Island Activities
Need some time to relax? Utila has nearly as much to offer above the water as below. So, round up a hat and sunscreen, some water and a snack and your adventurous spirit for a bit of neoprene-free fun.
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Horseback Riding
Jet-Ski Rentals
Trip to the Cayes
Shop BBQs and Volleyball:
Once a week, the dive shop puts on a great BBQ. The party is good fun for everyone, with lots of cold beer and good Honduran rum. We grill up a large variety of food, including fresh fish and chicken, and our staff always whips up some tasty side dishes. This is the perfect opportunity to share your diving adventures or play some volleyball with new-found friends.
Snorkeling
Utila has the second largest fringing reef in the world which encompasses the whole island, with incredible snorkeling just a few meters off shore. the snorkeling is excellent for both beginner and advanced snorkelers, with shallow reefs abundant with marine life, and stunning drop off for deeper exploration. we offer snorkle equiptment hier which enables you to go off and explore the island reef on your own, or we also offer guided trips on our boats to snorkleing sites which are harder to get to by foot. the boat trips last for 4 to 5 hours on are beautiful Newton dive boats, which have a large sun deck so bring a book and some sun cream, we go to two different snorkleing sites so you can explore different parts of the reef. you might even be lucky enough to see dolphins, turtles or even a whale shark!!!! a wonderful way to spend either a morning or an afternoon.Horseback Riding:
Located along Utila's "Western Pass," a pristine ridge overlooking the island's south shore, Laguna Beach Ranch houses a number of well-groomed Peruvian and Quarter horses. Half-day and full-day tours ($35 and $50, respectively) take guests to Utila's public beach, Chepes White Hole, as well as its highest point, Pumpkin Hill. A lovely, leisurely way to see the island.Kayaking the Lagoon:
With twisting mangroves on both sides and a canopy of green overhead, a leisurely kayak-ride through Utila's interior lagoon feels like a trip into a prehistoric land. The peaceful silence is broken only by the occasional tarpon breaking the water's surface or the skittering of a bright red crab looking for a meal among the oysters. On your return, watch for Utila's indigenous "Swamper" iguana, as well as green iguanas among the treetops. Fifty minutes round trip; kayaks available through Utila Water Sports.
Kayaking the Channel:
Take the opportunity to visit the island's north side by kayak. The mangroves, slowly reclaiming the man-made channel, can make for a tight squeeze at times but the rewards at the end - pristine snorkeling and secluded beaches - are well worth the effort.
Island Tours:
The Iguana Station also offers guided tours of Utila's different ecological zones. The "Iron Bound" tour begins in tropical forest and leads to the volcanic rock formations on the north shore (150 Lempiras). On the "Rock Harbour Tour," journey through the mangroves to Rock Harbour beach (200 Lempiras). See hundreds of bats in a hill-top cave on the "Bat Cave Tour" (120 Lempiras). Or cool off in a fresh water cave after a short trek over volcanic rocks on the "Water Cave Tour" (120 Lempiras). Tours generally involve a one-hour hike (one way) in the dry season and a three-hour hike (one way) in the rainy season. You can email the iguana station at station@utila-iguana.de for reservations and information.
Jet-Ski Rentals:
On a calm, clear day, there's nothing finer than an afternoon on the water - literally, whizzing atop the glassy surface of the Caribbean on a brand new two-seater Yamaha jet ski. Topping out at 55mph, these bad boys can get you around the island in about 45 minutes and to the cays in about 10. For something a bit less fierce, try the three-seater model which tops out at around 35mph. Prices vary according to the cost of diesel. Life-vests included. Rental stand located on Chepes Beach. Call Patrick at 425-3244 for reservations
Trip to the Cayes:
Once known to islanders simply as Upper and Lower Cayes (pronounced "keys"), Jewel and Pigeon Cayes are a world apart - but only about 10 minutes by boat - from Utila. These densely populated little fishing villages sit on clear Caribbean waters swarming with fish. Two restaurants, Susan's and Caye View, serve up mouth-watering fish burgers as well as hamburgers, chicken burgers, french fries and much more. Visit the quaint town square then head over to Water Caye, a beautiful little island of white sand, coconut trees and inviting water for a few hours of hammock lounging and leisurely snorkeling.
