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We’ve just spent a great week on Utila – the westernmost of the Honduras Bay Islands.  Utila is the poor sister to Roatan in terms of tourists – cruise ships visit Roatan (sometimes five a day!) spewing out passengers who invade the island for a few hours, spending little but making their presence felt in a big way.  The west end of Roatan is hugely developed with lots of tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants and bars all pumping as tourists (mostly American and English) fly in for their week in the sun.  By contrast, Utila attracts backpackers as there are no high end resorts, just a few nice bed and breakfasts a but mostly it’s low key backpacker accommodation.  There are dozens of dive resorts here, many with their own accommodation.

 

The tiny town of Utila is very laid back – just a handful of shops and loads of cafes and bars – all aimed at the low budget traveller.  It’s a scene we much prefer as we find young travellers so energising and far more interesting that rich tourists ticking off yet another country (does anyone really count countries?).

 

David’s shingles have finally abated and he felt well enough to do a free diving course which he absolutely loved.  He got to 20m on only his second day – what a guy!!!  I wasn’t brave enough and satisfied myself with sunset yoga sessions on a dock overlooking the sea – magic.

 

We’re now heading for the Belize Cays in company with Kiwi yacht Balvenie.