It's easy to understand the appeal of this place. A limited number of guests are welcomed to a private tropical island, where they have near-exclusive access to some of the best dive sites in the western Caribbean, enjoy chef-prepared meals, picnic on pristine beaches, explore pristine forests, and take in happy-hour sunsets from a waterfront deck. This is what a vacation should be, and it's not just for the rich and famous.
The Property
Cabañas on Clark’s Cay is a four-acre private island sitting a mile off the southern coast of Guanaja. For those not up on their Caribbean geography, Guanaja is the easternmost of the Bay Island's group that also includes better-known Roatan and Utila. It is by far the least developed of the group, with few residents, fewer roads, and miles of surrounding reefs that are see a very limited number of divers. Guests of Clark's Cay arrive at Guanaja’s small airport and are transferred by boat to the Cay. They stay in a collection of one and two-bedroom cabanas built from rich local woods and furnished with a simple elegance that includes essential luxuries such as premium bedding, private baths and available air-conditioning. Cabanas feature wrap-around porches that take in island and ocean views and invite relaxation with a good book.
Meals are a highlight of stays at Cabañas on Clark’s Cay. The culinary team serves a varied menu that includes regional and international dishes and will prepare special dishes on request. The dining experience takes place in the indoor Las Casitas social area, and in the open-air Rio Cantina oceanfront restaurant, where a pizza oven and smoker add to the chef's options. Accommodation plans include three meals daily along with snacks and a happy-hour spread. The use of fresh, local ingredients allows for healthful eating choices, while indulgences also abound.
Another guest favorite at Clark's Cay are the water features. The elevated infinity-edge pool is set on the island's western point, providing 180-degree views of the surrounding lagoon. An adjacent hot top delivers relaxing soaks, and the attentive bar staff is always on hand to refresh drinks or deliver a snack. Encircling the pool deck is a lazy river, where guests can make leisurely circumnavigations on the winding watercourse.
The Diving
On the property is a full-service PADI/SSI dive center operates two custom-built dive boats, the 45-foot Freedom and 40-foot Endeavor. Both of these vessels can accommodate up to 20 divers but typically carries fewer to ensure ample personal space. They are fitted with wide swim platforms and large ladders. Passengers are provided with snacks, freshwater showers, towels, camera rinse tanks, dry storage and shaded seating areas. Both 63cf and 80cf tanks are provided, and nitrox is available.
Divers have the option of two-tank morning dives and an afternoon dive, or an all-day three tank excursion to the island's north shore, with lunch provided on board. A weekly night dive is offered, and additional night dives can be arranged. The Clark's Cay dive staff delivers concierge service, which goes beyond carrying gear and tank swaps, to include personal attention for anyone needing assistance in suiting up, in-water guidance for those who prefer this service, and a hands-off but attentive presence for divers who feel comfortable in their own abilities.
Divers have access to more than 50 sites around Guanaja, with underwater landscapes that range from shallow coral reefs to pinnacles, walls, swim-through grottoes and the wreck of the Jado Trader, which is considered to be the best in the Bay Islands. The reefs surrounding the island lie within a marine protected area and see only light diver traffic. As a result, both hard and soft corals remain vibrant and healthy.
Beyond the Reefs
Diving and snorkeling are prime attractions at Cabañas on Clark’s Cay, but not the only activities. Guests have a number of additional adventures available on both land and sea. Kayaks are available for a self-guided trip in the lagoon, or for longer guided tours of the coastline. Guanaja is a lush, mountainous island with numerous freshwater streams; Guests can take in this unspoiled natural setting with everything from short garden walks to longer hikes to overlooks, waterfalls and deserted beaches. Adrenaline junkies can even sign up for a canyoneering adventure that will have them traversing the island's unique acclimates as they ascent to an elevation of 800 feet, then rappelling down a series of nine cascades.
On days when afternoon dives are swapped for night dives, the staff hosts a tour of Bonacca town, a nearby village that envelops an over-water village where homes are linked by bridges and canals. Each week, the staff arranges an evening cruise that takes in the numerous small cayes and villages along Guanaja's southern coast. After a full day of diving and adventures, guests can schedule a massage at the oceanfront wellness center, or simply kick back in the pool and watch the sunset.
We work with Cabañas on Clark’s Cay to offer special rates on week-long packages at the resort and can take care of all travel arrangements and other details of our vacation. To discover all that Guanaja and Cabañas on Clark’s Cay have to offer, give us a call us at 800-330-6611 or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.