To get to Utila, most people fly into Honduras via San Pedro Sula (SAP) or Roatan (RTB) and then take a local flight to Utila.  If you are spending more time exploring Honduras, once you get to La Ceiba (LCE) you can then take the daily ferry to Utila.

 From  San Pedro Sula:

Book your international flight to land in San Pedro Sula International Airport (SAP) before 1pm to connect with a short local flight to Utila on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat to Utila at 2:30pm.  

 (If you didn’t read this page first before making your international flight and end up coming to SAP on Tues /Thurs/Sun, then you can also take a bus or a local flight from SAP first to La Ceiba (LCE), spend night in LCE and then take the morning 9:30am Utila Princess Ferry to the island. Also, if you leave the SAP airport by 12:30pm, you can probably still make 4pm ferry as it takes about 3 hours by taxi (3.5-4 hours by bus))

From La Ceiba:

Take the short local flight to Utila on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, or an affordable private charter anyday, or  take the Utila Princess Ferry every day at 9:30am and 4pm to Utila.  

From Roatan:

Take a private charter any day or join the planned trips on Saturday, or sail over with Capt. Vern on his catamaran, which leaves daily from Roatan about 1pm.

From Belize: 

 Lots of travellers come to the Bay Islands en route to / from Belize.  See our Belize Travel Details for full information.

Much of the existing information on the web on travel to Utila and flights to Utila is very outdated or vague.  Since then we’ve helped hundreds of visitors and residents with travel tips to Utila and are constantly updating our information. Read on~ Read on to find out the actual details of how to make any of the above happen. 

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QUICK LINKS

Utila Travel Agents
International Flights
Local Airline Flights
Utila Princess Ferry
Roatan Utila Ferry 
Hotel and Hostels in San Pedro Sula
Hotel and Hostels  in La Ceiba
Taking a Bus  from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba                
Taxi Service From San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba

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The Details: Really Getting To Utila  -

(see our sub-pages under”Travel”,  including  “Travel to Utila” for the more details than you can ask for on Getting to Utila, and send us an email or comment below if you have any remaining questions!)

The are asking for input on top 5 “constructions” (infrastructure changes) need in Utila to improve the community. By “constructions”, they are looking specifically for infrastructure. Infrastructure includes any public works construction projects, eg, built by the government for use by and/or to benefit the people.

Often they do meetings, however due to low attendance they decided this time they will call, write and facebook you to get your opinions as they decide which areas to focus on. This information we obtain will go to the “Plan de Nación” of the government to be consider for inclusion in the National Budget of 2013.

Please your opinion is very valuable!

Comment period ends this week (Jan 13th).

You can comment here and we will forward to BICA or write them direct at EMAIL:  info@bicautila.org

If you need to get to/from Utila on Christmas Day or New Years Day, make arrangements on our local or charter flights  through our local travel agents Alice or Frank.

Enjoy your time in Utila and Happy Holidays!

www.UtilaGuide.com

Advocating against the Honduras Airport Exit Tax Increase:

The Honduras Airport Exit Tax is expected to increase to $60 usd per person as of January 1.  An editorial from Honduras Weekly with details on this increase  is here: http://www.hondurasweekly.com/hiking-the-airport-exit-fee-is-lunacy–201112164580/

There are many concerns with this increase,  not only for tourism, but more so for how it will affect volunteer and medical groups coming to Honduras.

Below is a post from Marco, Editor of Honduras Weekly and major advocate of volunteer and medical  teams and their work in Honduras with his group, Project Honduras., asking for input and comments regarding this increase so he can try and advocate against it.

Please direct any comments directly to him.

Posted by: “Marco” marco@projecthonduras.com  

Sat Dec 17, 2011 10:42 pm (PST)

We are planning to go! Email us at info@utilaguide.com if you are interested.

 We’ve just done an entire overhaul on our vacation rentals page at www.UtilaGuide.com  Check it out at http://utilaguide.com/hotels/utilavacationrentals/.

Whether you are looking for a rustic oceanfront bungalow, an in-town unit, or an expansive beachfront house, we have a range of vacation rentals on Utila.  We have an extensive listing of  properties, including all the Utila vacation rental and Utila Property Management services, along with websites, VRBO listings, and local contacts.

