roatan bay islands honduras
Some of the world’s best diving awaits in the waters surrounding the Bay Islands of Honduras.
The bright sunshine and the beautiful waters of the Bay Islands of Honduras beckon thousands of visitors annually to experience some of the world’s finest diving and snorkelling. The barrier reefs surrounding Roatán, Guanaja and Utila include a portion of the world’s second-largest such ecosystem. While lodging and dining expenses are somewhat higher than the Honduran mainland, visitors find that these are worth the investment to observe marine life on a grand scale, including abundant coral, fish, sponges, sea turtles and more. Once a part of the Spanish empire, the islands have been administered as one of 18 departments of the Republic of Honduras since 1872.
Lying 15 to 60 kilometres (ten to 40 miles) off the Honduran coast in the Caribbean Sea, the popularity of the islands has increased substantially in recent years, and Roatán has become a particularly popular destination.
The largest of the islands, Roatán offers all-inclusive resort packages along with guided diving excursions, hiking trails and beautiful beaches that invite visitors to relax and soak up the sun. Thrilling zip lines, encounters with jungle wildlife, and easy living are also abundant. The island is 60 kilometres (40 miles) long, and 14 kilometres (nine miles) across at its widest point. A long, curving ridgeline accents the tropical landscape, which challenges accomplished hikers but provides stunning vistas of the Caribbean for those willing to put in some legwork. Although hotel accommodation is sparse, good availability exists at West End Village, an eclectic enclave at the northwestern end of the island. Thriving commercial activity and shopping are also available at Coxen Hole, the largest city on Roatán.
Utila is the smallest of the three Bay Islands; however, there are opportunities to learn diving and snorkelling skills at a reasonable rate. In fact, for budget-minded travellers Utila may be the best place to discover the captivating natural beauty of the Caribbean barrier reef. Utila is punctuated with mangrove swamps, and its main road traversing the entire island from Sandy Bay in the west to The Point on the eastern shore may be walked in only 20 minutes. Its population centre, Utila Town, is home to shops and restaurants, providing a real flavour of the unique Caribbean culture that makes the Bay Islands such a popular destination.
The mountainous island of Guanaja receives fewer visitors. Consisting of two islets bisected by a canal, these spits of land are accessible from one another by water taxi. Bonacca, also called Guanaja Town, is the centre of the island's commerce. Shops offer a variety of local wares, and accommodation here - while relatively few - can be expensive.
The Bay Islands of Honduras present an appealing Caribbean adventure for visitors. beckoning those who seek beauty in nature, colourful culture and an opportunity to experience the easy lifestyle that has made the area famous the world over. Remember that expenses for food and lodging vary widely. Credit card transactions are also subject to a hefty 16 per cent upcharge in some locales.