Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras

Utila is the kind of Caribbean paradise where you may run into quite a few people who came here on vacation a couple of years ago and then never left. Surrender to the relaxed pace of the tiny island on the town’s white sand beaches, and sip cocktails at one of the beachfront restaurants. The pristine waters around Utila are the main draw, and there are plenty of dive shops that will help you see the vibrant coral reefs. On an ocean safari with the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center, you will head to the east side of the island in search of dolphins, manta rays and the area’s most popular residents, the gentle whale sharks. By day’s end you will understand why so many visitors decide to stay.