What to Do in Utila if You Don’t Dive (or Just Need a Break!)
We were so excited to be getting to our first Central American country – in a place that looks like it was plucked out of a National Geographic magazine: Utila, Honduras!
As one of the Bay Islands, there are just 4000 people who live in Utila, and is known as one of the best places in the world to get certified for scuba diving.
But there’s so much more than just diving here – it’s the ultimate place for outdoor adventures and relaxation. From visiting secluded beaches, snorkelling amongst the reefs, hiking, and exploring every square inch of the island, there are a ton of hidden gems in Utila to be enjoyed if you don’t dive.
With its island vibes and stunning scenery, we found Utila to be the most laid back place we’ve ever been – a place that truly forces you to slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s a little piece of paradise I thought only existed in my dreams.
It’s a wild island with a genuine heart and rugged beauty. This is the experience we’ve been craving. It’s going to be hard to top this one!
Here are the top things to do in Utila aside from diving!
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1. Tour the Island by Golf Cart or Scooter
Nothing is more fun than grabbing a golf cart or a scooter and touring around the island – it’s truly the best way to discover Utila! There’s one main road so it’s almost impossible to get lost. The road varies from paved to partially paved to dirt, making it all that more of an adventure.
Rent a golf cart for a laid-back, breezy ride, or grab a scooter if you’re feeling a little more adventurous. Zip through the colorful streets of Utila Town, stop at the beaches, and swing by local fruit stands for fresh coconut water or a quick roadside snack! This is hands-down one of the most fun ways to see Utila.
We spent a couple of hours driving around and seeing some highlights of the island, all the way from Coral View to Bando Beach, all the way to Pumpkin Hill Beach.
You can rent by the day or by the week (or longer!) from Bodden’s or Roneey’s. If you want to explore the whole island, I would recommend getting a jacked-up golf cart to navigate the rocky dirt roads!
2. Visit the Iguana Research Station
There’s a unique species of iguanas that are native to just Utila, the spiny-tailed iguana. They’re referred to here as Swampers! The scientific term is Ctenosaura bakeri, but as they’re only found on this island, they’re critically endangered species.
The Iguana Research Station works to protect the population and grow their numbers with a breeding program. The Research Station is free to visit (donations are appreciated) and you can either have a staff member guide you around if they’re available, but there is plenty of signage letting you know interesting facts about them.
There are numerous enclosures with males and females, hoping they’ll breed and grow the population. One enclosure had 46 (!!!) hatchlings inside, and once they mature a bit, they’re tagged and released so they can be tracked. The species only occupy less than 25% of the island, and are commonly found in areas of swampy mangroves.
Inside the visitors centre there are a number of specimens in jars showing the various growth cycles of the iguana, as well as some other interesting things to look at.
3. Treat Yourself at the Utila Chocolate Company
This sweet little spot will instantly lift your spirits when you see it. The Utila Chocolate Company is a colourful place makes its own chocolate and chocolate drinks and treats!
There are a variety of other drinks (hot and cold) to choose from, like fresh fruit smoothies, coffee drinks, and even boozy freezies (which are amazing)!
We heard about the brownies and ice cream but they were sadly out the first time we went – but we’re not ashamed to admit we went back twice more the week we were there and made up for it! There’s so much to try, but one of our favourites was the stewed papaya with homemade vanilla icecream.
There’s an adorable seating area inside, and you can take a peek at their production area. There’s a range of chocolates to try and they are totally different than what we have at home! Well worth a try!
4. Spend the Day at Neptune’s
If you’re dreaming of a perfect beach day in Utila with all the amenities, Neptune’s is where you want to be! This little slice of paradise is tucked away from town, and getting there is half the fun—you’ll need to hop on a scenic 15 minute boat ride from Coral View to reach this dreamy beachfront escape.
Once you arrive, it’s all about crystal-clear water, sand, and ultimate relaxation. Grab a lounge chair, sip a tropical cocktail, and soak up the Caribbean sun. Feeling adventurous? The snorkeling here is amazing—just step right off the dock and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life – and you can even see a pirate cannon or two under the dock!
The beachfront restaurant serves up delicious fresh seafood, burgers, and ice-cold drinks. Whether you’re looking to chill, snorkel, or sip on something delicious while taking in the view, I strongly recommend adding Neptune’s to your list. It was one of our highlights and so relaxing.
How to get there: There’s a sign and entrance near Chepe’s Beach – follow the dirt road and you’ll find a dock nestled in the mangroves. The boat comes every hour starting at 9:30. You hop aboard, and the 100 lempira/per person will be added to your bill when you leave for the day.
5. Stroll through the Garden of Memories
Some may think this is a strange or morbid thing to do, but if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path and with a touch of peace and history, a visit to the Garden of Memories cemetery might just be the quiet adventure you didn’t know you needed.
