The facility is located about two miles outside the only town. It is surrounded by tropical broad leaf forest, just a few hundred feet from the Caribbean sea and situated at the bottom of 'Pumpkin Hill' which affords unparalleled views of this small island.
We offer full board accommodation, including three meals a day, and can accommodate groups of up to twenty or more. We run several long term studies at the facility and host visiting research scientists with their own studies. Our main areas of research are the Bats of the Bay Islands, Population monitoring of the critically endangered iguana the Ctenosaura bakeri (endemic to Utila) and work on the Insect Diversity of Utila. We also have an environmental educational program which focuses on the schools and island community.
Kanahau's mission is to study and understand the ecosystems on the island with the objective of identifying the areas that are under threat and most in need of protection. We hope to raise the funds to purchase these lands which will be established as guarded nature reserves with public access where appropriate and permanent scientific monitoring programs established for the key species present.
Kanahau is open to all, not just biologists but also to geologists, archaeologists, anthropologists, teachers, film makers, engineers, in fact anyone who would like to visit and conduct research on Utila, or help with the projects that are already running. We can assist with logistics, permits and permissions, provide local knowledge and advice, and also help you plan your study before you arrive.
