Getting to and away

Getting to and away Types:
Getting to and away

By Mike Karanicolas

The majority of visitors to Utila arrive via the ferry from La Ceiba. The boat departs daily from Utila at 6:20 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and leaves La Ceiba for the return voyage at 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tickets cost 375 L as of May 2008 and the trip takes around an hour. It's best to be at the dock half an hour early to make sure you get a ticket.

If the ferry isn't running (it sometimes breaks down) or you've missed your departure, then catch one of the smaller skiff that sometimes run the route for 500 L per person. Contact a tour operator to check if they're running before you head out there, since service is irregular. If you do end up in one of these speedboats, you should expect a VERY wet ride. Be sure to stow your bags in the luggage compartment, if you want to keep them dry.

It's also possible to fly between La Ceiba and Utila. The flight itself is around 15 minutes, but considering the time and expense of transferring to and from each airport it's probably quicker and easier to just use the ferry.