10 things nobody tells you about living in Utila, Honduras

Thinking about living in Utila? Let’s talk.

I spent three months living on this dreamy little Caribbean island that looks like it was pulled straight out of a Pinterest board. I went there to do my Divemaster course, full of expectations, a backpack on my shoulders, and a million tabs open in my browser. I thought I knew everything. I didn’t. Here are 10 things nobody told me about living in Utila, Honduras — and now I’m telling you.

Spoiler: #9 might shock you — literally.

Living in Utila, Honduras: 10 Surprising Facts

1. Walking will be your main mode of transportation

Cars? Rare. Motorbikes? A few. In Utila, most people get around on foot, and it works surprisingly well. The island’s downtown is tiny and super walkable — from the pier to the bars, your house to the dive shop.

Sure, you’ll see some ATVs and tuk-tuks here and there, but get ready to use your legs like never before.

2. Miss the ferry and say goodbye to your budget

The main way to get to Utila is via ferry from La Ceiba, the closest mainland city.

The good news? The ferry is great — clean, comfy, and reliable.

The bad news? As of 2025, there are only two daily departures from La Ceiba to Utila: 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You can check the latest schedule on the Honduras Ferry website.

There are also flights and private boats, but those cost serious money. I once missed the last ferry out after a very enthusiastic goodbye party… and had to hire a private boat to make my flight. Painful for my wallet, but a great story.

3. The diving community is huge — and incredibly welcoming

Utila breathes diving, and that hit me from day one.

People from all over the world come here to take scuba courses — from Open Water to Instructor. The vibe among divers is amazing: post-dive BBQs, instant friendships, wild stories, and a buzzing social life with folks who share the same love for the ocean.

Want to expand your diving network? Utila is your place.

4. There are more dive centers than you think

Utila is tiny, but its main street alone has more than 10 dive shops. There’s something for every budget and style. And yes — some of the world’s best dive centers are right here, like Utila Dive Center (UDC) and Bay Islands College of Diving (BICD).

They offer top-tier facilities, experienced instructors, and everything from entry-level to technical, media, and conservation courses.This island is a scuba paradise for anyone looking to go pro.

👉 Want more? Check out: The best dive schools in Utila: my Divemaster experience

5. You'll eat well — without spending a fortune on it

Good news for hungry divers: food in Utila is both delicious and affordable.

You can find traditional Honduran meals for as little as $2 USD at local spots downtown. Even the “gringo” restaurants with a fancier vibe have meals starting at $5 USD.

Get ready to fall in love with baleadas for breakfast, fresh ceviche at sunset, and juicy handmade burgers at night.

6. The sea has the blue tone of your dreams

Warm water, calm waves, and free beach chairs in the shade — yes, all of that exists in Utila.

Some bars and restaurants even have decks where you can jump straight into the ocean.

You’ll end up starting (or ending) your day with a swim, and you don’t have to be Michael Phelps to enjoy it. The water is calm and shallow in most spots.

No wonder Utila is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the Caribbean.

7. Hurricanes are real — so stay alert

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November. No need to panic, but do keep an eye on weather alerts and listen to the locals.

The weather in Utila can change quickly. I was there at the start of hurricane season and only experienced one stormy day in three months — and even then, dives resumed the next morning.

Hurricanes don’t hit the island every year, but it's better to be prepared than surprised.

8. Beachfront living is possible (and not that expensive!)

For around $600 to $800 USD a month, you can rent a beachfront apartment with a hammock, a balcony, and postcard sunsets.

Some places even include utilities like water and Wi-Fi, so yes — living the Caribbean dream is doable in Utila without selling a kidney.

One catch: it’s hard to rent long-term places ahead of time unless you know someone on the island. I suggest booking a short-term stay via Booking or Airbnb and finding something once you’re there.

Pro tip: dive shops always know who’s renting apartments or looking for roommates.

9. Cockroaches. Lots of cockroaches.

This is the unglamorous side of living in Utila. Many houses are old and made of wood, which means… roaches. Especially at night.

At first, it’s terrifying. Then you reach a Zen-like acceptance. You and your flip-flop become one.

10. Expect power outages (and high electricity bills) 

Yep — the power goes out. Randomly. During showers, meals, or the middle of a sweaty Caribbean night. That’s just island life.

What shocked me more than the outages? The power bills. Even without using AC (team budget backpacker!) and barely being home, I’d still pay $60–80 USD per month.

The good news? There’s always a candle, a flashlight, and a cold beer nearby. And a salty dip in the sea to wash the stress away.

Living in Utila can change you

Living in Utila means sandy feet, salty hair, and a lighter heart. This island has its quirks — some lovely, some less so — but they’re all part of the journey.

What surprised me most was how much Utila changed me. Life here was slow, intense, beautiful, and sometimes challenging. I made lifelong friends, discovered new sides of myself, and — of course — became a Divemaster. Not bad for three months, right?

If you liked this story, share it with that friend who’s always saying they want to drop everything and move to the Caribbean. Just… maybe give them a heads-up about the cockroaches. 😉