Utila: Marina, Balls, or Hook?

[JStone]

Searched around and couldn't find much on marinas or the anchorage in Utila (never mind anything updated). Well, not much at all from a cruiser's perspective. Looking at heading over around early-mid November from the Rio via Lighthouse.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

(including watering holes, dive center recommendations, and dink landings if no marinas)

Also, are the resorts still operational at southern lighthouse?

Thanks Mates, y'all are wonderful.

Jason

[ughmo2000]

Not sure of Utila, but there are several nice marinas on Roatan.
We stayed at Barefoot Cay.

[belizesailor]

No marinas or moorings on Utila (unless something popped up in the last couple of years). Anchorage only in mixed bottom. Lots of grass in main anchorage so have to hunt for a sandy spot.

Cool funky little island, lots of watering hole options. We rented a four wheeler and drove all over the island. Windward side is mostly undeveloped.

[frazerhalliday]

Been anchored in the bay in Utila for a number of months... You have to find a sandy spot and occasionally the winds whip up and there has been a few occasions of dragging but generally the winds are calm and bay is flat, so no real issues.


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[belizesailor]

Re dink landing. There is a dock near the government offices on the bay, we usually tied up (locked with security cable) there, kids would play on the dink, but no problems. Have also tied up at several bar/resturants we patronized (a friend was running one of them). Its a pretty casual water front, no one in my experience is very concerned about where you tie up.

[JStone]

So, spent a couple of months there and for anyone looking for the advice: it turns out to be a great anchorage, however, you want to anchor in the grass, it's much better holding than the sand. Also, leave plenty of rode, just in case. It's a big anchorage, so you have the space. Also, note that the dive boats don't typically slow down, so it's bumpy (I don't mind, but I hear people complain about it a lot.)

All of that being said, do keep an eye on other boats and storms. I had a guy, Gypsy Moth, drag into me and tear up my bow pulpit, bow roller, and toe-rail.

It's the sailors that should deserve the reputation, not the anchorage.

(I frequently dove my anchor and it never moved unless I picked it up)