Disclaimer: Please note the information below is presented for informational purposes only, and solely in an effort to help your travel planning, as we have found that much of the existing information on the web to be quite outdated.... We have tried to be as accurate as possible, but take absolutely no responsibility for the information presented below, nor for any of the carriers and/or travel agents. Please let us know if you find any of the information to be incorrect and/or if you have updates, and we will adjust the text accordingly.
The remainder of this page answers these questions. Just scroll down or click on question for the category. Lets Start at the Beginning - Where is Utila? Do I Need a Passport to Come To Utila? A. What is the Easiest Way to Get to Utila? C. What About Coming from Tecucigalpa? D. What Airlines Fly from Locally from San Pedro or La Ceiba?
G. Hotel Options in San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba: H. Hotel Options in San Pedro: I. Taking a Taxi from San Pedro to La Ceiba: J. What About Taking A Bus from San Pedro? K. Can We Charter a Plane for Group? L. What is the Utila Ferry Schedule? M. What About Coming from Roatan? N. Anything Else I Should Know?
Central America
Utila is off the Northern Coast of Honduras
Utila is one of the Bay Islands, located off the coast of Honduras, in Central America. Of the 3 islands, Utila is the closest to the mainland of Honduras. It is accessible by small aircraft from La Ceiba or Roatan or by a one-hour ferryboat from La Ceiba or sailboat from Roatan. Do I Need a Passport to Come To Utila?
YES! To come to Utila, you will be entering Honduras, and to enter Honduras, you must have a valid passport.
A) What is the Easiest Way to Get to Utila? A1) Make your flights in/out of La Ceiba if you can. Then either: a) Take the 9:30am or 4pm Utila Princess ferry from La Ceiba to Utila. Note: As of July 2008, they are only running the 4pm ferry, but we are hoping they will add the morning ferry again soon. b) or Take a charter flight through Celine (organized by Alice of Worldwide Travel or Frank with Morgan's Travel; see contacts below) to Utila for approximately $185 USD for up to 3 people; 2 people if lots of luggage. The charter will run until sunset (no lights on runway here), so that’s about 5:30 pm. c) or Take the regularly scheduled plane, SOSA, to Utila on Mon, Wed, Fri, at 3:30pm or Atlantic flight on Saturday. (see flight schedules below and arrange through travel agents Alice or Frank). A2) or Get a flight to San Pedro Sula (try arrive on M,W,F or Sat before 12:30 pm in the afternoon). Then: a) On Mon, Wed, Friday, there is the local SOSA airline flight to Utila, departing San Pedro Sula at 2:00pm. On Saturday, Atlantic Air does the flight at about the same time. The flights may stop in La Ceiba first, but you can buy the ticket all the way to Utila. We have found it is easiest to make reservations for these flights with Alice of Worldwide Travel or Frank with Morgan’s Travel as opposed to booking direct with the local airlines; see contacts below.
b) On any day, take a local airlines SOSA or Atlantic or Islena/Taca to La Cieba, and then take a charter with Celine to Utila for $185usd for the plane which seats 3 people (or 2 people with lots of luggage). See more information under “b” above and make reservations with Alice or Frank below. c) OR Take a private taxi or bus from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba (3 hours) to catch Utila Princess ferry which leaves promptly at 4pm. Local phone numbers are below, or you can catch a taxi at the airport. It should be about $120 USD for a car, which will seat 3 people; You can arrange in advance for a van which will be a little more. Bus is $20 usd. You can see more details for taxi’s under “I” below and for the bus under “J” below.
Click HERE for a summary of airlines and their direct flights to Honduras. B1) If flying into San Pedro Sula - come in the mornings on M,W,F, or Sat.
