The real deal on Ferry Service (A/K/A Inquiring minds wondering aloud)

[DeputyDan]

So, what is the deal on ferry service between Utila and Roatan?

I have read lots of snippets but no real concrete information about how one would arrange to travel between the two.

I am considering doing a trip with maybe 3/4 days in Roatan diving and 6/7 days in Utila - then back to Roatan for the flight out!

Thanks for all comments from the peanut gallery and other assorted do-gooders and nay-sayers!

 

[RTBDiver]

Its simple,
Ferry runs daily from roatan to La Cieba and La Cieba to Utila, If the schedule fits your needs your all set. Where are you staying? Why not ask them for details including transfers, afterall, isnt that who your paying a lot of money to?

 

[Doc]

Thanks for all comments from the peanut gallery and other assorted do-gooders and nay-sayers!

 

[diversteve]

There's two options - we did the ferries last March to Utila and it's a simple, afternoon (or morning) trip. You take the Galaxy from Dixon Cove to La Ceiba and walk across the parking lot for the Princess departure 1/2 hr. later. The schedules mesh so for us, leaving Roatan at 2PM put us on Utila about 5:15. Just over $100 r/t cost for both. Both ferries left right on time. First class on the Galaxy means you sit upstairs with A/C and a movie.

Safeway Maritime Ferry - Roatan to La Ceiba
Utila Princess Ferry | Utila Guide Honduras

The other option is to sail over with Captain Vern. He has a catamaran that leaves from Coconut Tree's Dock in the West End and returns the next morning from Utila. I think he makes the trip regularly.

Ferry between Roatan & Utila, The Bay Islands, Honduras, daily with Capt Vern on the Nina Elisabeth II Catamaran

 

[RTBDiver]

There's two options - we did the ferries last March to Utila and it's a simple, afternoon (or morning) trip. You take the Galaxy from Dixon Cove to La Ceiba and walk across the parking lot for the Princess departure 1/2 hr. later. The schedules mesh so for us, leaving Roatan at 2PM put us on Utila about 5:15. Just over $100 r/t cost for both. Both ferries left right on time. First class on the Galaxy means you sit upstairs with A/C and a movie.

]

Thanks Steve for reinforcing my post, Sometimes I have been accused by some as nor providing relevant information yet now with you posting the same thing I did just reinforces how commited I am to keeping Mods here happy

 

[Bay Island Diver]

The ferry has been well covered,

Vern leaves the West End daily at 1pm (he leaves Utila at 6am)

It is regular but he does sometimes do charters so email him to mkae sure. vfine@hotmail.com

HTH

Will

 

[rob@diveinutila.com]

Vern's page on AboutUtila.com

Ferry between Roatan & Utila, The Bay Islands, Honduras, daily with Capt Vern on the Nina Elisabeth II Catamaran

he runs Roatan/Utila pretty much like clockwork. Almost set your watch by him arriving in the bay here. He tries to depart West End about 1am, crossing is a relaxing 4 hour cruise. Leaves Utila at 6:30am. He'll pick up and drop off at the hotel or dive center dock for you.

It's always worth getting in touch with Captain Angelo, Guanaja Air. He runs his own 10 seater plane around the islands. His cell is +504 9558 8683.

hth,

 

[Sloeber]

I've taken the trip between Roatan and Utila several times now, and have utilized the 3 traditional ways of getting to/from.

As explained above there are the ferries. They are reliable. Pay the extra $7 for first class on the galaxy for the A/C if its hot out. From La Ceiba to Utila they are using the new(er) smaller boat, which I wasn't fond of. It gets you there and back, but it is not comfortable, you don't feel safe, and you are cooking inside the tin can. But for $60 you are from Roatan to Utila (or visa versa) in 3 hours. I will use these taxis again.

There is also Capt Vern with his daily trips direct betewen Utila (6am) and Roatan (1pm but will delay his Roatan departure if you ask). This trip is rouhgly 4.5 hours and $55. If you get sea sick take Dramamine early. I have never been sea sick in my life and I spend A Lot of time on the water and I got sea sick with Vern. It is slow going and rolls over the waves plus fumes from diesel fuel add to the noxious feeling. I doubt I personally will use Vern again unless I need to for scheduling conflicts.

I have also taken the island hopping plane. When I took it in 2007 the runway in Utila was gravel but I noticed last month is has been nicely paved now. I forget what I paid but it was at least twice the cost of the ferries, however it also took about 20 minutes. I'm not one for flying, however, so it is an interesting flight for those like me. Those small planes can get scary. I may use this service in the future, but the higher cost and my lack of flying will make the ferries my first choice.

If none of these work for you, there are several other options, but all of them start increasing in price substantially.

HTH

 

[Bay Island Diver]

I have never been sea sick in my life and I spend A Lot of time on the water and I got sea sick with Vern. It is slow going and rolls over the waves plus fumes from diesel fuel add to the noxious feeling. I doubt I personally will use Vern again unless I need to for scheduling conflicts.

That is certainly worth considering, i am an experienced sail boat captain and also suffered from the uncomfortable motion, not for the faint hearted!

 

[rob@diveinutila.com]

We have a new ferry service running from La Ceiba to Utila daily. It's called the Island Tours and does the trip in about 1.5 hours. It has started a ferry price war on the island! Prices have fallen from 425 Lempiras for a one way trip (i.e. almost $45 for a round trip). In typical price war fashion prices on one ferry went to 300 lps. Then went down to 250lps, then this morning 150lps! From $45 for a round trip down to $15 this morning for a round trip! Good news for anyone traveling from LA Ceiba to Utila

We'll see what happens next in this ferry price war...