Expert divers and ocean lovers in general come to the Bay Islands for a taste of paradise. After all, they boast the second largest barrier reef in the world, right after Australia. All three islands –Roatan, Utila and Guanaja- are perfect, whether you are into diving, snorkeling, swimming, hiking or just relaxing under the sun.

Roatan is the most developed of the three. On the West side you will find communities like West End, which holds most tourist attractions; West Bay, the largest beach on the island, ideal for snorkeling or glass bottom boat tours; and Sandy Bay, Roatan’s cultural center.

For all those who aren’t entirely into diving, there are plenty of other activities, like a visit to Roatan Butterfly Gardens, just five minutes from the main entrance to this local spot, with a wide variety of butterflies, lush tropical trees and plants; zip line jungle canopy tour, where you can glide above the trees, safely attached to special cables and harnesses; sailing along islands and cays; dives with dolphins; an iguana farm; or visiting the Garifuna village of Punta Gorda for great music, dancing and cuisine.

Divers’ Heaven

The Bay Islands in Honduras are known around the world for their spectacular diving. Life on them, especially Roatan and Utila, revolve around this popular pastime. Local dive operators abound and PADI authorized centers offer the perfect opportunity for those who have never dived before. • Roatan: Three popular diving spots are the West End Wall (for deep diving), Doc's Elbow (for night dives) and the Barbaretta Wall, which is an uninhabited area, largely free of human evidence. • Utila: Aside from meeting every requirement for fantastic diving, this small island also offers the the best prices in the entire country.

Utila is the smallest of the three, with a population of approximately 8.000. Famous for its whale shark -the world’s largest fish- sightings, it offers the most options for budget friendly travel. It has become the main attraction for all sorts of visitors who, aside from diving, can also snorkel or go fishing, explore freshwater caves or cays, or visit the nearby Pumpkin Hill mountain, where legend has it that pirates hid their treasures. They can also get to know the island better through the Iguana Research and Breeding Station, that pays special attention to the endemic black iguana.

Forty miles from the coast, the island of Guanaja is unique in today’s modern world. Free of roads and traffic, life here carries on at a different pace. Surrounded by the beauty of untouched nature, all transportation for locals and travelers must be done on bike, boat or foot. Diving is amazing, of course, but as with the other two of the Bay Islands, there is a lot more to keep one busy for days: kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking to amazing waterfalls, sailing, wind surfing, water skiing.

Bonacca is the capital and is located East of the mainland. Large part of the town rises from the water on posts, since it outgrew the two very small cays where it first began.

Submarine Wonders

You’ll find first class diving training in the islands. Advanced courses include five immersions and are combined with walks on the reef, where you can watch an impressing variety of animals, including turtles, lobsters and an ample number of birds and fish. But that isn't the only reason divers flock here from all across the globe. Utila is also famous for its whale shark (the oceans largest fish) encounters, which are virtually guaranteed towards the end of February and throughout March. If you're planning on visiting during the whale shark season, you won't be disappointed. Once you master the basics, you can dive to a shipwreck and meet its current inhabitants. The majority of tourists consider under the moon dives the most remarkable experience, since at night submarine life acquires new rhythms and colors. The plankton, activated by contact, gives a beautiful multicolored light show.

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