utila

Utila is the smallest of Honduras's Bay Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea off the northern coast of the country. It is part of the Bay Islands Department and lies northeast of the mainland town of La Ceiba. The island is a low, coral‑rimmed landmass several kilometers in length, surrounded by reefs that form part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Utila is best known as a budget‑friendly destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island hosts multiple dive shops and schools, offering trips to reef sites, walls, and other underwater features. A notable attraction is the chance to encounter whale sharks, with the area around Utila designated as a sanctuary to protect these animals and their feeding grounds.

The local economy relies heavily on tourism, particularly diving, along with fishing and related services. The community is predominantly Afro‑Caribbean and Mestizo, with English widely used in tourism and Spanish spoken in daily life.

Conservation and infrastructure: The surrounding waters are part of protected areas aimed at preserving coral reefs and marine life. Growing tourism has brought environmental pressures, prompting conservation efforts focused on reef health, waste management, and sustainable development by local authorities and non-governmental organizations.

Access and transport: Utila has a small airport and is connected to the Honduran mainland by regular passenger ferries from La Ceiba, as well as boat routes to Roatán and other Bay Islands. Visitors commonly arrive by ferry from La Ceiba or by domestic flight to the island's airport.