The point at Blue Bayou, a 20-minute walk west of Utila Town, marks the southern entrance to the cross-island canal, which is fast closing up because it was man-made and now mangrove cutting is illegal. With considerable effort and a local guide, it may still be possible to get up the canal and across a trail to the west to Turtle Harbour Pond, in the center of the island. On the north side of the island west of where the canal lets out are a couple of small, deserted beaches accessible by boat only.

From the end of Cola de Mico Road, a paved road continues four kilometers out to the airport, where it is possible to walk across the airstrip to the beach on the north coast and continue west to Pumpkin Hill Beach. Much of the coast here is covered with fossilized coral and rocks, but a few patches of sand provide good spots to put down a towel and relax in splendid isolation. Negotiating a safe passage into the water to swim and snorkel is no easy task, but in calm weather the determined will make it.

Near the beach is Pumpkin Hill, 82 meters high and riddled with caves, one of which is the sizable Brandon Hill Cave, reputedly containing pirate treasure. When the weather is dry, a dirt road continues back toward Utila Town, a shorter return than via the airport, but a complete mud bog when it has been raining.

Closer to town is Stuart’s Hill, like Pumpkin Hill a former volcano. From the top are good views over town and the south side of the island.