If you have a home on Utila and looking for some folks to help you with the property management, you can find contacts for all Utila property managers here as well.

Utila has some of the lowest prices in the world for Carribbean vacation rentals- take a look at http://utilaguide.com/hotels/utilavacationrentals/ and find your spot in the sun!

Enjoy your stay on Utila!

 The Utila Princess is the only larger passenger ferry servicing Utila at this time, the route is Utila to La Ceiba and return. The cost is 400 lempiras, which is about $21 usd each way, and takes about 1 hour to travel the 18 miles by sea.    

Daily Schedule for the Utila Princess:

Utila Princess Departs Twice daily from Both La Ceiba and Utila    

Depart Utila for La Ceiba:
6:20 am, 2:00 pm       

Depart La Ceiba for Utila:
9:30 am, 4:00 pm       

Reservations are not taken or necessary (unless you have a very large group)    

UtilaGuide tip: If you tend to get seasick,  consider doing yourself a favor and ask for a seasick tablet when buying your ticket- they are free.  Best to take 45 minutes ahead of time. It will make you sleepy, so you can always try half too!

UtilaGuide tip: (from Gonzo in La Ceiba):  If there is bad weather, call ahead to make sure it’s running. Their number is: 425-3390 and they are bilingual English and Spanish.  

Utila Princess Ferry Prices:

Adults : 400 Lempiras (approx $USD 21 one-way)
Children (aged 6 – 12 years) : Travel 1/2 price if accompanied by an adult
Children (under 5 years old) : Travel free if accompanied by an adult.    

There is an an additional 20 Lempiras($1 usd) tax for departures from La Ceiba.    

Fare includes transportation of 2 pieces of luggage in the hold, and 1 carry-on cabin luggage. Additional luggage may be subject to cargo charges.     Also note that the extra luggage charge is usually 50 lempiras per additional piece of normal size luggage or boxes
 
UtilaGuide Tip: Don’t plan to put your carry-on down on the floor; it can get wet.  .    
     

Utila Princess Ferry Locations:

In Utila: The ticket and main office is based at the Utila Municipal Dock, at the bottom of Broussards Plaza, in the center of town.  
 
In La Ceiba: The La Ceiba ticket office is based at the “Muelle de Cabotaje”, the main cargo port of La Ceiba.  The Utila Princess waiting area and boat are right next to the larger Roatan Galaxy office/boat.       

Utila Princess Contact Information:

Email: utilaprincess@gmail.com ; Lupe Wardlay
Web: http://www.utilaprincess.com (but this down as of Sept 2010)- see our UtilaGuide.com web page http://utilaguide.com/utilatravel/utilaprincess/
Telephone Utila: (504) 425-3390/ 425-3392
Telephone La Ceiba:  (504) 408-5163/440-7877

Need to know how to get to Utila from San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba or Roatan by air? Check out our Domestic Flights page with details on CM airlines, SOSA, Guanaja Air / Island Air, Utila travel agents Morgans Travel and Worldwide Travel, getting to Utila and more.

Yoga Classes on Utila Starting Again January 23, 2012~  COCOS DECK!

 Update Jan 29: AFTERNOON Vinyasa flow session is moving to room above the firestation. Same time: Tues/Thurs 3pm.

Our first 3 week yoga session (“Get to Know / Re-know Yoga”) went really well.  Thank you all who were a part of it!  (and to The Utila Lodge and Michelle and Utila Muncipality for the fantastic practice space~)

The 2nd session starts on Monday, January 23rd.  We’ll hold the morning classes at COCOS deck.  Its covered, and some side protection as well.  A great space. If raining, we will go above the fire station, like in the first session (right next to BICD).   Afternoon classes will be in the room above the fired station.

