UtilaGuide | UTILA GUIDE - Where your Caribbean adventure begins

Utila Animal Rescue and Pet Care

Utila Animal Rescue and Pet Care *This article was first posted in November 2009. The Preface has been updated in January 2017* Second Update: February 1, 2017: Veterinarian Dr. Oscar Servellon has, for the time being, established a weekly clinic on the island of Utila on Tuesdays or Thursdays at the BICA building. Bring pets for vaccines, checkup, medical care, spaying, neutering or to get supplies such as tick and flea prevention, de-worming etc. and check the Facebook page of Utila Animal Rescue and Pet Care for weekly updates. Currently (January 2017), there are no certified vets living and working full time on the island. There have been amazing volunteers at the Utila Animal Rescue and Pet Care who have been opening up a ‘clinic’ every second Tuesday of the month from 10 am to noon for puppy vaccines, puppy de-worming, nail trimming, ear cleaning and similar basic care, and limited advice. If you have an emergency with your pet while on Utila you must take it to the vet in La Ceiba: Dr. Calderon: 9995 2260 The volunteers at the clinic are pleased to find out that Dr. Oscar Serveillon, a veterinarian from San Pedro Sula will be in Utila Read More

New Year’s Eve 2014 in Utila

Ring in the New Year in Tropical Paradise! The Funtime Society will be presenting a three day party to bid-farewell to 2014 and to welcome in 2015 in true party style. Bando Beach and Paradise Regained will be the venues for the three days of send-off and ushering in! December 30th at Bando Beach, December 31st at Paradise Regained (Past Bando Beach, follow the road around the bend and you will come to a property on the right with a long drive-way toward the sea and a house with a blue roof), and January 1, 2015 at Bando Beach once again! Venus are all within walking distance from town and taxi tuk-tuks are available all night long. The DJs lined up for this international event are: LOUD NEIGHBOR (US/AR); Alex Pastor (ES); Andrea Rivera (HN); Balto (HN); Edgar 8A (HN); Ed Cordoba (HN); Fernando Campollo (GT); Gabriel Gutierrez (NI); Gonzo Gonzo (GT); Hector Moran (ES); Klaus Ahlers (NI); Luis Maier (HN); Manny Soto (HN); Marcus Perigo (UK); Memo Baca (NI); Nahum Ortiz (HN); Nina Garay (HN); Ossy Games (HN); Ramon Pineda (HN); Xpansul (SP) Prices: TODAY ONLY (December 29th) LAST DAY FOR PRE-SALE: Buy Pre-Sale Tickets at Parrots Dive Center Read More

Utila On HGTV

Utila On International TV The Home and Garden Television Channel (HGTV) has made the official announcement: The new program: “Half Price Paradise”, will be premiering HGTV on January 1st 2015 at 1pm Local Time! Tune-in to see some of your favourite Utila scenes, establishments and people and watch as new residents go through the decision making process of leaving their lives behind in the USA and purchasing a home in and relocating to beautiful Utila! This episode was filmed in Utila in August 2014. The half-an-hour Episode all about Utila, will be shown on New Year’s Day at various venues around the island such as the Mango Inn Bar and Grill –ask around and reserve your seat!

Eliminating Plastic On Utila

Reducing and Eliminating the Use of Plastic in Utila On Wednesday, December 10th The Utila Municipality held the first meeting for the campaign to enforce a Honduran law which prohibits the use of plastic bags in the Bay Islands. This campaign will hopefully start to be implemented at the beginning of March 2015. Implementation and enforcement of the law is going to be a long process but it is certainly a project that will positively benefit Utila for years to come. Roatan is now in compliance with the law but It took their recycling committee approximately 2 years before it could be fully implemented. However, on the 6th of June, 2014 Roatan accomplished what they wanted: the use of plastic bags has now been banned on the Island of Roatan, and the island has limited the use of plastic soda bottles. Businesses, residents dive operators and the government of Roatan got involved in the process which is proving to be a success. Everyone needs to get involved in order to change outdated and detrimental habits. In Utila, implementation probably won’t take quite as long as it did in Read More

Music Festival To Rock The Island This Weekend

Utila, Live! The first music festival of its kind to be held in Utila at Bando Beach on Saturday 13th from 3pm until the early hours of the morning. Deemed a ‘new concept for Live Music on the island’ by the organizers, due to the variety of different live performances from artists descending from different genres. The acts range from Classic Rock to Rap and Heavy Metal to Blues. There will also be a DJ spinning Rock, Indie, Punk, Metal, Hip Hop and Funk on vinyl to keep energy levels high and the dance floor buzzing late into the night. Line-up of Musicians: RONNIE HARRIS (Blues and Metal) NAUSEA (Hip Hop / Rap) ALEX RENAUD (Indie) THE BAREFOOT BAND (Classic Rock) SANTI (DJ) 18.000 WATTS PEAVEY SOUND + PSYCHO LASER SHOW with Laser Master RUDY When asked about why they decided to organize a festival of this kind on Utila, one of the event organizers, Ryan Rother (owner of Skid Row Bar and Restaurant), replied: “We did this out of a need for diversity in music. The late night parties almost always Read More

Annual Utila International Billfish Rodeo

Utila’s Annual Billfish Tournament is Underway. The influx is fancy fishing boats moored along the docks in the bay are due to the kick-off of the Annual 2014 Utila International Billfish Tournament, hosted by Laguna Beach. The lucky winner will walk away with an $8,000 purse when they provide proof of the largest Billfish catch caught on video. This is a catch and release sport fishing tournament where the process of the catch needs to be caught on video from the time the fish is caught on the line until after it is pulled onto the boat for a visual inspection and verification of size and weight. It must then be released. Billfish are a species of pelagic fish that travel long distances migrating with the major ocean currents path for spawning and feeding grounds. Called ‘Billfish’, for the distinguishable spear like protrusion or ‘bill’, this extension of their bodies is used to slash at or stun prey. Billfish have often been considered trophy fish and commonly sought after in tournaments due to their strength, size and power. In the past these fish were legendary in their elusiveness and it took considerable skill (and luck), to find, hook and land Read More

Miss Honduras Universe Fights Like A Girl

Between August 18th and August 23rd 2014, the eighth annual Miss Honduras Universe contest will be hosted in Utila at the New Convention Centre across from the football stadium. This is the first time in History that a contest of this type and scale has been hosted in the Bay Islands. Utilas event representative Dra. Ana Muñoz explained that the island was chosen for the venue for the Miss Honduras Universe contest first and foremost because “the organizers of the pageant were really impressed by the Utila Organization ‘Fight Like A Girl’, and wanted to support it. They also visited Utila and immediately fell in love with the beauty of the island, the bohemian style and feel of the island and of course they liked the fact that it is safe”. There are 18 contestants in the pageant, one woman who is the representative for each of the 18 departments of Honduras. The actual pageant will be held just one evening on August 23rd, however, the contestants will be on the island for the week prior to the big night, lodging at the Laguna Beach Resort and participating in many of the different activities that Utila has to offer Read More

Utila SunJam 2014

Sunjam 2014 is upon us and the warm up parties have been in full swing around the island of Utila with another party set to begin later today and going until tomorrow morning at Bando Beach. Sunjam is an annual techno music beach party held at Water Cay off of the South western tip of the main island of Utila. This year the 18th edition of Sunjam will held from dusk until well past dawn on August 2. Reserving the first weekend in August since 1996 Sunjam has become one of the most popular techno venues in Central America. Warm up parties are held at various locations around the main island of Utila and begin one week before the all-night party is scheduled to commence on Water Cay. Sunjam Beach Party Water Cay is an uninhabited and serene, privately owned 3 acre island, accessible by boat only. Complete with waving coconut and palm trees, whispering pine trees and home to many thousands of hermit crabs and a large sand bar. During the day, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing are wonderful and relaxing activities to partake in at Water Cay. However, for one 24 hour period a year, this tranquil piece of Read More

Bringing a Pet from North America to Utila, Honduras

Bringing a Pet from North America to Utila, Honduras “How to Ship Your Dog or Cat from Home to Utila” If you are moving to Honduras and want to bring your pet with you, the following is recently updated information (July, 2014) on bringing a pet to Utila from North America. The whole operation may seem a little daunting but if you are well prepared and have the required paperwork those who have done it say that it is actually fairly easy once you are on your way. Each airline has its own rules so be sure to double check with the airline you are flying with. The following information comes from the UNITED AIRLINES PET SAFE PROGRAM and from our friends Adam and Christine who recently moved to Utila from Edmonton Alberta Canada in April 2014 with their two dogs, Gertie and Jasmine. First of All: Make sure your pet is in good health and will be able to tolerate the stress of travelling. COSTS: Be prepared to pay as the total cost for our friends was about $600 for one dog travelling as cargo (from Edmonton Alberta, Canada to Utila). It is slightly less expensive to travel with your pet in Read More

Utila Bay Islands Trade School: “Supporting the development of young adults into self-sufficiency”.

Teaching a trade is an excellent way to give back to the youth and community of Utila in the Bay Islands, Honduras. Utila Bay Islands Trade School is providing that opportunity for instructors and students and creating a path to the future.

Utila’s Conservation Organizations Come Together With A Brand New Initiative

By Jennifer Orrange of Utila Guide In an effort to create positive information aimed at tourists arriving in Utila, a collaboration of Conservation organizations resulted in the creation of informative posters that were distributed to places of business throughout the island during the first week of June. The project, funded by the UCF (The Utila Conservation Fund) ,which is a partnership between the Utila Municipality, Coral Reef Alliance, BICA (Bay Islands Conservation Association), the Iguana Station and the WSORC (Whale Shark Oceanic and Research Center), was to design and distribute a method for providing positive advice on responsible tourism practices. The Utila project was inspired by the banners which greet visitors to the island of Roatan which inform people that they are entering a unique and special place and that they need to be aware of and responsible for their actions and their impact on the surrounding environment. The collaborative group (UCF), hopes that the Utila poster campaign will also generate a perception of ownership and create a sense of empowerment within the local community- by encouraging locals and residents to identify themselves as belonging to and coming from a protected area and instilling a passion to protect what Read More

Footstock Outdoor Music Festival Is Coming To Utila’s South Shore

By Jennifer Orrange On June 15, 2014 a Second Annual outdoor music event will take place at Neptune’s Restaurant at Coral Beach Village on Utila’s South Shore. Following the success of last year’s event, organizers have put together this year’s festival called “Footstock”, to celebrate the music of local talent as well as the music of the ‘Cayman’s Cowboy’ Andy Martin, and fellow Caymanian ‘Barefoot Man’.Last year’s charity event was a big success according to coordinator Nick Nowak, President and CEO of Coral Beach Village, Utila. “Last year (2013) was our first time doing this event and it was very well received. We were also able to raise almost $2,000 to benefit BICA (Bay Islands Conservation Association). We hope to increase the number of guests this year in order to raise even more money to help benefit BICA”. After costs all profits from the sale of tickets to Foot Stock are going directly to the conservation association.Approximately 450 people attended the South Shore concerts last year Read More

Utila Carnival 2014

19-26 of July details pending

Yoga and Marine Ecology Week at Utopia Resort!

Utopia is once again hosting a yoga, snorkeling, paddling and marine ecology week! Feb 8-15, 2014. Led by the talented team of Andi Shluker Ryon (who started Kayak Utila, Yoga Utila, and Paddle Utila) and long term Ashtanga yoga instructor Kim Johnson. Mention you saw it on Utila Guide and get at 10% discount!

Utila Dive Festival 2013

Utila Dive Festival 2013, June 22-28 Utila – Bay Islands – Honduras For more information and to Register, see https://utiladivefestival.com/ Schedule of Events: https://utiladivefestival.com/schedule/ Now in its 2nd year, Utila Dive Festival was started to highlight the tiny diving Mecca of Utila, one of The Bay Islands located in the Western Caribbean just South of Belize. Utila Dive Festival 2013, is a week of diving, dancing, dining and discovering on a tropical island whose heart beats scuba day in and day out. In fact, over thousands of divers and professionals are trained here each year, continuing the tradition in Scuba Diving as an incredible adventure sport. The 2nd annual event, scheduled for June 22nd to 28th, is designed not only to attract a wide range of visitors but also to benefit the entire community of Utila. Underwater, we have daily themed dives, photo contests and a scavenger hunt. At the surface, the parties, boat parade of lights, SUP/kayaking adventures, Taste of Utila and prize giveaways will draw a crowd! The Utila Dive Festival is focused on building an atmosphere that will both educate and foster the enjoyment of sharing underwater experiences and also highlight what Utila Read More

Underwater Vision Now a PADI 5 STAR IDC Resort!

