Sun Jam Festival on Utila - bad time to visit?

[hopefulist]

Hi, all -
My husband and I are planning to spend 2-3 weeks on the Bay Islands this August and are trying to figure out which islands we want to visit. We loved Utila and plan to head back but our timing might be off. I believe Saturday, the 2nd of August, will be the big Sun Jam music festival that draws a thousand or more to Water Caye, and it was early the following week we are planning to head to Honduras. Has anyone been to Utila at that time? If I reserve ahead will we be OK or do you think the party level will be over the top that next week and best to avoid? We could delay a week but were hoping to start our island time on Utila.

Last year we had a little apartment at Freddy's Place just across the bridge and I dove with UDC. We were there the last week-end of July in 2006 which was Carnaval - no problem - so we might not notice a difference. Thanks in advance for any advice you can share. Happy trails!

 

[bay Islander]

From what I remember the last couple of years as soon as it's over the ferry boats are just as packed and making numerous trips taking people back on Sunday and Monday to the mainland. Town bars are pretty much empty, or closed since everyone is out on the cay for the weekend. The party level the week after Sun Jam returns to normal, or at least normal for the island anyway.

 

[hopefulist]

Thanks for responding! That's what I was thinking/hoping. We'll probably head straight to Utila from SAP on Monday the 4th.