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Class Times for Jan 23-Feb 9 Session (3 weeks)  

                                         MON                       TUES                   WED            THURS                      FRI

9:30am-10:45am:       Yoga 101                Gentle Flow Yoga          X            Gentle Flow Yoga     Yoga 101 

3:00pm-4:15pm:                                          Flow Yoga                     X              Flow Yoga

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Class Descriptions:

 Yoga 101  (Previously called “Get to Know Yoga”)

A slower paced class,  focussing on the essentials of yoga, from breathwork to basic body positioning.   This class will be a combination of workshop and gentle yoga, and we will focus on ensuring we have correct alignment in our postures and understand the whys behind yoga.  This class is suitable for those who are new to yoga or experienced yogis who are looking to reconnect with yoga or better understand alignment, proper positioning and some background on yoga, to be able to better participate in our other classes.  Throughout the 3 week session, we will cover the fundamentals of the following:

-yoga breathwork (pranayama)
-developing body awareness
-classic standing and seated poses (asanas)
-sun salutations (A) and possibly (B), including workshopping elements within
-focus/gaze (drishti)
-introductions to basic inversions concepts and subtle backbends
-meditation techniques
-introducing “yoga flow”, combining movement and breath connection

This will be a progressive  3 week course, each class building slightly on the previous day’s class.  However, drop-ins are welcome and “one timers” will feel completely comfortable with the pace and context of this course.

Gentle Flow Yoga:

A slower, gentler pace class to wake up the body, encourage energy circulation, calm the mind, focus the breath and set your intention for the day.  Gentle yoga postures are combined in a slow vinyassa flow pace where breath is linked with conscius movement so that your flow yoga practice becomes a meditation in action, while increasing strength and flexibility. 

Classes will include  include traditional yoga elements of breath (pranayama),  warm ups, sun salutations, basic sanskrit, standing poses, balancing poses, seated postures, twists, backbends and inversions, ending with relaxation.

Flow Yoga:

Incorporating most of the aspects of our Gentle Flow class above, with a slightly faster, more vigorous pace, and some additional strength postures for a bit more intense practice.  Those who have regular physical activity (like  pilates, running, aerobics, paddling, swimming, weightlifting, etc,), but who have not yet tried yoga will find this class to be a great fit for them, as well as those who have a regular yoga practice at home.  Flow yoga is a great balance of focus of breath, calmness of mind and creation of invigorating energy.

Vinyassa Flow Yoga:

Vinyassa is a dynamic system of practicing asana (poses), linking breath to movement, that builds heat, endurance, flexibility, strength and concentration. Sequencing is often around sun salutations.   This is a faster paced class; with energetic and flowing classic yoga poses to increase inner and outer strength, mobility and flexibility. Emphasis is on strength, stamina, and mindfulness.

Private Classes:

A combination of any of the above or more workshop format if there is an area you want to focus on (breathwork, figuring out the downward facing dog, etc)

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Costs:

Donation based.  Suggested donation per class: $4-$5 usd (75 to 100 lempiras) per class.  This is a donation based class- please do not let lack of money stop you or someone you know from coming and experiencing yoga.  You can talk to me direct if you have any questions.

• 25% of donations will go to food/supplies for street dogs and another 25% will go to a needy family (s) for medical bills
• We have kept the price very low as your teacher is newly certified and this is a learning and growing process for everyone. At this same time, we want to ensure all islanders/locals can attend as well.  If you know someone who would like to attend but truly  does not have the means to meet this suggested donation, please encourage them to come and not worry about the financial part.

Private Classes: $25 usd (or lempira equiv.)  for 1-3 people, $5 usd per person after that.   Private classes can be at your home or hotel and last about 1 hour 15 minutes. We will bring mats if you don’t have.

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What to Bring To Class:

• Comfortable clothing
• Yoga Mat (we have some available starting at just $20 usd).
• Water Bottle
• A hand towel as our Utila weather is hot and you may sweat a little bit
• Positive attitude:)

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Directions:

Morning Practice are planned for COCOS deck!  Its a great space, and covered for sun and also a bit on the sides for some privacy.  Thanks Santi and Jonathan and Cocos crew!  Afternoon Practice will be in the room above the fire station.

In case of rain, we will be in the  “Room Above Fire Station”: You will be  turning down the same entrance as to The Utila Lodge / BICD.    Go just past the fire station, down the path to Utila Lodge.  Entrance  is 2nd door on the left.

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Need a Yoga Mat? 

