There is lots to do in Utila, Honduras. Sea Kayaking, Utila Caye Trips, and Iguana Research in the Jungle. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding are all possible, as well as fishing.
The Utila Cays are a group of twelve small islands situated off the southwest corner of Utila. You can rent a private island - Diamond Caye and Sandy Caye have cabins available. If you want to break away from civilization, Water Caye is the idyllic tropical beach paradise, several hundred metres long bordered by ocean and reef- the coconut palm trees can shade you from the Caribbean sun or hold up your hammocks.
Feel free to borrow our kayaks and snorkelling gear! The reefs on the Southside of Utila are perfect for snorkeling or free diving. Close to Blue Bayou is the southern entrance to the cross-island canal, ultimate for a morning kayaking. The lush mangroves provide home to an array of wildlife, but be careful of the freshwater crocs. Up the canal is a dock where a track leads to Turtle Harbour Pond, site of a pre-Colombian ruin. On the north side of the island west of where the canal opens out are some private beaches for sunbathing or snorkeling.
Explore Utila's jungles on horseback or by bike. Aladdin's cave is a popular area with a freshwater pool to dive into nd cool off. Pumpkin Hill on the north side of the island has a beach accessible by a 5km dirt track. Much of the coast is covered with fossilized corals and rocks but there are good sandy beaches to lie down. Near the beach is Pumpkin Hill itself, 270 ft high and riddled with caves, one of which is the spacious Brandon Hill Cave, and local myth has it containing Pirates Treasure from centuries ago. Closer to town is Stuarts Hill a former volcano. Fantastic views of Utila and the south of the island, and nearby are remains of a pre-Columbian ceremonial site.
If you need a day off from diving, Iguana research makes for an exciting trip. Gaze at diverse species of swamp creatures feeding and live in their natural surroundings. The station has several species of iguana including the very rare Ctemosaura baberi.
New to Utila, paintballing has become very popular on the island. The volcanic formations and dense jungle on the Northside make an ideal setting where two groups of up to twelve can enjoy an afternoon out of town. Sessions can be arranged at Tranquila Bar or through OceanLodge.
Jetskis are available for rent, ranging from 750cc to 1200cc. Prices depend on duration of rental and engine size and can be organised at Chepes beach just outside of town.
Deep-sea fishing and fly-fishing are popular in Utila. Among the species found in the shallows near shore are bonefish and permit, which are caught all year round, and grouper, snook, and all sorts of snapper, including yellow tail and red. Tarpon has a limited season, generally from February through June. Deeper waters have mackerel (king and Spanish), bonito, black fin tuna, Wahoo, kingfish and seasonally marlin, while goliath grouper can also be found offshore. Fishing trips can be organized through OceanLodge on one of our quick skiffs or with local fishermen.
Windsurfing, kite surfing and wakeboarding are all available to any OceanLodge visitors. The prevailing easterly wind provides ideal conditions on the south side of the island for any windsurfing or kite surfing. The Eastern Harbour Bay can play host to the perfect setting for water skiing and wakeboarding, or for those looking for more of a challenge the waves off Iron Shore would make for some more serious action.