This serene and beautifully kept spot offers a reflective experience, with its lush surroundings, beautiful plants, and tranquil vibe. It’s not your typical attraction, but it’s the kind of place that invites a moment of contemplation, as it’s deeply connected to the island’s past and the people who helped shape its present.
The cemetery is beautifully maintained, with some unique and ornate gravestones that tell stories of Utila’s history. You’ll find it’s a peaceful, place to explore—perfect for those who love history or just want a quiet, reflective moment away. The Garden of Memories is definitely a different side of Utila, offering a chance to connect with the island’s deeper roots in a calm and thoughtful setting.
6. Pretend you’re on Gilligan’s Island at Water Cay
Water Cay is the ultimate paradise getaway! This uninhabited island is just off the coast of Utila and looks like the photos people make as their computer backgrounds! Water Cay has powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, and the kind of crystal-clear water that looks straight out of a postcard. It’s the perfect spot to escape for true relaxation and spending a full day just soaking up the island magic.
Getting there is an adventure in itself – you can charter a boat (either private or shared) and hop on a 20-25 minute boat ride down the coastline of Utila and past some of its Cays.
Swim in the turquoise water, snorkel around the shallows (it’s amazing!), or just kick back with a drink and let the gentle waves do their thing. Bring some food, a hammock, and a book, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate island day.
How to get there: Visit Sunbliss Tours, Bush’s, or Huffy’s and enquire about booking a day to get out to Water Cay. Most tours are $20-$25 USD per person (based on 6 people) and offer you 4 hours on the island (which was a great amount of time). You will need to pack absolutely everything you want for the day, because there are no amenities on site, except for two toilets – which flushed, and were very clean!
Good to know: This is relatively new, but you will need to pay an entrance fee of 100 lempira per person upon arrival. We didn’t know this, and thankfully carried cash (thinking we wouldn’t need any!)
7. Check out the Kanahau Natural History Museum
If you’re looking for something totally unique to do in Utila (beyond diving with whale sharks and soaking up those island vibes), you have to check out the Kanahau Natural History Museum!
This little gem is part of the Kanahau Utila Research and Conservation Facility, and it’s all about protecting and studying the incredible wildlife that calls Utila home. It’s small but super interesting, and well worth a visit. From artefacts to taxidermy, you can learn a lot at Kanahau.
Plus, if you want to explore even more, you can take a guided tour to the Bat Caves (the fabled place of Robinson Crusoe’s cave – at least that’s what the islanders will tell you!), hike Pumpkin Hill, and even join a Wildlife Tour (which are all very reasonably priced!).
8. Relax at Bando Beach
For us, the perfect place to kick back and relax was at Bando Beach. It has those idyllic island vibes and the most gorgeous beach, and on clear days you can see the stunning mountains on the mainland. This little slice of paradise feels like a total escape away from it all.
Grab a lounger, dip your toes in the shallow, turquoise water, and let the gentle waves do their thing. The beach has a small entrance fee of 50 lempira/per person, but it’s totally worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and well-kept surroundings.
Plus, there’s a bar serving up refreshing drinks, so you can sip on a cocktail while watching the sun sparkle on the sea. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, Bando Beach is a must-visit while in Utila!
9. Climb Pumpkin Hill
Grab your hiking shoes and head to Pumpkin Hill, the highest point on Utila! Okay, so it’s not exactly a mountain, but at around 75 metres (246 feet) high, it still offers some of the best views on the island. The hike is short but sweet—about 30 to 45 minutes through lush jungle trails, where you might spot iguanas, tropical birds, and even the occasional tarantula!
Once you reach the top, climb up the lookout tower for an even better view. From up there, you can see the whole island, the endless blue of the Caribbean Sea, and on a clear day, even the mountains of mainland Honduras in the distance. It’s the perfect place to take a breather, snap some epic photos, and just soak in the beauty of Utila from above.
At the base of Pumpkin Hill there’s a cute market that has really reasonable prices – the ideal spot to grab a snack and a drink after your hike.
10. Swim at Chepes Beach
Unlike the rest of the island’s mostly rocky coastline, Chepe’s Beach has a gorgeous stretch of swimmable beach where you can wade right in without worrying about stepping on coral.
Whether you want to float in the warm water, work on your tan, or grab a drink from one of the nearby beach bars, this is the place to be. Bring a snorkel, because you might even spot some colorful fish just off the shore!
And when the sun starts to dip, Chepe’s Beach turns into an amazing sunset spot—grab a beach chair and watch the sky light up in shades of orange and pink.
11. Check out the Art at Scott’s Driftwood Beach
Scott’s Driftwood Beach isn’t your typical white-sand beach—it’s a quirky, artistic, and totally unique spot where nature meets creativity in the coolest way possible.
Over the years, ocean currents have washed up tons of driftwood, and rather than let it go to waste, local artist Scott has turned it into an outdoor art gallery.
You’ll find all sorts of hand-carved sculptures, weathered wood creations, and random treasures that the sea has gifted to the shore. If you’re in the Tradewinds area, it’s a great place to explore, snap some artsy photos, and just chill in a peaceful, laid-back setting.
