Utila

Utila is a small island in the carribean sea that is a haven for backpackers and scuba divers. It is known for having some of the cheapest diving in the world, though after speaking to more people, it seems that cheaper dive classes can be taken in parts of Australia and South East Asia.

Dive Shopping

Though I had never gone scuba diving before, I decided to take my Open Water and Advanced Open Water classes while in Utila Honduras. I was with two other beginners and we decided to dive shop together, hoping we could get a deal because we were a group and wanted to take both Open Water and Advanced. We went to the most popular dive sites Underwater Vision and Utila Dive Centre. Their prices were expensive and unchanging so despite the fancy equipment and social common areas, we kept searching.

After hearing of a diver dying because he hit a boat propeller at Captain Morgans and a boat sinking at Parrots, we crossed those off our list. After visiting seven dive shops we chose Paradise Divers!

Paradise Divers

We ultimately chose Paradise Divers because they offered us both Open Water and Advanced for $440. Included in that was accommodation in a private room with AC for my travel companion and myself. After the two courses we also got 4 fun dives. Paradise has a functioning kitchen, a dock with a beautiful sunset view and staff that we felt comfortable and connected with. Andre Crawford greeted us during our initial inquiry and said he would be our teacher if we chose Paradise. We loved his honesty, enthusiasm and professionalism and decided Paradise was the school for us! I am 100% happy with my choice to go to Paradise Divers. I felt safe and looked after and I learned a lot. Plus, Paradise Divers threw a party on a private island called Sandy Cay that was an epic once in a lifetime experience. Having a family at Paradise Divers made my Utila experience and I am forever grateful to them.

Things to do in Utila

Monday Tie Dye at Utila Brewing Company                                                                   You can bring your own shirt and tie dye for 50 Lempira or buy a shirt there that costs 300L. The dye is environmentally safe and there is a helper there if you have never tie dyed before. Utila Brewing Company has a delicious IPA as well as Pizza on the weekends.

Tequila Tuesday
Tranquila bar has an infamous event every Tuesday night. Until 10 pm everybody gets free tequila in the form of shots. From 10-12 the tequila is 10L, after that it goes back to 40L. With all of the free drinks, the dance floor gets rowdy. The DJ played a mixture of EDM, rap and reggaeton.

Ladies Night Thursday
On Thursdays girls drink for free until 10PM at Vinyl bar. The caveat is that you have to bring your own cup, or pay for your first drink in order to get a cup. The music was once again a mixture of reggaeton, EDM and rap.

Friday Full Moon Party at Treetanic
On the Friday of the week of the full moon there is a techno party at Treetanic. This bar has a trippy sea shell decorum.

Bando Beach
This beach has a huge dock and a beach restaurant with delicious cocktails and food. The white sand and turquoise water make for a relaxing beach day.

Public Sandy Beach
This beach has more locals and children. There are tables in the water as well as chairs and benches in the sand. This beach is lined with many restaurants and bars to choose from.

Pumpkin Hill Beach
This beach is on the opposite side of the island and requires an ATV or motorbike to get to. However, it was worth the journey; this was my favorite beach in Utila. It was so private and the way the palm trees lined the beach, it felt like heaven on earth.

 

Utila Chocolate Company
The chocolate company is a 20 minute walk from the center of town. This place is known for its chocolate bars though they have brownies, ice cream and cookies as well!

Che Pancho
This Argentinian themed restaurant has a delicious Tuna sandwich, schnitzel and salad options for vegetarians. It is also worth mentioning that they have dessert crepes.

RJ’s
This BBQ joint is very popular on the days it is open. They have mouth-watering steaks, burgers, fish and chicken. Vegetarians can get a plate of all of the sides for very little money.

Rethink
This vegetarian breakfast spot has incredible espresso drinks as well as tasty and healthy foods like caprese toast and the Buddha bowl. It is right on the water and you get a lovely view as you sip your coffee.

Camilla’s Bakery
Come here for fresh bread, brownies and quiche. At night this place becomes a Pizza restaurant.