iguana research & breeding station

juliep521

I went to iguana station a morning during my stay in Utila and really enjoyed it. The volunteers answered all my questions about Iguanas and I really apreciated this little but very responsable center. A nice place to visit if you have a bit of free time in Utila, will only take you an hour and the walk up there is just magical with all the buterflies and the iguanas crossing your path!

545claudiau

We loved the trails that took us to the iguana research station, it was a plan in itself just to get there (it was actually really close by and did not represent a major effort, even with two toddlers) we went by bike. The guide was super helpful and nice, he and the rest of the volunteers are real heroes for the meaningful tasks they are responsible for. I would definitely go back and am thinking of ways to support their initiative by spreading the word, making donations and buying their cool t-shirts. A bonus was the stunning 360 view a few steps up the mountain, that gave us a complete perspective of the island.

DocW543

Research and conservation work to save the Utila Iguana. Interesting information to be had at the Research Center if you can get there while someone is around. You are able to see some of the iguanas that are in some status of being threatened or endangered (as they are endemic to the island). The folks working here might have some great local knowledge of the area if you are interested in exploring birds, reptiles, fish, ect. Local knowledge from friendly conservation minded folks!

TravelingCAFool

This station was started to protect an endangered iguana that is found only on this island. This is very important and worthwhile project that should be well supported.

morgen_431

i went there on my way to the water tower, the guys who worked there were nice and the research that they r doing is quite impressive

223nathanb

I hate to give anyone a poor review, but this place only received higher than terrible because of the good work they're trying to do. A group of 8 of us showed up during the hours they were supposed to be staffed and no one was to be found. We waited around for half an hour before giving ourselves the nickle tour (not much to see by the way). We never saw anyone before we left to find a bathroom, as theirs is nailed shut, and something to eat.

rowenae100

With two boys, we had to stop at the Iguana Station. Volunteers gave us a tour and explained the research they were doing. Our 10 and 6 year olds loved seeing the iguanas in different stages of development, asked good questions, and our older son even bought himself a t-shirt he was so impressed.

Mayghan

Brilliant place to visit. It is a very friendly, knowledgable and interesting experience. Lovely trip whilst visiting Utila

JoeL474

Matt gave a tour of the station and it was interesting to see the local species of Iguana indigenous only to Utila.

kkleinrn

If you're looking for a fun and informative activity that takes you away from the busy diving scene, a visit to the Iguana farm is a nice experience. It's a 10 minute walk up the hill away from the towncenter, just past the soccer field. The small iguana farm is staffed by volunteers who can tell you all about their interesting research and work. You get to see young juvenile iguanas, several adult pairs of the near extinct "Swamper" iguanas which can only be found on the island of Utila. As well as the "Ol' Swamper" himself in his habitat. He was actually quite friendly and approached us to say "hello". They have a few other environmental displays that are informative as well.

JagXKR01

We loved this place, over 3000 Iguanas that you can interact with and feed them, had no idea they were so friendly, they loved to have their tummies rubbed. Also big fish and a monkey who likes to steal your glasses, beware.

C3742QCjamesc

Nice exhibits with information displays. Knowledgable people most of whom volunteer their time to save the iguanas from extinction on the island. This is a must see if you love iguanas.

scubamom3483

A great place for the kids to go and experience, very educational and gives good onsite into the wildlife

BemidjiMN

Visit this little gem when in Utila. The dedication to mission and the care taken in the educational/interpretive materials is evident. The young volunteer who guided me (Jose) had a passion and knowledge about his subjects that I only wish I had experienced in my formal education years. A guided tour costs $3.00. They also offer a variety of inexpensive and intriguing ecological tours -- bats, underwater caves, kayaking the river and mangroves (my time in Utila was ending so I didn't get to experience them). If you're a history or nature buff, this, Munchies, and Altons are the best place on the island to partake in conversation.

johnathanc860

The Iguana Station is an NGO dedicated to the continued survival of the endemic iguana species to Utila, lovingly referred to as the Swamper. At the Iguana station, where one can volunteer, you can see the rare Swamper being bred and taken care of; depending on the time of year, you may even see some hatchlings scurrying along their cages. A visitor has the opportunity to feed female swampers fresh crabs that are regularly caught by the volunteers, and visitors are also given a tour of the site, get an opportunity to see the oldest living Swamper around today, and get an educational tour of the life and times of the Swamper, his habitat, and also information on other reptiles and amphibians on the island.