UTILA HONDURAS: A BACKPACKER'S PARADISE

On a backpacker's budget you look for a place where you can get the most bang for your buck. Look no further; Utila is a secluded island in the Caribbean Sea that tends to hold you hostage.

HOW I GOT THERE

I flew into San Pedro Sula, Honduras via Mexico City from Los Angeles International Airport for 360 USD. I left in December, praying the tail end of the rainy season passed.

·      May- Nov.  Rainy season for inland Honduras

·      Sept.- Jan. Rainy season for the Bay Islands of Honduras

Once you land in the two-terminal airport that lies in a field of tropical trees, you work your way into the capital to catch a bus.

The bus ride to La Ceiba, the costal city to take a ferry across to Utila is about 2 hours.  Not able to make the last ferry, I stayed overnight for 11USD at El Estadio Hostel. Pete, owner, is a friendly guy who hosts bunks, private rooms, and hot showers.

We catch the first ferry (20 USD) in the morning, arriving around 12 p.m.  It took 24 hours to get here from the airport and I was happy to finally sink my feet into the sand.

WHAT I DID

·      Diving: the main attraction in Utila. Promoted as being the second cheapest place in the world to get your open water dive certification (280 USD).

o  Bay Islands College of Diving is a great family to join.

·      Exploring the lengths of the island: From snorkeling in the remote bays to renting a quad to trek into the thick forest.

o  Iguana Station, homes the unique "Swamper" iguana

·      Eat Organic:

o  Baleadas!!

o  Banana bread- cinnamon rolls, fresh

o  Seafood

o  Pizza

·      Party: the music doesn't shut off at some hangouts till the wee hours of the morning. 

        o  Tranquila bar is a popular spot for sunset. 

o  Treetanic bar at the Jade Seahorse play land is my favorite. A sight to see in the daylight and at the darkest hour it is mosaic wonderment.

o  On holidays the island throw beach parties with DJs. The locals and tourists indulge in their more hedonistic ways.

TIPS

In my week stay I learned some useful things that made my trip that much safer and enjoyable.

·      I highly recommend staying at a hostel that is not a party place. You want a good nights rest if you plan on going diving in the morning.

·      Walk with a buddy at night, I got followed home once but thankfully he ran as soon as I confronted him.

·      Make food with friends and shop at the stores off the strip to save money.

·      Don't do anything that could end you up in the hospital since you will have to wait till a ferry can take you to the mainland, which can be expensive and take at least 4 hours to get there. 

Don't sit on this guy, a friend almost lost his butt cheek. 

·      Make as many friends as possible, most likely you will run into them again if your traveling through other countries in Central America.