The Bay Islands

V!VA User‘s Description

The beautiful Bay Islands, Honduras’ most popular tourist destination, consist of three large islands: Utila, Roatán and Guanaja; they are surrounded by about 70 smaller, mostly uninhabited islets and an extension the world’s second-largest coral reef after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Enjoy some of the world’s cheapest diving in these warm, clear Caribbean waters full of colorful fish, the best collection of pillar coral in the Caribbean and a wide variety of sponges.

Diving and Activities

Diving is the most popular activity among travelers on the islands. Utila offers the most selection and best prices, with reasonable packages charging as low as $10 USD per dive for multi-day tours. Be sure to not just choose based on price, though. Most of the equipment is reliable, but check carefully before going out on a dive. Small groups, especially for classes are also preferable. Many of the operators are PADI-certified.

Live-aboard tours are available from all three main islands. Deep-sea fishing tours are also possible; check with tour agencies on any of the three islands.

Prices and People

The population is a diverse mixture of Caribbean, Latino and British heritages. English is the principle language, although Latino Hondurans from the mainland are a growing presence as the tourism booms and jobs continue to be in shortage in other parts of Honduras. Fishing is the major industry, especially for shellfish, but tourism comes in as a close second.

While the islands are more expensive than mainland Honduras, they are still reasonable by European and North American standards. Guanaja is the most expensive, followed by Roatán which, as the most developed of the islands, has a good mixture of upper-end and budget services. Utila is the cheapest and is a huge hub for backpackers looking for diving deals.

Geography and Transportation

Located off Honduras’ northern coast, all three islands can be reached by convenient, daily flights from La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula or by boat from La Ceiba. Roatán is the largest and most developed of the three main islands and features an international airport with regular flights to and from Miami and Houston. Utila is the least expensive, with the best deals on diving classes and excursions. Surrounded by watery caves, caverns and coral reefs, you often don’t need a boat to reach a good snorkeling or diving spot from any of the islands.

Weather

Rainy season runs from around October to February; tropical storms are possible in September. March and August are the hottest months.

Warnings

Be extremely sensitive of reefs and plant life when diving and snorkeling. Never touch or stand on the coral reefs; even a slight wave from your fin can kill the beautiful, delicate organisms that live in the reef. Mosquitoes and sand flies are a huge problem. Use bug repellant with DEET or an oil-based product that can drown the sand flies, which are about the color and size of a grain of sand and have a powerful bite. Malaria has been identified on the islands, so take the proper precautions. Don’t leave any valuables on the beach when snorkeling, diving or swimming.