The Island of Utila, Honduras

THE COMMUNITY

Utila is so often described as a “tropical island paradise”, that you have to believe it! it is like the island was created for scuba diving!  

Twenty-nine kilometres off the coast of Honduras, in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea lies the stunning tropical island of Utila. At 11km long and just 4km at its widest point, Utila is the smallest of the major islands in the Bay Islands group – all of which are situated in the Mesoamerican barrier reef (the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef). Renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the world for scuba diving, the waters around Utila are blanketed by colourful coral reefs and teem with underwater life of the most weird and wonderful varieties! It is hard to think of a more perfect place to operate a scuba diving course. 

You will not find international or even national restaurant or hotel chains on Utila; all the businesses are operated by local families or people that live on the island year-round. The population shifts according to season but averages around 2 500 people, and they are likely to be 2 500 of the friendliest people you will ever meet - such is the relaxed way-of-life on Utila! The Eastern Harbour is the hub of activity on Utila and is where most of the people live. Main Street – which runs around the Harbour is the location of the vast majority of the scuba dive shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.     

In spite of its small size, Utila offers a diverse cultural experience with its blend of American, British and Spanish heritages. Originally inhabited by the Payans Indians, Utila became a British colony from the mid-eighteenth century and remained so until the Colony of the Bay Islands was ceded to the Republic of Honduras in 1860. Although Spanish is the official language of Honduras, English is as commonly spoken and US dollars are used as liberally as Honduran Lempiras. Scuba diving is, without doubt, the official sport!  

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation for ScubaSkool students has been organised at the Cross Creek Hotel, which is located a mere stone's throw from the scuba dive shop. Students will be given the option of dorm rooms, twin rooms, private double rooms or a luxury cabana - so there is something to suit every individual situation and every budget.

THE CLIMATE  

The Bay Islands are known for their outstanding climate. The average annual temperature is 85°F (29°C), and ranges from the low 80's during the Winter months (November - February) to the upper 80's during the Summer months (March - October). Visitors can expect three to four ‘cold snaps’ during the year when the temperatures will fall into the high 60’s (18-20°C) for a few days.

The rain season in Utila begins in mid-October and will last through until mid-February – during this time 80-85% of the annual rainfall will occur leaving the summer months pretty dry. However, being close to the equator and experiencing between 11 and 13.5 hours of sunshine each day, the occasional summer storm can be very refreshing! 

The off-shore sea temperatures surrounding the tropical island of Utila normally vary between 27°C - 31°C (81°F - 88°F), providing a very pleasant all year-round swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving environment. 3.5mm shorty wetsuits are recommended for scuba divers, but often, especially during the summer months, wetsuits are not necessary, even with long dive bottom times.