About Utila

Utila, Bay Islands Honduras

The Caribbean island of Utila is one of three in a group of islands called the Bay Islands found just off the coast of Honduras in Central America, the other two being Roatan and Guanaja. It is the second largest island being about seven miles long and three miles wide. It is less developed than its larger and better known neighbour Roatan and has a unique culture which is friendly and welcoming. The true Utilians speak English (well a version of) as their primary language and of course Spanish as the islands are now owned by Honduras.

The Caribbean island of Utila is made up of mangroves, forestry and dry lands which cover approximately 90% of this tropical island. It is rich with indigenous wild life and beautiful mangrove orchids. The mangrove Swamper iguana is only found on Utila and nowhere else in the world. The only town is built around a natural harbour on the south east end of the island.

Island History

Although there is evidence that Columbus was not the first European to visit the Bay Islands , he did pass through the islands on his fourth voyage (1502-1504) and provided the first known accounts of the area. He sent his brother Bartholomew ashore; his only recorded comment was "very robust people who live mostly from a certain white grain, from which they make fine bread and the most perfect beer". When you arrive you will notice the influence of the British, the surnames of the islanders e.g. Morgan, Cooper, Rose, Jackson and Thompson, these were British settlers who came to the islands during the 1800's. Over the years there has appeared a wonderful mix of people and cultures here on Utila. These include people that arrived here from the Cayman Islands and of course people from Honduras. The best words to describe Utila are the words of Richard H Rose who wrote the book Utila Past and Present, "Indeed Utila is rich in fanciful name. Someone not very long ago christened it 'A lazy mans paradise' It seems that some peoples idea or vision of earthly bliss is to be in a place where one may live a dreamy inactive life only smoking a pipe and swinging in a hammock and be as happy as the day is long."