The best things to do in Utila - Atlas Rambler Travel Guides

From enjoying delicious local food and sunset cocktails to diving some of the best reefs in the world, here is a list of all the best things to do in Utila!

Travelling to Utila, Honduras is a great way to soak up a bit of Carribean sun for a fraction of the price of other islands. If you’re into diving, Utila has some of the best in the world! You might even get lucky and encounter the majestic whale shark.

The island’s stunning natural beauty and welcoming community make it a perfect getaway for both relaxation and adventure.

If I’m being honest, when I arrived I was a bit surprised by how few things there are to do in Utila if you’re not diving. After a few days, I accepted that as part of its appeal. There’s not much to do and how lovely is that!

If you are looking for things to do, here is a list of things to do in Utila that I found on my stay. Although most are some form of diving or relaxing, isn’t that kind of the point of the Carribean?

Table of Contents

1. Learn to SCUBA dive or do some fun dives

SCUBA diving is the number one thing to do in Utila. There is an abundance of dive sites right off the coast, with some amazing coral formations and marine life. The island also boasts some of the cheapest dive packages in the world so if you’re looking to learn or upskill, Utila is the place.

Most of the other travellers on the island that you meet will be doing some sort of dive training or fun diving package. While diving isn’t for everyone, I really do think you would be missing out if you came to Utila and didn’t at least give it a go. If you don’t want to do a qualification, ask a dive center about doing a discovery dive.

I’ve written another post with everything you need to know about Utila including how to choose the right dive shop.

2. Go snorkelling

For those who don’t want to dive, snorkelling is a great option to see the reef. There are some small reefs that you can swim out to from the shore. A nice one to check out is near Coral View Beach resort. You can also ask at one of the dive centers for organised trips to some of the snorkelling sites further off the coast of Utila.

3. Learn to free dive

Another diving option is to learn to free dive. As you walk through town you will see signs for Freedive Utila. I personally haven’t done this, but the sport is growing in popularity and the beautiful marine sites around Utila would be a great place to learn. They also offer training packages that include accommodation.

4. Spend the day at one of Utila’s beautiful beaches

Chepes Beach - one of the top things to do in Utila

If you’ve decided to rent a vehicle, you will be able to access some of the quieter, more rugged beaches in Utila. Spending time relaxing at the beach is one of the best things to do in Utila.

If you don’t have your own transport, you can walk to Chepes beach from town in about 15 minutes. Chepes beach is a free public beach with crystal clear water. There are sheltered tables that you can wade out to which make this place pretty special. Take a few drinks and enjoy sunset waist-deep in the Carribean.

5. Take a trip to Neptune’s

For a more relaxing thing to do on Utila, take a trip to Neptune’s. Neptune’s is a bar and restaurant located outside of the main town. It has everything you need for a chilled day – hammocks, bar, restaurant, lounge chairs and showers. They have a dock that you can jump off and do some of the best snorkelling on Utila.

To get there, you need to take a boat. The boat access is normally near the Blue Bayou docks, but they are closed for renovations at the moment. Currently the boat is leaving from behind Chepes Beach. According to some posts online, the boat used to be free however now it costs 80 Lempira for a return ticket. It’s still definitely worth the trip!

6. Go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in the mangroves

This is a fun activity to do in Utila and takes you inland away from the crowds. We were able to use kayaks from our dive center, but there are places with signs to rent them around Main Street. In the mangroves you can spot lots of different bird life. Bring snorkels and you can paddle out to do some snorkelling.

7. Visit Utila’s only private beach – Bando beach

Bando beach is a 20 minute walk or a couple of dollars in a tuk tuk from town. If you’re not staying at the accommodation, you need to pay 50 Lempira in cash to visit. There is a restaurant and bar there that accept card payments, however the entry is cash only.

Bando Beach is a nice place to spend a few hours relaxing in the hammocks under the palm trees. There are also a couple of decent snorkelling spots you can reach close to the shore. Spending a day at the beach is one of the best things to do in Utila.

8. Take a day trip to Water Cay

Heading out to Water Cay is a must when in Utila. It is probably the best thing we did in Utila other than diving.

Water Cay is uninhabited, has turquoise water and white sand. The island doesn’t have much in the way of facilities, so make sure you bring everything you need to enjoy your day- food, drinks, sunscreen and protective clothing.

Day trips to Water Cay can be organised through Bush’s on Main Street. It is best to have a bit of flexibility with when you want to go as boats won’t leave unless they have 6 passengers. If there isn’t a boat scheduled, you can put your name down and they will text you when it is available.

9. Best thing to do in Utila for foodies – try delicious baleadas!

Food is always a highlight of travel for me, and baleadas took the cake in Honduras. A baleada is sort of like Honduras’ take on the taco. They’re large, flour tortillas spread with refried beans, cheese, sometimes cream, and whatever additional filling you choose. They are available everywhere in Utila and I didn’t have one that wasn’t delicious.

There are a few restaurants that specialise in baleadas on the island. The most popular is Mama Rosa’s on Main Street. My personal favourite were from a restaurant called Gaga’s Grab and Go. Don’t leave Utila without trying some baleadas and the delicious home-made habanero sauce they are served with!

10. Hire a bike/scooter/golf buggy/ATV and explore Utila

You can’t rent a car on Utila so renting a scooter, golf buggy or ATV is a great way to get around the island and tick a few attractions of your list. And let’s face it, it’s way more fun than a car!

With an ATV you’ll be able to get out to some of the more remote parts of Utila island and explore at your own pace. Bring sunscreen, some food and drinks and you are sure to have a great day out exploring the beautiful island of Utila.

Some of the roads are pretty hairy, so make sure you’re confident riding whatever you hire. As with renting any vehicle any where in the world, it’s always a good idea to take pictures of any pre-existing damage so you don’t get stuck paying for something you didn’t do.

11. Hike up Pumpkin Hill for a view over Utila

Pumpkin Hill is the highest point on Utila and the only place that you can get a nice view of the island. You can take a tuk tuk to the start of the trail, but you will have to finish the hike on foot. It is a short hike to Pumpkin Hill but it is better to do early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun isn’t so intense.

Not yet arrived in Utila? Check out everything you need to know before you visit Utila!