Visit Bay Islands, Honduras

Add to My List Check Off

Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, as close as 30 kilometers from the Honduran mainland port of La Cieba, is found the Bay Islands (Islas de la Bahia) archipelago. Protected by the world’s second longest coral reef system, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, these idyllic land masses in the Western Caribbean have long been a refuge for treasure seekers. In the days when Spanish Galleons sailed these waters, pirates made the archipelago a base of operation to attack the passing fleets and plunder as much of the precious cargo bound for the New World as they could. Today, the islands offer a bounty of a different kind with the riches of the sea in the form of vivacious coral, colorful tropical fish, Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and turtles distributed among huge sponges along the reef system attracting treasure seekers adorned with masks, fins, snorkels and SCUBA tanks. The three main islands of the grouping, Roatan, Utila and Guanaja, offer alternative experiences for visitors. Roatan, the largest and most populated, provides a good selection of accommodation options, restaurants and other attractions in addition to diving excursions. Utila, the smallest of the 3 main islands, provides less in the way of infrastructure than Roatan. Utila is frequently sought by a younger international crowd and budget travelers while presenting more of a party atmosphere that is perfect for the backpacking set. Diving experiences from Utila include a collection of Cays and islets off Utila’s southwest shore. Water Cay, just off Utila, is the site of a three day electronic music festival known as “Sun Jam” the first weekend each August. Resident fishermen on Utila line up their boats to transport the festival goers to and from Water Cay. Guanaja, christened “Island of Pines” by Christopher Columbus, boasts the highest peak in the Bay Islands with incredible hiking trails winding through the unusual vegetation providing resplendent views of the Caribbean. More than 40 mapped sites among thriving reefs, caverns and wrecks off Guanaja make it a worthy choice for divers pursuing their passion. Guanaja, although the least visited of the Bay Islands, offers a number of upscale dive oriented resorts in isolated locations. 90% of the island of Guanaja is designated as a Honduran National Forest and Marine Park. In addition to snorkeling and diving, visitors to the Bay Islands enjoy kayaking, parasailing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sport fishing and sailing. Roatan and Utila are easily accessed by ferry from La Cieba. Roatan has its own airport with service from La Cieba, Houston, Texas, Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. A smaller airport operates on Utila with regular service from La Cieba. Guanaja’s airport offers scheduled and charter flight from La Cieba and the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula. Your dream of diving in Caribbean waters rich with ancient wrecks, whale sharks, manta rays and dazzling tropical fish can be fulfilled by adding a trip to Visit Bay Islands in Honduras to your list.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›