If you want to get in to Utila the same day, you will need generally need to arrive into SAP before about 12:30 pm in the afternoon, as local flights leave to Utila at about 2:30pm (see details below). Plan on at least 1.5 hours for immigration and luggage; though it generally takes less, so plan accordingly to make the 2:30 Sosa flight to Utila. a) It is best to arrive in San Pedro Sula in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday in order to catch a commuter flight on to Utila, as there are NO direct flights from San Pedro TO Utila on Tues, Thurs, or Sunday. (Atlantic used to have a flight in, but stopped it about April 2008). See schedule below. b) If you do come on alternate days OR if you have late afternoon arrival in San Pedro Sula, you can generally still get to La Ceiba the same day with SOSA, Atlantic, or Islena/Taca. La Ceiba is a little easier to navigate and less expensive to stay. If its early enough, you can then can take a private charter from La Ceiba through Celine (see A1-b above) or take the Utila Princess ferry from La Ceiba at 4pm. c) If you need to spend the night in San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba, we have some suggested hotels below. B2) Plan your return flight for after about 12noon to give you time to get there. a) If flying out of San Pedro Sula, determine if you want to fly out of Utila the same day, or want to get to San Pedro Sula 1 day earlier to avoid any travel delays.
b) Scheduled planes leave Utila for La Ceiba / San Pedro Sula only on Tues, Thurs, and Saturday at the bright hour of 6:00 am, then you can connect with SOSA flight to San Pedro Sula at 8:30am. If you have a later flight, you can also take the Hedman Alas bus, which is very safe and comfortable, and about $20 for the 3.5 hour ride.
c) You can take also take the 6:20am ferry or private charter with Celine out to La Ceiba any day, and then connect from La Ceiba to San Pedro Sula with Sosa or Atlantic or via a 3.5 hour Hedman Alas bus ride. C. What About Coming from Tecucigalpa? The airport in Tecucigalpa closed in May 2008 and they were re-routing passengers. You can still book through Teguc, but they will probably route you somewhere else. Best to just try and book your ticket through San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba.
D. What Airlines Fly from Locally from San Pedro or La Ceiba? Once in San Pedro Sula (SAP), local carriers SOSA or Atlantic provide service to La Ceiba (LCE) and also Utila. In addition, Islena/TACA also provides later afternoon and evening service from SAP to LCE, but its a little more expensive. Once in LCE, you can also connect with the ferry to Utila which leaves promptly at 4pm.
Costs: The flights cost about the same on either Atlantic or SOSA and may vary a few dollars for travel agent commissions. Flights on TACA/Islena are a little bit more: SAP to Utila: $117 USD-$122 one way; $213-$222 Round Trip LCE to Utila: $45-$50 USD one way SAP to LCE $65-$70 USD one way ($155 R/T for TACA / Islena) As we’ve noted, guests have found it much easier booking with Alice, Frank, or Neva below. You can contact the airlines directly if you choose.
TIP: 1. Alice Gabourel – Owner of Worldwide Travel Alice has very quick response and can arrange flights with either SOSA or Atlantic or Taca, transfers from Roatan, charter with Celine, as well as your international flight. Web: http://www.aboututila.com/TravelInfo/World-Wide-Travel/Index.htm Email: alicewwtravel@yahoo.com Phone: (504) 425 3394; Cell phone 9-981-1960 Fax: + (504) 425 3394
2. Frank Morgan – Owner of Morgans Travel SOSA representative on island, but will make reservations for many different airlines, including charter with Celine, tranfers from Roatan, and also international travel. Email at UtilaMorgansTravel@yahoo.com. http://www.aboututila.com/TravelInfo/Morgans-Travel/index.htm Phone in Honduras: (504) 425-3161 or 425-3166 USAPhone: (786) 623 4167 (Internet phone that rings his office in Utila) 3. Neva Munoz – Utila Representative for Atlantic Travel; also Roatan transfers and can book Sosa and other flights Honduras Phone: (504) 396-3691, Email at atlanticairlinesutila@yahoo.com
4. Betsy at Roatan Charter Air Desk. She’s not on Utila, but works with Roatan Charter, based in the States. They charge a little more money (the SOSA r/t from them quoted at $289 usd per person where as its $225 for the above agents), but she will get back to you very quickly and can arrange a variety of transfers and also international flights. Email betsy@roatan.com or USA Phone: 800-282-8932 ext.310. www.roatan.com F. What do I Do If I Miss My Flight or I Get Delayed?:
Anouk- 3-323-1223, Vicki- 9-833-0510, Jim – 3-334-1395 If you can't reach us by phone, leave a message and please send an email to info@destinationutila.com. If we don’t hear from you, we will try and find you the next day, but since we may not know when you are coming, as a back up plan, stop at our office which is within the Utila Realty office, when you come in. It is in the center of town, just above the ferry ticket office. If we are not there, they can call us so we can come and get you the keys to your unit.
http://www.holaceibita.com/hoteles/hotel_paris.htm Phone: (504) 440-1414
http://www.hotellaquinta.net Phone: (504) 443-0223
email is piqart@yahoo.com (that’s a “Q”, not a “G” in the “piq”).