We have received our yoga mats on island, and they will be available to pick up in the Utila Realty office, next to Munchies.

Yoga Accessories Sticky Mat: Available for sale for just $20usd (377 lemps). These retail for $17 usd + shipping if purchased direct from states, so this is a good deal since they are already here on island. 1/4 inch thick, sticky, this Yoga Accessories mat is one of the most popular sticky mat found in yoga studios and fitness clubs.  Burgundy, Brown (my favorite), Dark Lavendar

Dragonfly Natural Rubber Mat: Completely non-toxic, biodegradable, recyclable, and contains no latex, or PVC.  Made with open cell, natural rubber, making it very resistant to slipping, even during a vigorous yoga routines.  I bought two and will be using 1 myself.  Other one will be for sale for $55 usd. These retail for $49.95 plus shipping. Color- Dark purple.

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Comments from our first 3 week session:

-“Andi…thank you so much!!! I really think this is your calling, you are incredibly calming and a natural. At first I felt awkward since this was my very first experience. However, I can’t express enough how good I feel right now.”

 -“Thanks for a wonderful class. I think you are doing  a really great job.   My experience in the past has basically been mostly from doing classes in countries where I don’t speak the language,  or from videos where they can’t tell you/manipulate your body if you are not doing a pose correctly,  so it is wonderful to actually understand the ‘why’behind the how.  You are a very good teacher”

-“It was great Andi! My body wasn’t too sure at first, but by the time we were finished, my body was feeling happy & energized. Looking forward to the next class! Thank you”

- “Reconnected to my body through yoga this morning. I feel amazing! Two months without was way too long. I literally cried half of it, it felt so good. Grateful to be present. Back with peace and joy, love and light ”

-“Gentle yoga is wonderful for everyone, it allows us to move more freely. Yes, I am so happy that Andi is now teaching a peaceful yoga with direction. Thank you”

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About Andi:

Sunshine, waves, flat turquoise water, coral reefs, thunderstorms, waterfalls, dog smiles,  kayaking, paddling, jumping off docks, and yoga~

I recently completed my  200 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training at Davanna Yoga in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with empahsis on Vinyassa Flow.

I am still creating my own personal style, which is a blend of  of Hatha, Vinyasa and Slow-flow Vinyasa, integrating meditative aspects and energy flow into the physical postures.

I started with yoga over 15 years ago, and like most people, thought it was just about being flexible and learning how to be more so. I immediately realized that yoga was much more than the solely pursuit of poses and flexibility, but I still didn’t yet know what “that  much more” really was.   I practiced sporadically for many years, always loving how I felt after yoga, but for some unknown reason, never committing to the practice on a more intense or regular level.

After incurring a fairly serious back injury, I was inspired to find ways to get rid of the pain other than the workmen’s compensation prescribed routine of “cortisone injections and ibuprofen” for the rest of my life.  This led me to start learning and exploring ways to incorporate mind, energy, and positive thinking into the healing process, while mentally choosing to stay active in physical pursuits to help  keep my body strong and flexible. This led me back to yoga.

Throughout the year I work part time as an outdoor guide, and I’ve been leading stretching classes with my  kayaking work up in Belize for 2 seasons now, slowly integrating aspects of  yoga more and more into each week. After leading these stretching classes and deepening my personal yoga practice, I felt I was ready to immerse myself more.  I took the yoga teacher training course this past Fall to deepen my personal practice and be better able to share this art with others- primarily on my kayak trips, but through the encouragement of others on Utila, I learned there was an interest in having classes start here.

And so with that, I am grateful for this opportunity to share yoga with others her on Utila. Physically, while of course yoga helps with flexibility, yoga  also will bring us strength and balance.  At the same time  yoga will strengthen our bodies and mind and allow for amazing energy to flow through both.  And through regular practice  I have found yoga can help to bring more gratitude, patience, and contentment into our lives.

Namaste~

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For More Information:

Email YogaUtila@gmail.com  or call Andi at 9-779-0521 (but it doesn’t really take voice messages, text is good though!)  or stop in at Utila Realty office, next to Munchies.  Or just drop in to the classes above

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——This page brought to you by www.UtilaGuide.com- Your source of information about the island of Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras