The Utila Cays

If you spend enough time in Utila, you’ll hear people talking about the “Cays”, pronounced “keys” by the locals. This little collection of islets sits just off the southwest corner of the main island, and while each one has its own character, together they tell a story that blends natural beauty, rich history, and everyday island life.

Water Cay is probably the most famous of the bunch, and for good reason. Picture a stretch of soft sand surrounded by blue water so clear you can see the ripples of the sandbar beneath your feet. Snorkelers and divers love it here — the coral reef around the cay is teeming with life, and the calm waters make it a perfect spot for an easy day trip.

Then there’s Upper Cay, also known as Suc Suc Cay, and there's Lower Cay; a small fishing village where life moves at its own pace, connected by a single bridge that crosses the water. Locals head out early to fish, and the catch often ends up in one of the cay’s little restaurants. If you stop here, you have to try the fish burger or the fish fingers, they’re simple, fresh, and famous for a reason. It’s the kind of place where you sit down for lunch and end up in a conversation with someone who’s lived on the cays their whole life.

These cays are the two main inhabited cays and they are more than just pretty spots; they’re full of history. Samuel Warren, one of the early settlers, first built his home here in the 1800s. Later, he took the house apart piece by piece, moved it to the main island, and rebuilt it. That building stood for many years where the restaurant Munchies used to be, and today, it’s home to Holy Guacamole. It’s considered the oldest building on Utila, carrying a piece of the cay’s history with it.

Sandy Cay and Little Cay are quieter but equally special. These private islands offer accommodations you can rent, and surprisingly, they’re affordable. Imagine waking up on your own cay, coffee in hand, with nothing but the sound of the sea around you. It’s a different kind of island experience, one that feels like a secret hideaway.

Locals also tell stories about what lies beneath the surface. Years ago, Webb, a longtime islander, shared how he was digging a well in the Cays and came across indigenous bones, including small skulls believed to be from children. It’s a haunting reminder that these islands have seen centuries of life, from pre-Columbian times to the present day.

Today, the Utila Cays are roads filled with colorful houses, authentic islanders of English descent, and a laid-back lifestyle that feels worlds away from the busier main island.