Utila is a different world to mainland Honduras because of the 300 year British influence on the Bay Islands. The island is mostly uninhabited except for the small fishing village of East Harbour with a population of 6000. The main language on the island is English whereas mainland Honduras speaks Spanish. Historically Utila was largely a fishing and agrarian community. Its claim to fame is that Henry Morgan's treasure is buried somewhere on the Island.

The beaches are found west of town toward Blue Bayou. At Blue Bayou you can swing in a hammock, relax and enjoy the beach with a good book or snorkel on the reef just offshore. The Utila Cayes are just short boat trip away where you will find 11 palm studded islands surrounded by white sandy beaches.

Utila has only one main road lined with gingerbread houses in lively colored pastels. The village looks like it came from 1950. The locals are friendly and happy and love to welcome new visitors to their island.

There are a number of services available including a telephone/fax office at Hondutel. Email and internet access services found at the Mango Tree Internet Cafe or Howell's Internet Cafe. Banking can be done at one of the two banks on the island, where cash advances, money exchange, and exchange of travel cheques can be processed.

There is an official business lunch break (siesta) from 11:30am-1:30pm. Electrical power is provided by a new independent company called 'UPCO' that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a great improvement since 2003 where previously town power was unreliable and operated only from 6am to 12am.

There is a municipal government building found next to the ferry dock that can administer all visa and passport documents. A large well equipped clinic is located on the island as well as a dive injury trauma and recompression chamber facility.

Please see our map of the island for a visual location of these services.

Please visit our Mango Inn Hotel website for a photogallery of images of the island.

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