AboutUtila
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Cozoholic:Mark,
How would you compare Roatan to Coz (topside)..We are in the PRE planning stages of our next trip. Just got back from Coz - and unlike many others weve had enough at this point . We'd like to see other places.
We are considering: Utila/Roatan/Cayos Cochinos
Thank you
The Bay Islands in general are nowhere near as developed as Cozumel. There are no large 100+ bedroom hotels, no significant road traffic (compared to Cozumel), no international brand name hotels or restaurants chains.
Roatan is the most developed of the Bay Islands with a number of quality inclusive resorts - some owned by off-shore companies and larger developers. Roatan is easily reached by air and sea with regular direct scheduled flights from the USA, and charter flights from Canada and Italy. There is a daily ferry (2 sailings/day) between Roatan and mainland La Ceiba. Cruise Ships regularly visit the island (130+ ships per year with 200-2000 passengers per ship). Although the population of Roatan is around 30,000 these are mostly centred in 6-10 small towns and spread around the island.
Utila is less developed than Roatan, all accommodations are owned and operated by local residents. There is only 1 population centre, with large parts of the island being uninhabited. Most tourists are 18-30 year olds, either backpacking Central America or staying for 2-6 months for Divemaster/Instructor certifications/work. Utila is reached by scheduled light aircraft flights from La Ceiba or Roatan or twice daily ferry from La Ceiba. Non-backpacking international tourists tend to arrive at San Pedro Sula or Roatan and then take connecting flight on the SOSA or Atlantic Airlines domestic carriers.
Cayos Cochinos (Hog Islands) is the least developed and is heavily protected as a conservation area. There are no roads or airports in Cayos Cochinos, access is by boat only, mostly from La Ceiba. The Plantation Beach Resort is the main place to stay in Cayos Cochinos. This is a real "get away from it all" location with the most pristine coral reefs of all the Bay Islands and a minimal number of other tourists.
I hope this helps - Mark