The Best of the Bay Islands

The Bay Islands of Honduras reward divers with a wide assortment of underwater opportunities ranging from shallow reefs and coral-covered slopes to walls, wrecks, sharks, macro life and more. With three unique islands and a variety of first-class dive resorts to choose from, the question for many divers isn't 'should I go', it's 'where should I stay'. The answer to that question depends less on the quality of diving — which is excellent across the island chain — and more on personal preferences on topside amenities the after-diving atmosphere. To help you plan your Bay Islands dive trip, we've provided a brief overview of each island, and compiled a shortlist of properties that provide the best values and diving experiences.

The Bay Islands run east to west from the Honduran mainland, and lie at the southern end of the Great MezoAmerican Barrier Reef. The north shore of each island is characterized by fringing reefs that soon transition to walls and blue water. By contrast, the south shores typically stretch across shallow reefs before dropping in a series of slopes and mini-walls onto a plateau that extends to the Honduran mainland. These variations in underwater topography provide habitat for a range of reef dwellers and macro life, while also being close enough to open water to attract passing pelagics. You can find detailed information on the underwater attributes of the Bay Islands on our Honduras Dive Page.

Stretching some 37 miles east to west, Roatan is the largest and most developed member of the Bay Islands group. The island's international airport is served by several direct flight routes from the states, and there's plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife in areas such as West End. Roatan is ringed by more than 200 dive sites, but no one resort or operator serves the entire island. A favorite choice for access to both the north shore walls and wrecks, plus the island's western reefs is Anthony's Key. The resort is also home to the island's recompression chamber and the Roatan Institute For Marine Studies, as well as dolphin encounter programs. Guest will find everything needed for a great vacation right on the premises, but are also just a short taxi ride away from the village of West End.

Twelve miles farther east, Turquoise Bay Resort's flotilla of dive boats give access to a broader swath of the north shore, including several noteworthy wrecks. Stays at this resort are more of a self-contained experience, as there is a nice beach, but little else in the area.

A third option on Roatan would be the south shore resorts.  One of the best sits mid-island on a coral lined channel. Coco View Resort combines the amenities of a first-class beach resort with unrivaled service to south shore reefs.  They are well suited for shore diving, with relatively short swims from the beach to shallow reefs and small walls. A forth option on Roatan would be West Bay, near West End where you can find the Mayan Princess Resort.  This area offers some of the longest stretches of white sand beach, along with daily boat diving and easy access to the lively area of West End.

The smallest member of the Bay Island trio is a big hit with the backpacking crowd, but also a favorite with experienced divers — and especially macro photographers and muck diving enthusiasts. The waters off the island's north coast are also the area where whale sharks are most often spotted.

Utila is the easternmost island in the archipelago, lying some 30 miles from the mainland. Getting there usually involves a puddle-jumper flight from Roatan or the coastal city of San Pedro Sula, and there is also regular ferry service. While there are a number of budget-friendly dive hostels in the island's only town, more seasoned divers typically opt for a room at the Utila Lodge. This intimate on-the-water property  provides all the expected modern comforts and amenities while also maintaining an outpost-like feel.

To the east of Roatan, and on the edge of deep water, the island of Guanaja has few roads and even fewer divers. The underwater landscape is noted for abundant fish life, shallow reefs punctuated by intricate coral grottoes and big walls. There's a small airport connecting the island to Roatan and the mainland, but once there, travel is mostly by boat. You'll catch a boat to get to the island's two outstanding dive resorts, each of which offers unique attractions. With its iconic profile of stacked villas and patios rising from the water like giant building blocks, Dunbar Rock is a self-contained oasis in the ocean. 

Not far from the rock, the Cabanas on Clark's Cay delivers a private island feel and a healthy dose of away-from-it-all relaxation. Both host first-class dive operations that visit all of the island's top sites.

For some divers, one island just isn't enough. For these die-hards, there's the Roatan Aggressor. Over the course of a week, this upscale liveaboard takes in not only the top sites in Roatan, Guanaja and Utila, it also brings divers to the unspoiled reefs of the Cayos Cochinos, and makes stops at remote seamounts in open water.

Ready to plan your Bay Islands dive trip? Caradonna's agents can help you create the perfect itinerary, including flights, accommodations, diving and help with all the details of travel and entry. To learn more about travel to the Bay Islands, give us a call at 800-330-6611 or send us an email to sales@caradonna.com.