife and the importance of biodiversity conservation. You can also sign up to volunteer at the centre!

Sustainable Dolphin Tours 

Swimming with dolphins is a popular activity in many tropical destinations, but in Utila, there are sustainable operators offering dolphin tours that prioritize the animals’ well-being. Instead of captive dolphin experiences, these tours are based on respectful, non-invasive encounters in the wild. It’s one of the rare opportunities where you can swim with dolphins -or more like jump in the water and try to catch up with them for 2 minutes before they swiftly disappear in the blue_ in a way that doesn’t harm their natural behaviours or habitats.

Kanahau Eco Tours 

For a more hands-on approach to sustainable travel, Kanahau offers guided eco tours around the island. Whether you’re interested in bird watching, hiking, or exploring mangrove forests, their tours emphasize the importance of preserving Utila’s natural environment while educating visitors on local flora and fauna.

2. Plant-based eateries in Utila : satisfy your hunger sustainably

Utila may be a small Caribbean island, but it packs a big punch when it comes to nightlife, comfort food, and barbecue culture. Think burgers, beers, cocktails, and a laid-back vibe that leans heavily on the grill. While it’s a fun atmosphere, it can feel limiting if you’re following a plant-based diet — especially after a long day diving when your body’s craving something nourishing. Most restaurants will offer at least one vegetarian option, but finding solid, satisfying vegan meals takes a little more digging. Luckily, I’ve done just that — here’s a round-up of the best plant-based and eco-conscious eats in Utila.

Pelican :

Asian fusion with strong flavours and rotating vegan options. Expect to spend $25–35.

Pink Flamingo :

My absolute favourite: Beachfront hammocs and friendly staff serving fresh smoothies, brunch, copious salads and brunch. $10–15.

The Point :

Poolside dining with Beyond meat Burger options and a laid-back vibe. $20–25.

Mr. Buddha :

Enjoy vegan sushi options, including for a refreshing twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Expect to spend around $25–35

Mango Inn Restaurant :

Affordable and simple, they offer a formula to pick 4 vegan dishes from a selection, for 250 Lempiras.

Rio Coco Café :

Supporting school community projects in Honduras and Nicaragua, they offer plant-based treats, and vegan-friendly lunch. Zen and personable experience $8–12.

Tea Gardens :

Monday pub quizz usually serves vegan-option curry, fancy cocktails and desserts. Convivial but long waits. $10-15

4. Sustainable things you can do for a greener life :

Utila has no centralised sewage system, which makes it even more critical for travellers to minimise their environmental impact by using reef-friendly products. Here are some sustainable travel tips to help you make a positive impact while exploring the island:

Carry reusable water bottles

This might seem rather basic, but it’s a crucial step in minimising plastic waste. The good news is that, since tap water isn’t drinkable, most restaurants and diving centers offer free refill stations

Use reef-friendly products 

Since Utila is built on a coral reef, using reef-friendly sunscreen, soaps, shampoos, and detergents is crucial. These products help ensure the safety and preservation of the local marine life.

Favour fans over air-con 

Opt for ceiling fans over air conditioning wherever possible to reduce energy consumption. Many accommodations on Utila offer fans, which are a more energy-efficient way to stay cool.

Recycle & dispose of waste properly 

The island has bins on the streets with daily collection, but no real recycling scheme. Instead, consider disposing of your recyclable waste at designated spots, such as the UDC Marina compost site. Some diving centres will also collect different plastic wastes whereas some shops will collect cans and bottles. This is a great way to contribute to keeping the island clean and reducing waste.

Respect local wildlife 

Don’t touch or disturb marine life during dives or snorkels. Always follow eco-tourism guidelines for wildlife encounters.

Enroll in beach cleans 

The most impactful way to understand the extend of plastic pollution and contribute to local ecosystems is to take part to one of the beach cleans. There are organised usually twice a month. Ask UDC for more information.

Sustainable food choices in Utila

If you enjoy eating fish, be sure to follow local guidelines on which species are sustainable to eat. These rules help protect the reef and ensure fish populations stay healthy. Lion fish, mentioned above, is a great option—it’s invasive and tasty, making it both a smart and eco-friendly choice. Eating responsibly lets you enjoy the island’s bounty while supporting its long-term conservation.

Was this useful? Did you have more recommendations to add to the list? Keep the conversation going in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences, tips, or even the things that didn’t go as planned (panic attacks and all)! Let’s build a space where we can learn from each other and celebrate more mindful, meaningful island adventures.