|
Home for the world's largest fish, Whale
Sharks, measure as long as 55 feet and dwell the Caribbean
waters surrounding the Honduran island of Utila. Exceedingly
docile and feeding harmlessly on tiny plankton, they frequently
swim at the sea surface. Nature lovers from around the world
go to Utila for the incomparable experience of swimming alongside
these enormous creatures. Located approximately 18 miles from
the coast of mainland Honduras, Utila is the smallest of the
three major islands. A lush canopy of pine, mango, almond,
and palm trees, covers most of the island, providing a heaven
for tropical birds, rare lizards and large prehistoric iguanas.
Utila
offers a delightful maze of caves and caverns where jade beads
and many other indigenous artifacts have been found. A large
hill on the extreme northeast coast dominates the landscape
and is named "pumpkin hill' for its round and sloping
shape.
The
town of Utila in East Harbor is the center of activity. As
visitors stroll the main road leading from the airstrip past
a large mangrove lined lagoon into town, wooden buildings,
often build above stilts and over 100 years old. |
