Join an Eco-Tour on Utila!

​Hiking to the highest point of Utila on Pumpkin Hill, you will have a fantastic view of the entire island! You will be immersed in hardwood forest as you sight all of the different creatures in this biodiversity hot spot. You could see the endemic anole lizard, curly haired tarantulas, leaf cutter ants, snakes, a variety of birds, and much more wildlife. We then end the tour with a visit to the islands prime turtle nesting site. Cost is $10 per person and flexible to your needs (price includes a dedicated biologist guide who gives context and information about island biodiversity) - discounts can be discussed for larger groups.

Adjacent to the Kanahau facility is an important cave site that is locally famed as Robinson Crusoes Cave. This cave was used by the native Pre-Columbian Payan communities as a shelter some 500-1000+ years ago, and in the last 200 years has been used as a pirate smugglers treasure store, supposedly Robinson Crusoe himself. Now, this caves winding limestone caverns are home to a vast colony of some 6000 bats, representing 50% of all Utila bat diversity. The depths and formations of this cave will thrill both novice and even the most experienced explorers, climbers and cavers. Cost is $10 per person. Price includes an experienced tour guide.

​This is the best route to kayak on the island! You will cross the man-made channel from Oyster Bed Lagoon on the South side of the island. This water channel (historically designed for the transportation of lumber and coconuts) passes through the savannah and the mangroves of Turtle Harbour, a precious ecological reserve on Utila. You will have the opportunity to see our endemic spiny-tailed iguanas, mangrove bird species and much more. Once you have arrived at Rock Harbour beach, you can jump in the water and snorkel sea grass beds or simply relax on the white sandy beach. Cost is $30 per person (which includes kayak rental and biologist tour guide) - discounts can be discussed for larger groups. This tour typically lasts from 3- 4 hours (approx 2hrs total kayak time).

This is a great tour for adventurous people! You will hike through hardwood forest and mangroves to reach the beautiful north coast of Utila. We can pass by a secret freshwater cave. You might see iguanas, agoutis, birds of prey and even the Spotted Moray Eel (Gymnothorax moringa) as we explore the coastal rock pools of the northern coast line and snorkel at Jacks Bite. Look out for pirate glass and pottery from the Paya people along the Iron shore. This trip will explore a variety of remote habitats that few people on Utila ever experience. Accompanied by one of our expert biologists, you will get a real chance to experience Utilas wildlife naturally. Cost is $20 per person (which includes biologist tour guide) - discounts can be discussed for larger groups.

​Come and join one of Kanahau’s experienced biologists in the field on any of our current studies! Ask for details about our endemic iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri) catch-and-release population study, our bat surveys (done in/outside the cave right next to the Kanahau facility!), and our other reptile (snakes and lizards) research or invertebrate studies. Research runs actively from the facility everyday; so drop us a message to know whats going on and how to get involved! All of our biologists provide a friendly and professional service to inquiring minds of all ages, giving you a valuable research experience and scientific taster. Price subject to our ongoing day-day science activities. 

Ever wondered what central and western Utila look like? Turtle Harbor Pond is located in the centre of the island, surrounded by a network of neotropical savanna and marshland habitats. Many visitors to Utila never step foot in these extreme remote habitats, despite these regions being home to unique flora and fauna. Join our experienced tour guides as we navigate through the high grass and thick bush towards the little explored freshwater lake. There is much wildlife to see. Note - this tour is physically demanding and involves hiking several kilometers in extreme climate conditions. Only for the most intrepid explorers and only with prior-planning!