Utila

Utila is the smallest of the principal Bay Islands, located in the western Caribbean. Just 18 miles from the mainland of Honduras, low-lying Utila is believed to have once been a coral atoll.

While the majority of Utila is comprised of mangrove swamps, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do there. The island has been long considered a casual traveler’s hangout, and is a major destination for backpackers across the globe. The extensive coral reef lures dive and snorkel enthusiasts, especially those keen to get a glimpse of the gigantic whale shark, which can be spotted in the Utila’s waters most of the year.