Tropical Storm Matthew Passed Utila!

Tropical Storm Matthew has passed Utila! Though all on Utila were on full alert for Tropical Storm Matthew (originally Invest 95L), the storm passed a bit lower than its forecasted trajectory, meaning less winds and rains for the island. Plenty of warning was available since this storm started out as a disturbance, Invest 95L, so all islanders, expats, tourists and others could make appropriate preparations if they chose to do so.  (Many folks stocked up on supplies for their families and pets, many boat owners brought their boats into the back lagoon or ensured extra lines were tied out, and some homeowners boarded their windows.) Luckily, the winds from Tropical Storm Matthew were much less than anticipated (estimated in the 35-45 miles per hour (mph) range as opposed to the anticipated gusts of 70mph plus).  There was however some strong wave action, resulting in damage to some older or more exposed docks, in some cases the damage was major.   There was also a lot of debris that washed up on the shorelines, so there will be some extra cleanup by property owners and the municipal this week.  All in all, the community of Utila fared excellent. There is still an area of low pressure that has a small Read More

Honduras Independence Day on Utila

Utila had a great day celebrating Honduras Independence Day 2010, on September 15!   A morning parade through town, and fun activities like greased pole climbing and more marching bands later.  The students have been practicing for months with their marching bands or other routines, and did a great job! For more photos of Independence Day on Utila, see our facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/shluk#!/album.php?aid=41733&id=131127360233973&ref=mf

Snorkeling in Utila!

Though well known as a SCUBA dive destination, Utila also has fantastic snorkeling right from shore or via boat! Utila is consistently rated high as a snorkel destination- calm waters, great reefs, easy access.  A recent article by Away.com rated Utila as one of the top 10 snorkel destinations in the world! (But we already knew that!~) __________________________________________________________________________________ For Boat Snorkeling in Utila: Most dive shops will welcome you on their dive boat, but best to arrange in advance to set up for a more shallow site suitable for snorkeling.  _________________________________________________________________________________ For Shore Snorkeling in Utila: One of the great things about Utila is that you can experience great snorkeling right from shore.  Lots of great spots exist-  for starters, grab your mask, fins, and snorkel, and head down to our favorites: Blue Bayou:  in front of Coral View Resort. They have a great double story dock, and will charge a minimal ($2usd) dock fee to use their dock for the excellent snorkeling less than 30 yards from their ladder.  If you buy food or drinks, the incredibly sweet Ms. Tania will normally waive the dock fee. Coral View is in Blue Bayou, which is about 1/2 mile past the Read More

Private Island For Rent in Utila!

We’ve just updated our page  on renting the private islands of Little Cay and Sandy Cay, just off of Utila.  At under $130usd per night, these make fantastic getaways for friends, families, or couples.  See our page Islands for Rent for complete details and contact information for reservations!

Sunjam Utila 2010 is this weekend Aug 7!

For Info on Sunjam 2011– Click Here (https://www.utilaguide.com/sunjamutila2011/) Its here! Sunjam Utila 2010 and back at Water Cay Saturday August 7th!   Tickets: Can be purchased ahead of time, or at door. $50 usd. What is Sunjam? Sunjam Utila is a major rave party that takes place on Water Cay- a 3 acre, deserted private island. Located 6 miles from the town of Utila, the only way to get there is by boat. Sunjam began 12 years ago when a bunch of friends thought it would be a good idea to have a special party and take advantage of the enchanting surroundings. What Kind of Music? Techno/Rave/DJ/: Top central american djs will be joined by Top Ranked Main Dj guests. Last year we were blown away by Alexi Delano’s 4 and a half hour set . How to Get to Sunjam: Catch a water taxi from the center of town, Morgans Dock- boats will be going from about 12 noon on, some earlier.   Most of these drivers will be local fisherman- don’t be a yahoo- treat them with respect.  Water taxi is 30-40 minutes, and will be between $3-$10 usd, depending on how many people in boat. Where to Stay: Sunjam Read More

Explore Utila by Kayak

Kayaking is a great way to experience Utila! Check out this blog from kayakutila.com and snorkelutila.com  for great photos of a kayak trip this past weekend through the mangrove tunnels out to the beautiful beaches and bay of Rock Harbor on the North side of Utila. https://kayakutila.com/2010/07/25/mangrove_kayak_carnival/

Utila Carnival 2010 Parade Photos

The Utila Carnival Parade 2010 was great fun!  Thanks to all those who participated, from those that made and joined in the floats, to the parade watchers and bead and mask wearers! We have some fun photos of the event on our facebook page.  If you have some additional photos to add, please contact us. https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27961&id=131127360233973&l=1dbf8a494b

Utila Carnival Flyer Around Town

Catch a peek at the 2010 Utila Carnival (Carnaval de Utila) flyer!   Utila Carnival (Carnaval de Utila 2010), July 17-24, 2010! For more information (in English) on schedule of events see our Utila Carnival Page!  (https://www.utilaguide.com/activities/carnival/)

Utila Iguana Station Releases Juveniles!

Watching the volunteers Mayra and Sarah prepare breakfast for the Iguanas with bright red hibiscus blossoms and papayas was a great way to start  the morning…   I was at the Utila Iguana Research and Breeding Station (IRBS), preparing to venture out for a day trip, with their Coordinator and Biologist Andrea Martinez, and two other volunteers, Sophie and Genevieve.   The focus of the day was the release of a batch of year-old  Spiny Tailed  Iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri), also known as “The Swamper”, or “WishiWilly”.  This iquana species is an endangered species that lives in the Mangrove forests of Utila. It is also is an endemic species to the island, meaning it is ONLY found on Utila.  We were off to “Iron Bound”, an area they refer to which is to the West of Pumpkin Hill and to the East of Rock Harbor- also an area that I had somehow never explored during my years here in Utila.   So when Angela Randazzo, the Director of the Iguana Station, made the offer to come join her team for the day, I jumped at it.   As we made the trek (about 1.5 hour from the station; 1 hour from the first turn off to Pumpkin Hill), I noted how good it felt to be out hiking in Utila.  Most of my free time is spent Read More

How’s the Weather on Utila?

Hows the Weather on Utila? We’ve just updated our Utila  Weather page on www.Utilaguide.com! You’ll find great tools, information, and links for weather forecasting, storm forecasting, satellite imagery and more!  Take a look at https://www.utilaguide.com/general/weather/

Utila Trash Festival 2010 This Week!

Utila Trash Festival 2010 is here and needs your support! Help  clean Utila and the Utila Cays!    Organized by the  Utila Iguana Station and the newly formed  Utila Chamber of Tourism, with organized Beach Cleanning and Underwater Cleaning. Your time is needed- We still have Thursday, Friday and Saturday!  See details on flier below or call the Iguana Station oat 425-3946. Give some love to Utila!!

Utila island featured in June ’10 Sport Diver Magazine!

Utila got a nice PR plug from Sport Diver Magazine (www.sportdiver.com) this month! Pick up an issue and take a look at page 22!  Featured Utila businesses include Deep Blue Resort, Utila Iguana Station, Cafe Mariposa, Laguna Beach Resort, Utopia Dive Village, Utila Lodge, Utila Dive Center, and Treetanic Bar!   You can link find this article online, but since some folks said it can be a bit tricky to find,  the folks at Utila Realty sent us this photo image they scanned, so you can view it easier: Thanks Sport Diver Magazine!