10 Reasons Why This Honduran Island Is Central America's Best Kept Secret

The smallest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, Utila has received increasing amounts of attention in recent years. From its beautiful natural landscapes and marine life to its culture and nightlife, here are the reasons why Utila is a hidden gem.

Top-drawer scuba diving

For years, the diving community has been aware of the charms of Utila, but it hasn’t been as popularly exploded as other Caribbean islands. Fortunately, scuba diving spots in Utila are still well-preserved, and courses are cheap.

Great nightlife

Amazing marine life

The waters around Utila are teeming with marine life of every stripe, and are accessible to both divers and snorkelers. You might even be able to swim with a whale shark if you’re lucky; the biggest fish in the sea can be seen near Utila year-round.

Good security

While mainland Honduras has some well-documented issues with security, Utila is much safer. You can walk home from the bars safely at night, and the friendly community adds to the feeling of security.

Flotation tank

Utila is home to the largest flotation tank in the world, where you can float in a salty solution without visual or audio stimulation. It’s great for relaxation, and is said to have certain health benefits.

Affordable prices

In comparison to other Caribbean islands, Utila is a bargain. Whether you want to get a diving certificate or invest in property, the island is full of affordable opportunities.

Cayo Cochinos Marine Park

This incredible park makes for a great day trip on a sailing boat. You can fish for lunch, visit local Garifuna communities and watch the sunset from the deck.

Sunjam Festival

Utila is also home to one of Central America’s premier music festivals, Sunjam. Every August, punters from throughout Central America and the world travel to the island for this massive reggae festival.

Great kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore Utila and its surroundings. You can explore the mangrove forests around the island shores, or head to the freshwater caves located in the south.

Kayaking in the mangroves of Utila, Honduras

An interesting history

Experts believe that Utila has been inhabited since around 600 AD by a group known as the Paya, who came into conflict with Spanish colonizers who tried to enslave them in the 16th century. Later on, the island was used by European pirates conducting raids in the Caribbean before it was further colonized by the British, who handed it over to Honduras in the mid-19th century.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.