H1. If you are late in San Pedro, and you are unable to get to Utila: We suggest you take a private taxi/van to La Ceiba if its during daylight hours. Thats just a personal choice, as we would rather stay in La Ceiba than San Pedro as its one step closer to Utila, and its probably a safer town, and also the rooms are less expensive. See more details in next section "I" below.
Casa de Arbol, which is a lovely old house very nicely redone into a small boutique hotel in the Guamilito area, which is where the handicraft market is. Cab at night. Rates are about $70 usd for 2 people. Our friend got in late and they brought her up a fruit basket with a wide range of cut fruits as all the restaurants were closed. http://www.hotelcasadelarbol.com/ (Phone) 504- 504-1616
http://www.usula.com/jicaroseng.html Phone: (504)-550-7003.
http://www.clarionhotel.com/ires/it-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=HN003;Phone (504) 516-2727,
Below are some Budget Hotels and Hostal Options in San Pedro Sula:
http://www.travbuddy.com/San-Pedro-Sula-hotels-993276
Below are some Budget Hotels and Hostal Options in San Pedro Sula:
http://www.travbuddy.com/San-Pedro-Sula-hotels-993276
Below are some Budget Hotels and Hostal Options in San Pedro Sula:
http://www.travbuddy.com/San-Pedro-Sula-hotels-993276
You can easily find a taxi at the airport; plan on $12-15 usd total (not per person) to town. Metrotel is very nearby, but they will still charge you that rate. Be sure to agree on rate beforehand!
I. Taking a Taxi from San Pedro to La Ceiba: A private van or taxi will cost about $125 US dollars from the airport and take about 3 hours. This is for a normal car; it may be about $140 for an SUV. Coming out of the airport, you will see some gentleman at the taxi station; most are from the association COTRALMYH that operates a safe fleet that we have used (these are the Honduran phone numbers). Be sure to take a look at their badge to make sur they are with this group.
1) The main number for Cotralmyh should be 504-506-1027. They may have someone there who speaks English.
If you take the taxi before 12:30pm, you can likely still make the 4pm Utila Ferry! At any rate, we think its better to stay in La Ceiba than San Pedro. Once again, CONFIRM THE RATE BEFORE YOU AGREE! 1) The main number for Cotralmyh should be 504-506-1027. They may have someone there who speaks English.
If you take the taxi before 12:30pm, you can likely still make the 4pm Utila Ferry! At any rate, we think its better to stay in La Ceiba than San Pedro. Once again, CONFIRM THE RATE BEFORE YOU AGREE! If you take the taxi before 12:30pm, you can likely still make the 4pm Utila Ferry! At any rate, we think its better to stay in La Ceiba than San Pedro. Once again, CONFIRM THE RATE BEFORE YOU AGREE! J. What About Taking A Bus from San Pedro?
J1. General Bus Information: The direct Bus (Hedman Alas) from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba is quick (3 hours) and definitely an affordable option ($15 USD) . This is a reliable, secure bus company that services Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, the Copan Ruins and La Ceiba. This direct bus is very clean, accommodates lots of luggage, shows movies and the seats recline nicely; not a bad way to travel.
Departures are at departs at 10:20am, 2:45pm, and 6:00 from the new international terminal in San Pedro Sula. There is also now a Hedman Alas bus station right at the airport (504-668-0179) – head out and go to the left. The bus leaves from the airport to the bus station at 8:30am, 9:30am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, and 5:15pm.
