Utila Bay Islands, Honduras Travel Guide
Average daily temperatures consistently range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). There is little seasonal variation in temperature. Nighttime lows rarely drop below 20°C (68°F), allowing comfortable evenings. Humidity remains consistently high, often exceeding 80%. This means the air feels heavy, and sweat evaporates slowly.
The dry season typically runs from February to September. April, May, and June are usually the driest months, offering long stretches of sunny days. The wet season spans from October to January, with November and December seeing the highest rainfall. Rains often come in short, intense bursts, followed by sunshine.
High Season (December to April, July & August) means drier weather, calmer seas, and higher chances for whale shark sightings (late Feb-June, Aug/Sep). Prices increase, and crowds are larger. Shoulder Season (May to June, September) offers a good balance of weather and fewer crowds, with better deals available.
Low Season (October to November) has the lowest prices and fewest crowds. However, expect the highest rainfall, with potential for tropical storms. Some businesses may reduce hours, and rougher seas can disrupt ferry schedules.
June 1 to November 30
September and October.
Heavy rains, strong winds, rough seas.
Consistently hot and humid
Hydrate regularly and seek shade.
High humidity makes heat feel more intense.
Peak sightings
Late February to May/June.
August/September.
Diving remains excellent year-round. Calm seas and better visibility are typically found during the dry season (February to September). The wet season can bring stronger currents and reduced visibility due to rain runoff, but also fewer divers.
The dry season offers the best conditions for snorkeling and beach days. Calm waters provide clear visibility, and sunny skies enhance the experience. Rougher seas during the wet season can make some sites less accessible. Exploring Utila is more comfortable during the dry season. Less rain means fewer muddy trails and easier walking or cycling conditions. During the wet season, some unpaved paths can become challenging.
Late February to May/June.
Smaller window in August/September.
Sightings are never guaranteed; they depend on environmental factors.
Book tours with reputable operators.
Dependent on plankton blooms and water temperature.
Rules vary by nationality for entry into Honduras, which includes Utila. Verify the specific requirements for your passport.
U.S. And Canadian citizens do not require a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days. A valid passport is all that is needed for entry.
Most European Union citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Honduras is part of the CA-4 agreement (El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras).
Ensure your passport holds validity for at least six months beyond your departure date from Honduras. This rule is strictly enforced. Carry multiple copies of documents.
The official currency in Honduras is the Honduran Lempira (HNL). Exchange rates fluctuate; generally, 1 USD is approximately 24-25 HNL. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in Utila, especially by dive shops and larger tour operators. Change will often be given in Lempiras. You might receive a less favorable exchange rate when paying with USD at smaller venues.
Larger hotels, dive shops, and some restaurants in Utila Town accept credit cards (MasterCard and Visa are most common). Many smaller establishments, local eateries, and market vendors operate on a cash-only basis.
Several ATMs are available in Utila Town. Locate ATMs inside banks or in well-lit, secure locations. Withdraw cash during daylight hours for safety. Inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent card holds due to suspicious activity.
A hostel dorm bed or a very basic private room might cost $10-$25. Many dive shops offer free or discounted accommodation with dive course bookings. Rely on street food, local eateries ("comedores"), or self-catering, costing $15-$25 per day. One to two fun dives or a snorkeling trip may cost $30-$60. Budget $5-$10 for occasional tuk-tuk rides or small purchases.
Total Daily Cost: $60-$120 (excludes multi-day dive courses)
Higher costs apply for frequent tourist-focused dining or non-package diving.
A mid-range hotel, guesthouse, or a private room in a dive resort might cost $40-$80. These options offer more comfort. Enjoy a mix of local and tourist restaurants, allocating $30-$50 for daily meals. Engage in two fun dives, a boat trip to the cays, or equipment rentals. This might cost $50-$100. Budget $10-$20 for more frequent tuk-tuk rides, souvenirs, or drinks.
Total Daily Cost: $130-$250.
Opting for private charters or high-end dining pushes costs higher.
Stay at a boutique hotel or an upscale dive resort, costing $100-$200+ per night. These properties offer premium amenities and better service. Dine at high-end restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood and international cuisine, expecting to spend $60-$100+ per day on food. Opt for private dive charters, multiple daily dives, or specialized tours, which might cost $100-$200+ daily. Allocate $20-$40 for convenient tuk-tuk transport, higher-end drinks, or extensive shopping.
Total Daily Cost: $280-$540+.
Exclusive experiences will push the budget higher.
| Category | Item | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hostel dorm / Basic private room | $10-$50 |
| Meals | Local restaurant / Mid-range tourist restaurant | $5-$30 |
| Activities | Fun Dive (per) / Open Water Course (incl. Accom.) | $30-$45 / $300-$450 |
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations. They provide personalized advice based on your health history and travel plans.
Confirm all are up to date (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Flu).
Recommended for all unvaccinated travelers (food/waterborne diseases).
Consider for specific activities or long-term stays (sexual contact, tattoos, animal interaction).
Yellow Fever
Not required for entry from most countries if traveling directly from countries without yellow fever transmission risk. It is recommended if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Always check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the latest requirements. Health advisories change, so consult WHO or your national health advisory bodies before your trip.
These sources provide the most current information on recommended vaccines and any entry requirements related to public health.
Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are present. Use Insect repellent, wear long sleeves/pants, sleep under nets. Permethrin for clothing, DEET for skin.
Common ailment. Practice excellent food/water hygiene. Use Hand sanitizer. Carry over-the-counter remedies like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium.
High UV index. Use high-SPF Reef-safe sunscreen (Blue Lizard), wear Hats and Sunglasses. Stay hydrated with Bottled water.
Minor cuts and scrapes can become infected quickly in tropical climates. Clean and treat any injuries immediately. Be aware of potential marine life hazards while swimming or diving.
Utila has a small public clinic and a few private doctors. For serious emergencies, evacuation to Roatán or mainland Honduras is necessary. The Utila Hyperbaric Chamber addresses dive-related emergencies.
Basic pharmacies stock common medications. Dial 911 for general emergencies. Contact the Utila Hyperbaric Chamber directly for dive emergencies.
Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Use Bottled water. Many places offer filtered water refills for reusable bottles. Consider a LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle.
Eat at reputable establishments. Food should be cooked thoroughly and served hot. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpeeled fruits, and salads washed with tap water. Choose street vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene.
