An Afro-Honduran superwoman in the guise of the hotel’s lone staff (receptionist/snack bar attendant/bellman/security/guide book/whew!) hustled us to the door like a mom would to her child who’s late for school. While the hubby hailed a taxi in the middle of a still-sleepy street market next door, she stood beside me, trying to call cabbies using her own mobile. She seemed over eager to send us off as soon as possible.
Her demeanor was too good to be true. And that kinda scared us.
Getting to Muelle de Cabotaje:
We initially thought that the dock for ferries to Honduras’ Bay Islands was just a few blocks away. So when we realized that it’s actually quite a drive from the center (about 15 fifteen minutes long), we finally understood why the receptionist was keen on shooing us away an hour before the ferry’s departure.
And how much is the taxi fare from La Ceiba center to the port? About 100-120 lempiras. May depend on how good your Spanish is.
Buying ferry tickets for Utila:
We were dropped off in front of Utila Princess’ office-slash-boarding area. By that time, it was about 45 minutes prior departure and there were only a handful of passengers waiting. The office doesn’t take reservations. So it’s best to arrive at least an hour before to secure tickets.
Ferry ticket fare from La Ceiba to Utila (as of writing):
Adult: Lps 542 ($28)
Children 5-11 years old: Lps 283 ($15)
Children under 5: Free
When buying tickets, present ID or passport.
Utila Princes ferry schedule:
Depart La Ceiba for Utila:
9:30 AM, 4:00 PM
Our ferry departed 5 minutes later than the schedule. Two days after, when we were back at Muelle De Cabotaje to catch the Galaxy Wave (which services La Ceiba-Roatan), the 9:30 Utila Princess left almost on time as well.
Waters can get choppy. The vessel’s sealed whilst on sail. And the absence of breeze plus the limited field of view is a recipe for seasickness. Take pills if not good at handling this, or just eat a light meal before the trip.
Hard, bench seats. Life jackets onboard.
If weather is bad, trip will be canceled.
How long is the ferry ride from La Ceiba to Utila? About an hour.
Going back to La Ceiba from Utila:
Fare is slightly different. We were charged Lps 578 ($27) each. Ferry schedule is 6:20 AM, 2:00PM. Tickets can be purchased at the dock, or at Utila Princess’ office beside Broussard Plaza if you want to buy in advance.
Random tip: Upon arrival at Muelle De Cabotaje there is one van that goes directly to León, Nicaragua. Driver holds up a sign and calls out passengers, should be hard to miss.
Utila Princess’ website (fare not updated though)
www.utilaprincess.com
Honduras phone number:(504) 2425-3190
E-mail: info@utilaprincess.com