J2. Our tips: a) As for the “Ejecutivo Plus” for an extra $5.00 USD for equivalent for flying first class – fully reclining seats, more spacious, etc.
b) You will NOT make the ferry if you are on the 2:00 bus. Still, its a good way to get out of San Pedro Sula, and at least make it to the more mellower city of La Ceiba.
c) When making seat selection, ask to sit near the front if you can’t get the executive seats. Its just a nicer ride.
d) If you can only make the last bus (the 6pm), consider staying in San Pedro Sula, as many folks don’t suggest traveling at night.
f) The bus is cold! Lots of AC! So bring a sweater if you tend to get chilly!
J3. Bus Contacts: The main San Pedro Sula number is 504-557-3477 and you can buy in advance and also look at schedules at www.hedmanalas.com. It’s a fairly easy site to navigate.
J4. Once you arrive in La Ceiba, you then take a taxi to the ferry dock (about 100 lempiras for 2 people - $5 USD), and then catch the 4pm Utila Princess (305 lempiras, about $16 USD). The ferry leaves exactly on time, sometimes a few minutes early. Don’t be late! K. Can We Charter a Plane for Group?
As of July 2007, the charter from San Pedro Sula to Utila is $880 USD, and the plane can hold up to 9 passengers. You definitely want to arrange this in advance. Charters out of La Ceiba are $185 for up to 3 people, and larger planes can be arranged. Charters from Roatan can be arranged with the travel agents above as well.
Utila - La Ceiba: 6:20 AM and 2:30 PM La Ceiba – Utila: 9:30 A.M. and 4:00 PM
*Important Note July 2008: The schedule above is the normal schedule, but for this month, they are only departing Utila at 6:20am and returning on the 4pm run. We are hoping this will go back to the 2 runs per day come August.
Mayan Caribbean is a tour operator that charters a plane from Captain Dorn Ebanks (Central American Airways) on Saturdays from/to Roatan from Utila and then sells individual seats. This is a larger plane, which seats 17, and the plane will only go if they have 7 people or more, but they have been making all flights so far. In fact, often times they book up because of the international connections directly into Roatan on Continental and Delta. Flies FROM Roatan TO Utila: 3pm, Saturdays Flies FROM Utila TO Roatan: 9:00 am, Saturdays If you want to pay the minimum charter fee of 7 pp, you can also book the plane any time.
-We have used the agent Gloria at Mayan Caribbean Air to make reservations.One way: $ 115 usd; Round Trip: $190 usd. She can be reached at Honduras Phone: 504-9683-0289; or Email: gloria@mayancaribbean.com . Let her know you are a client of ours. -You can also use Niva on Utila at who charges $212 usd including tax for this Round Trip flight.She is listed under Travel agents under E above and can be reached at atlanticairlinesutila@yahoo.com -You can also book with Alice of Worldwide Travel alicewwtravel@yahoo.com or Frank of Morgan’s Travel UtilaMorgansTravel@yahoo.com who are listed under travel agents above. -A new option is to contact Betsy at Roatan Charter Air desk; airdesk@roatan.com or betsy@roatan.com Phone: 800-282-8932 ext.310. They charge $245.00 R/T per person including taxes for the trip. Betsy is in the USA and responds very quickly to emails. See A1-b above for more information, and you can book through the travel agents Alice, Frank, or Neva at the contacts listed under "E - Travel Agents on Utila" above. As of July 2008, price is $400 one way. See A1-b above for more information, and you can book through the travel agents Alice, Frank, or Neva at the contacts listed under "E - Travel Agents on Utila" above. As of July 2008, price is $400 one way. M3) Take a catamaran sailboat with Captain Vern: $50 a person one way. Email is vfine@hotmail.com . It takes 3-4 hours, and of course is semi-weather dependent, but a nice option, and on calm days he can stop for deep-sea swimming which is a nice treat. Vern gets back to email right away (unless he's on a charter) and is easy to work with. Let him know we sent you.
N. Anything Else I Should Know? Just remember you are traveling to a 3rd world country, and to an island that is off the beaten path a bit. Getting here is all part of it! Keep your passport on you, a change of clothes, and you should be ready for anything. |
|---|
www.destinationutila.com © 2008 | Contact Us | sitemap