About Honduras
Honduras is a Central American country with a long coastline along the Caribbean Sea. The Bay Islands are a scuba diving destination that's part of the 1,000-kilometer-long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, also known as the Great Mayan Reef. The reef system is home to dive sites with more than 65 species of corals, 350 mollusk species, and over 500 fish species.
In the tropical rainforest, the ancient Mayan ceremonial site Copán has stone-carved hieroglyphics and stelae, tall stone monuments. Honduran society is predominantly Mestizo. The local language in the Bay Islands is mostly English, whereas on the Honduran mainland, the locals speak Spanish. We delve further into what has made the local Bay Islands culturally unique in our blog articles, "Diving With Whale Sharks" or "The Bay Islands: Roatan, Utila, Guanaja, and More."
DIVING HONDURAS
Surrounding the island of Roatan, there are more than 176 sites for dive trips to choose from. Roatan Island is the largest and most visited of all the Honduran Bay Islands. The majority of Bay Island dive shops are based on Roatan, providing well-trained and knowledgeable dive masters and scuba instructors year-round. Many of the best local scuba diving sites consist of pinnacles, seamounts, or diving around the cayes. Some hotels and resorts boast their own nearby public or top-secret scuba dive destinations and/or underwater attractions. Some of the top-requested local dive sites include Dolphin Den, Shark Dive, and Hole in the Wall. Whale sharks reserve the local waters for plankton feasts from February through May.THE LESSER KNOWN BAY ISLANDS
Whale shark sightings are common in Utila Island, just off the coast of Honduras. They can be seen all year long, but the peak seasons are March to April and September to October. Over 80 dive sites means diving diversity. The north side has deep drop-offs with shallower fringing reefs to the south. This island also showcases a rocky landscape to the east and Utila Cays to the west. Visitors can expect to see coral reefs, walls, seamounts, swim-throughs, pinnacles, and caverns on their dive trips in this location. Pinnacles, the Great Wall, the Aquarium, and Black Hills are among the best dive sites. Coupled with seeing whale sharks, expect reef fish, eagle rays, turtles, eels, dolphins, and tarpon.
The remote island of Guanaja features a fringing reef that serves as a protected marine reserve, making it an ideal spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. 40 dive sites ring the island, and besides seeing coral reefs, divers can expect pinnacles, vertical walls, lava tunnels, and wrecks. Surrounding Guanaja are innumerable cayes that form an ideal habitat for reef creatures and crustaceans. Vertigo, the Jado Trader Wreck, and Black Rock Canyon are dives not to be missed. Scuba divers frequently see angelfish, hamlets, butterfly fish, Creole wrasse, groupers, jackfish, eels, octopus, parrotfish, nurse sharks, and more.
Honduras Attractions and Activities
Roatan visitors can enjoy white sandy beaches, museums, dolphin experiences, and the arboretum. Utila has Pumpkin Hill and Jade Seahorse art garden, while Guanaja offers miles of beaches. Scuba diving and snorkeling are key attractions. Surface activities include horseback riding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and interacting with the locals. Popular dining meals include conch ceviche, conch curry, and conch soup. You may also like a grilled lobster, cooked crab, or fresh fish catch of the day. You can also try the local Honduran Garifuna style cuisine, which comes highly recommended and is flavorful, spiced, but not too hot.
Honduras Accommodations
On the Bay Islands, choices include dive resorts, waterfront cottages, ocean rooms, condos, or garden bungalows. Accommodations cater to individuals, families, and groups. Here are a few quality accommodation options in Roatan:
- Anthony’s Key Resort: This dive resort makes it easy to enjoy the underwater sites with a fleet of scuba diving boats and access to the local reefs. This family-friendly resort also provides a range of educational activities for both children and adults.
- Mayan Princess Beach and Dive Resort: Ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts, this dive resort provides access to dive sites such as Aquarium, El Aguila wreck, and Turtle Crossing, among others. You can also relax in one of their freshwater pools after your scuba diving expedition.
