roatan westend beach Roatan, Guanaja and Utila - 50km (31mi) off the north coast of Honduras - are a continuation of the Belizean reefs and offer great snorkeling and diving. The islands' economy is based mostly on fishing, but tourism is becoming increasingly important. Utila retains low-key tourist facilities, while Roatán is gradually joining Guanaja as a more upmarket retreat. Most travelers head to West End on Roatán, but Utila is the cheapest of the three islands to visit. Whichever island you visit, make sure you bring plenty of insect repellent, because the sand flies are voracious, especially during the rainy season. The islands have an interesting history, including evidence of Maya occupation. Columbus landed on Guanaja in 1502, but the Spanish later enslaved the islanders and sent them to work on plantations in Cuba and in the gold and silver mines of Mexico. By 1528, the islands were completely depopulated. English, French and Dutch pirates then occupied the islands, followed by the Garífuna, who were shipped here by the British after an uprising on St Vincent. The islands, in many ways, still look more toward England and the US than to the Honduran mainland, and a richly Caribbean version of English is the main language. Honduras Scuba Diving Honduras, the original banana republic, has a rugged, off-the-beaten-path appeal characterized by its unique blend of nature, archaeology, reefs and beaches. Like its Central American neighbors, the country is an engaging land of tropical richness with vast protected areas preserving its abundant flora and fauna, offering boundless fascination to eco-tourists and adventurers. Roatan is a true tropical island with steeply sloping jungle covered hills, long stretches of sandy beaches and beautiful fringing coral reefs. The island is 35 miles ( 58Kms ) long and an average of three miles wide, it lies 40 miles ( 66Kms ) off the north coast of Honduras. Studded with deep water inlets called 'Bights' it has been a safe haven for sailors for centuries. Home originally to the Paya indians, the island has passed from country to country during the conquest of the Americas in the 16th century and fought over by the British and Spanish crowns for possession of the hard woods both on the island and mainland. Eventually forsaken for more lucrative islands Roatan was taken over by the infamous pirates of the Caribbean, This island became the mighty stronghold of Henry Morgan who ravaged and plundered the Spanish Main. 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. Roatan 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: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Bay_Islands/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:20:02 EST Roatan, in the Bay Islands of Honduras, is a Western Caribbean island about 35 off the coast of Honduras in Central America. The Bay Islands are south of Belize and share the same reef system that runs from Cozumel all the way south to Roatan, Guanaja and Utila. Roatan was the setting for Fox-TV's "Temptation Island 3." Roatan is the largest of the three major Bay Islands. About 40,000 people live on the 40 square mile island, including the descendents of slaves and British colonials and Spanish families from http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Bay_Islands/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:20:02 EST The climate is tropical with a rainy season from mid-October to late November. While Roatan's median temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, its waters are equally warm. Almost-constant trade winds cool the island year-round. The island's indiginous exotic trees and plants are kept healthy by ample annual rainfall. Honduras is not in the main path of the hurricanes. They typically turn north to the United States and Mexico - Minus Hurricane Mitch. Balmy temperatures range from 77° to 84° F year around with the trade winds providing a gentle breeze helping to keep the humidity low. Rainfall averages about 80 inches a year, mostly occurring in the late fall. However, even in the rainy season the weather in Roatan can be compared to that of Florida; periodic showers with plenty of Sun. This rain rarely compromises the diving. The evenings are generally cooler because of the prevailing trade winds blowing in from the southeast. Inland temperatures vary with altitude, but generally pleasant all year round. The Bay Islands are approximately 1,100 miles due south and a bit to the east of New Orleans. The islands support a warm tropical climate that averages in the mid 80s during the day and mid 70s at night. The humidity is much milder than New Orleans, and Miami creating a dryer atmosphere. The trade winds are mostly constant providing comfort throughout the year. The Caribbean rainy season that is usually very slight in the Bay Islands runs approximately from mid November to February. Like all tropical paradises there are mosquitos and sand gnats also called (noseeums). The use of standard repellents will ward off these varmints. Clothing should be comfortable and cool, shorts and light weight cotton pants are recommended. Even for the evening the dress is casual for the better restaurants. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/Bay_Islands/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:20:02 EST Driving is on the right-had side of the road, like the United States. Drivers are required to show a valid drivers license and a major credit card or a cash deposit. Of course, there are taxis and buses. You should always negotiate the price before you hire the taxi, possibly comparing with another taxi. Roatan is simple to navigate by car, but use caution when driving. Try not to drive at night as roadways are not marked well or divided in all places. Try to drive a road in the daylight before you try it at night. Also, always be on the lookout for livestock in the roads. One main paved roadway runs east-west from Oak Ridge (far eastern end) to West Bay Beach (on the western end) with various dirt and gravel side roads. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/Bay_Islands/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:20:02 EST Restaurants and Dining: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/Bay_Islands/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:20:02 EST