10 things to consider before TravelLing to Utila, Honduras

Welcome to Utila—a Caribbean gem in the Bay Islands of Honduras, famous for its vibrant reef life, budget yet ultra-scenic diving, and laid-back backpacker vibes. Whether you’re coming for a dive certification or just to unwind and catch up on your tan, this practical travel guide of Utila, Honduras, covers all you need to know and more in 10 practical tips!

🗓️ 1. When to Visit Utila

Utila is a year-round destination, but each season has its charm:

Dry Season (February–August): 

Ideal weather, calm seas, and great for diving and whale shark spotting (especially March–May).

Rainy Season (September–January): 

Expect short tropical showers, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds but choppy sea at times. Some dive centres may close briefly in October.

Temperatures :

Year-round warmth, ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F–90°F), with high humidity.

🚢 2. How to Get There

Most international flights land in Roatán, the neighbouring island. The ride from the airport to the harbour takes less than 10 minutes but comes with a flat, non-negotiable fee of $25—best to split the cost if you can. Ferries to Utila run only once a day each way, so make sure to plan ahead according to your arrival time. From Roatán or La Ceiba (mainland Honduras): The Dream Ferries connects Roatán to Utila in about 50 minutes. Book online to save around 25% compared to purchasing your ticket at the terminal office. Fares typically start at $25-30 one way.

🗣️ 3. Language

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken thanks to tourism and expat communities, especially from the US and Canada. Don’t worry—basic Spanish will take you far, particularly to connect with the locals, but it’s not essential. 

4. Money & Currency

Currency :

Honduran Lempira (HNL), though USD is widely accepted. Exchange rate (at time of writing) : $1 = 26 HNL | £1 = 35 HNL | 1euro = 30 HNL

Exchange tips :

Try to exchange some Lempiras before arriving. There is no official exchange bureau on the island, but some local shops will exchange USD (I found the best rate in a hardware store so ask around!)

Cards :

Many diving centres and rental hosts accept PayPal or credit cards, but expect an additional 3–5% fee.

ATMs :

The red-and-white ATM across from the ferry terminal is reliable and doesn’t charge withdrawal fees, though it’s occasionally out of service.

📱 5. Internet & SIM Cards

WiFi is solid in most accommodations, restaurants and dive centres. Local SIM cards are available at small shops, but for a hassle-free option, consider using an eSIM if your phone supports it—perfect for short stays or digital nomads.

🚶‍♀️ 6. Getting Around

Utila is a car-free island but all the essentials in town are within walkable distance. Other transport options:

Tuk-tuks 

Those are all around town and a cheap option for a quick ride. Prices are uniform around drivers who charge per zone (ex before/ after the bridge) and per person (from 150LHN)

Bikes 

Cheap to rent and ideal for daily use and casual exploration.

Scooters or Golf Carts 

Also easy to rent from their office next to Mama Rosa’s, in Calle Principal. Fun and convenient for longer stays or beach-hopping.

🔌 7. Electricity

• Plug type: Type A (US standard)—bring a universal adaptor with multi-protection against surges and overvoltage to keep your devices safe.
  👉 Recommended adaptor
• Power outages are not uncommon so consider bringing a power bank.
• Electricity bills: If renting an apartment, you’ll need to pre-pay your electricity. Buy kilowatts (Kw) at the power station (see map):
  – 1000 Lempiras ≈ 100Kw
  – Average daily use (fan, lights, basic appliances) ≈ 5Kw/day, more if you use the aircon.

🛒 8. Supermarkets & Groceries

You’ll find plenty of small supermarkets along Utila’s main street:

• Bush’s & Mermaid: Well-stocked with essentials.
• Specialty items are limited, but if you crave some taste from home, you can find items like dairy-free milk and tofu at top prices.
• Fruits & vegs: Available at smaller groceries or street-side stalls—seasonal and local.

🏥 9. Medical & Health

• Medical Center: Easy walk from town (see map). Same-day appointments available. Staff are trained for diving-related conditions and general health checks (including diving fitness tests).
• Vaccinations: No specific vaccines are required, but ensure your routine ones are up to date.
• Mosquitoes & sandflies: Can be quite aggressive at dusk. I personally prefer avoiding DEET, as it is highly toxic to the environment but also potentially endocrine-disrupting. Instead, I have used essential oil-based repellents on many occasions and very successfully. If you are curious to try them, my favourite is Puressentiel.

🏡 10. Accommodation Options

Many dive packages include accommodation, which is worth considering if you are on a budget or were hesitating to give scuba diving a go. You can find a more comprehensive description on another blog post; otherwise, here’s a breakdown of your options:

🛏️ Hotels ($100/night and up)

Best for short stays. Clean, reliable, and stress-free.

🏖️ Airbnb

A more exclusive experience—comfort, privacy, and some even have private beaches.

🏘️ Apartment Rentals (between 25-40$/night)

Ideal for longer stays (2+ weeks) or groups. Includes kitchen and living areas.

• Prices drop for monthly bookings (cheaper after ~12 nights).
• Electricity often charged separately.
• Deposits and weekly cleaning fees may apply.

🎒 Hostels ($15-20/night)

Great for budget travellers and social butterflies. Dorms and private rooms available.

• Vibrant, but not ideal for light sleepers.

Get fully prepared for your trip — discover sustainable things to do in Utila and share your plans with the community!