Underwater Vision in Utila Honduras is now a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort! This means they offer full Instructor Development courses (IDCs) as well as their full Divemaster Internship program which precedes the IDC, and of course all their regular open water and up training. If you are looking to get your scuba training, Utila is a great place to do it, and now with Underwater Vision you can go all the through to Instructor. Instructor Development Courses with PADI Silver-Rated Course Director Diego Frank (who we love!) are offered monthly. Contact Information: e-mail: uwv_utila@hotmail.com Web Address: www.utilascubadiving.com Facebook page and their Facebook page for Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) A little more from the folks at Underater Vision: About: Underwater Vision PADI 5 Star IDC Resort in Utila, Honduras is an award-wining, friendly, family-owned and operated dive centre. We offer accommodation to fit every budget and world-class diving instruction! History: The Cooper Family has been running Hotel Trudy since the early 1970’s and their ancestors were among the original European settlers on the island of Utila. You are sure to become an extended member of the family as soon as you put your bag down and will learn a lot about the history of Read More

Parrots Dive Center NEW Webpage

Parrots Dive Center has updated their webpage: www.parrotsdivecenter.com Offering fun dive packages, PADI Instruction from Open Water through Divemaster , and an affordable waterfront hotel! Check them out and get infected!

Sunday July 1st: Utila Carnaval (Carnival) 2012 Fundraiser at the Big Football Game

Sunday July 1st, 2012: Utila Carnaval (Carnival) 2012 Fundraiser at the Big Football Game at the Concord Baseball field. Starts at 9:00 AM. Come bring the family out for fun day and help support the football game! The Carnaval will be selling food and drinks for the benefit of the Carnaval 2012. For full details on Utila Carnival (Carnaval de Utila) 2012, see www.UtilaGuide.com/Carnival

Sausages, English Bangers, Potstickers and More on Utila!

The Utila Food Company! The Utila Food Company is now ready to bring you homemade sausages, English Bangers, Potstickers and more! All products are natural- no preservatives, additives, Sausage styles: Italian hot and mild cajun style smokies jimmy dean English bangers Honey Garlic Lemon and Dill TUNA Sausage Also: Potstickers: Asian or American Style Special Orders Available! To order: Call Shawn at 3324-1934 from 12 noon to 9pm or Stop in at the Indian Wok restaurant, located between Parrots Dive Shop and Tranquila Bar

Dunkin Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut Deliveries on Wednesdays to Utila!!

Dunkin Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut Deliveries on Wednesdays to Utila!! Here is what you need to know: Orders and payment must be received by Tuesday afternoon 5 PM – No substitutions – No “custom” orders – All orders must be picked up at the airport upon flight arrival (no home deliveries). If you don’t pick it up, Capt will eat it:) Contact Captain Angelo of Island Air / Guanaja Air: <lagonia AT aol.com>, or cell 9558 8683. Options: Pizza Hut Large pizza (Grande) pan pizza or regular crust Cheese only OR Everything … 485 Lps. Kentucky Fried Chicken 1) 10 pieces with 1 side of mashed potatoes and gravy, 5 biscuits 510 Lps. 2) 14 pieces with 2 sides of mashed potatoes and gravy 6 biscuits 660 Lps. 3) 18 pieces with 2 sides of mashed potatoes and gravy, 8 biscuits 760 Lps. Dunkin Donuts 1 dozen assorted donuts 375 Lps. Rules are simple- 1. Payment must be received in advance 2. Orders and payment must be received by Tuesday afternoon 5 PM 3. No substitutions – No “custom” orders 4. All orders must be picked up at the airport Read More