12. Snorkel and Soak in the Sun at Coral View
If you’re looking for a place to snorkel easily from the shore and hang out with a cool spot WITH a pool and a bar, head to Coral View! This place has amazing diving right off the platform and onto a coral reef with all kinds of fish.
Coral View has the best snorkeling spots on the island, and the best part is, you don’t need a boat to get there! Just walk out on the dock at Reef Bar, hop in the water, and you’re surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and colourful fish. It’s like swimming in an aquarium, and the crystal-clear water makes it perfect for spotting all kinds of marine life.
After thirsty work (because let’s be real, snorkeling is basically swimming and sightseeing at the same time), grab a drink and relax on the dock. This waterfront hangout has beautiful views, tasty drinks, the vibes you need to relax.
13. Explore a Freshwater Cave
Utila’s freshwater cave is both mysterious and beautiful. This cave is tucked away nestled in the jungle. Located by the power company on the east end of the island, you’ll have to wear solid footwear (no flip flops!) to navigate the jagged limestone formations on a short 2-3 minute walk from the entrance.
We’re sure at one point it was a proper cave that now reminds us of a cenote, with a fallen roof, but it’s full of fascinating formations that peaked my interest as someone who loves physical geography.
The water is especially cold, and while people have swam in it, it did look a bit too suspcious and stagnant for my liking to take a dip. If you do decide to enter, do it with caution, as some people have lost their lives trying to dive underneath the cave.
14. Be Mesmerized at Jade Seahorse
If you love places that feel like you’ve stepped into a dream—or maybe a trippy, tropical fairy tale—then you have to visit Jade Seahorse. This incredible mosaic garden has been in the making for over 40 years and is one of the most magical places in Utila!
This massive garden just keeps on going, with staircases leading to hidden nooks and lookout points throughout the area. Crushed tiles, vibrant mosaics, teacups, seashells, colourful glass bottles, marbles, and other upcycled materials make up stunning art pieces that will draw your eyes in every direction. The best way to describe it is a psychedelic paradise. We didn’t know where to look!
Wander through the winding pathways, discover hidden nooks filled with intricate artwork, and snap some of the coolest photos you’ll take in Utila. It costs 50 lempira per person to enter ($2) and it’s well worth visiting for photos. This place is an art lover’s dream.
15. Try the Local Food
One of the best parts about travelling for us is trying new flavours wherever we go! We basically ate our way around the island, and we never had anything that didn’t make us go, “WOW.” From fresh seafood straight off the boat to mouthwatering Honduran specialties, there’s no shortage of deliciousness to try.
From inexpensive baleadas at Mama Rosa’s to Pollo Chuco (which translates to ‘dirty chicken’ – basically their version of KFC!) at Pollos Maria, to home cooked breakfast at Josie’s to delicious red snapper at Mario’s Place, each place delivered a true taste of Utila. Don’t be afraid to try new things – you never know what you’ll come across!
16. Experience the Best Stargazing
A magical way to end the day in Utila is to head to the Tradewinds area, and get ready for some of the best stargazing you’ll ever encounter.
With minimal light pollution and the gentle sound of the ocean in the background, this spot is perfect for kicking back and watching the night sky put on a show.
On a clear night, you’ll see countless stars, dazzling constellations, and even the Milky Way stretching across the sky. It’s one of the most memorable moments we had on the island.
17. Hang out at Huffy’s
If you’re in the mood to kick back and experience some serious chill island vibes, Huffy Utila is the place to be! This funky, laid-back spot is perfect for grabbing a fun cocktail (you definitely get your money’s worth), meeting fellow travelers, or just soaking up the sun with a good book.
Located right by the water, Huffy’s is all about that easy-going, no-rush attitude that makes Utila so special. It’s a blend of Tulum-meets-Bali and I could easily spend all day hanging out! Plus, it has the best bathrooms on the island (they advertise that, and it’s totally true)!
It’s got that fun, friendly atmosphere where you can just relax and let the day slip by and is the perfect hangout spot for both day and night. From watersport rentals to buying food at a nearby restaurant and bringing it in to enjoy, if you’re looking for a place to truly unwind and just vibe with the island, Huffy Utila is your go-to!
18. Scuba Dive (Surprise!)
I know this blog is based around things to do in Utila aside from diving, but I have to at least mention of it! If you’re heading to Utila, you absolutely cannot miss out on the island’s world-famous scuba diving!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or totally new, Utila’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs offer some of the best diving experiences. And yes, you’ve probably heard of the famous whale sharks that pass through these waters—you might just get lucky enough to swim alongside these gentle giants!
There are tons of dive shops around the island, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. You can take a PADI or SSI course and get certified, or if you’re already certified, dive deep into the stunning reefs and underwater caves. You’ll see everything from colorful fish and vibrant coral gardens to sea turtles, dolphins, and rays. What’s not to love!
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