What To Do in the Bay Islands

Bay Islands, Honduras... Roatán, Guanaja, Utila and smaller cays provide brilliant blue and clear water, palm- fringed beaches cooled by constant tradewinds, exotic plants, and nature trails.
 
Delight in one of the most extensive reef systems in the world, that offers spectacular diving and snorkeling. Surrounded by warm Caribbean waters, these hilly islands are as picturesque as unspoiled. There are numerous different coral types, sponges, fishes and marine life as well as warm, clear blue water and excellent visibility.
Have a tropical drink and savor the very best in seafood and native cuisine while viewing spectacular sunsets from our dockside bars and restaurants. Horseback riding, scuba diving and snorkeling, charter fishing trips, sailing, day hikes, and sea kayaking are some of our local activities...to name a few!

For an interesting day trip, arrange a visit to the ancient Maya city of Copán on the mainland of Honduras. These impressive ruins represent one of the most sophisticated and culturally developed of all the ancient Maya cities. Or if it's true adventure you seek, journey deep into the tropical rain forest on a river rafting trip.

Like emerald islands adrift in an tropical sea, The Bay Islands of Honduras are remnants of the peaks of a submerged mountain range. On Roatan, you're sure to find an adventure. Scuba dive on the world's second largest reef, check out the salt water fishing action, explore the ancient Payan ruins, discover the area on horsback, snorkel, go sea kayaking, water skiing, go hiking and explore island, go bird watching or simply relax in a hammock. Cloaked with rainforest and encircled by a coral ring, these cayes are far removed from modern day life:

DIVING
Most divers around the world have probably already heard of Roatan as a diving destination. Roatan is a world class destination for students wishing to become divers and certified divers looking for a great location. The Honduran government has designated the reefs around the Bay Islands as a national treasure. These reefs form part of the second largest reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Lying in the Western Caribbean they are undoubtedly the most pristine and bio-diverse in the region as yet untrammeled by large numbers of divers.

Roatan's reef system lies against the Caymans Trench which drops away to thousands of meters in depth. In a few sites along the north coast it touches the island and creates spectacular drop offs from the coral wall.

Offering technical sport divers the chance to explore these incredible vistas. Diving with dolphins, turtles and the occasional whale shark can be the highlight of the diving vacation. Many can be found in the waters around Roatan.
 
SNORKELING
The great advantage for snorkeling on the reefs around Roatan is the reef come to the surface around the island, large areas safely tucked inside the shallow lagoon make ideal areas for the novice snorkeler and children to experience the wonders of the reef in controlled conditions. With a small tidal range of less than one foot and no strong currents, Roatan makes the ideal location for all the family. For the more experienced free diver spectacular drop offs offer depth ranges to suit all levels.
The Great Mayan Reef which starts in the Yucatan, continues through Belize, and extends into the Bay Islands lies about 100 yards from our beaches. Much of the reef in this part of the island has yet to be explored. You will encounter a dazzling array of fish and other sea creatures among the elkhorn, pillar, and brain coral. Guanaja's reefs are home to over 90% of all species of coral and sponges found in the world. There are over thirty snorkeling locations, where the coral and marine life comes up to within a few feet of the surface. Guanaja's reefs and waters are part of a marine park - in pure condition.
 
BEACHES
Roatan has one of the finest beaches in Central America let alone the Bay islands.
West Bay Beach is a ¾ mile stretch of pristine white coral sand fringed with palm trees and lapped by the azure waters of the Caribbean, safe for swimmers and bathers it makes for an ideal days outing where ever you are staying on the island.  Other good beaches exist up at the east end of the island at Camp bay and Paya bay.

FISHING
Although Roatan may not be known as a sport fishing destination, because of the close proximity of the Caymans Trench and its associated deep water, Marlin, Sailfish and Tuna are to be found in good quantities. In the shallows and lagoons, Bone fishing can be had at very reasonable rates with expert local guides. Take a day off from diving to go fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo or Tuna or if you're a fly fisherman, try your hand at bonefishing in one of the various saltwater flats situated around the island.

KAYAKING
Nowhere else in the region is such a diversity of natural wonders found in such a small area- pristine coral, steep mountains, thick jungle, sunny beaches and ancient ruins all clustered on islands a mile wide. This exotic setting is ideal for sea kayaking, and will surpass your most vivid fantasies of tropical paradise. Kayaking along shorelines is fun and a great way to explore the island independently. Find and visit small, untouched beaches that even small boats can't get to.
Several outfits offer rental and guided trips around the island in kayaks, there are endless opportunities to explore the out of the way places and hidden secret coves around the island, maybe catch dinner on the way and cook out over a camp fire on some secluded beach. It's away to meet the remote fisherman and villagers living around the island.

HIKING
The tropical forest is lush and waiting to be explored by the adventurous. You can make your way through the jungle and explore a waterfall and relish in a natural refreshing shower. You may want to follow the road over the spine of the island to Port Royal. This harbour was once the stronghold of pirates and bucaneers and is exciting to explore. Our islands our fairly moutainous and a hike along a trail can revail a spectacualr view of the Caribbean Sea.

SAILING
Opportunities are endless for those who come with there own craft, however, several local yachts are available for rental or charter, either on a daily basis or just for a sunset cruise.

OTHER ACTIVATIES
Two glass bottom boats operate in the marine reserve of Sandy bay and West End fully air conditioned they represent the latest in observation technology and provide a safe and informative introduction to the wonders of the reef.
Photographers and nature lovers can always find plenty to interest them on Roatan.

The many varied habitats offer a wide variety of opportunities to view migrating birds, rare and exotic indigenous fauna and flora, the natural landscapes and peoples of the island.
The island has a botanical gardens where plants and trees are labeled as to economic use and an institute for marine sciences where research is conducted on the reef and Dolphins.

There is also a small museum attached with the local history of the island.

Horse back riding, is a must on this island, a few operators with good horses offer excellent treks through the country side and some faster 'gallops' along the beaches.
What a glorious way to explore the island.

NIGHT LIFE
In many of the towns and villages you can find restaurants and bars offering local fare.

In West End village a number of restaurants offer international cuisine, these establishments are usually run by ex-patriots and have some of the best dinning on the island.

The island has two disco/nightclubs for the hardy party goers and many resorts run special nights with Garifuna dancing or Mexican fiesta themes.

Cabana Roatana: Roatan Nestled on West Bay Beach, Cabana Roatana is a vacationer's paradise. Your stay in this impressive tropical setting will be made as enjoyable as possible by the friendly owner-operators Liz and Bill ...

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