The Bay Islands, Honduras

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The Bay Islands are a string of islands off the northern coast of Honduras. The warm, clear Caribbean make for excellent, and inexpensive, diving on the coral reef. Added to this are the white-sand beached and relaxed atmosphere, which have made the islands the country’s most popular destination. While the islands are still latino, they are less so than the mainland and many people speak English. You will also find many descendants of the Black Carib who were deported from St Vincent in 1797.

The Bay Islands are located approximately 32km north of La Ceiba and include the three main islands of Utila, Guanaja and Roatan (the largest). Also encompassed are at the eastern end are three smaller islands: Morat, Santa Elena and Barbareta. Hog Islands, also known as Cayos Cochinos, are the closest to the mainland.

Diving is the main activity which attracts travelers. The islands are surrounded by extensive reefs, many of which are in swimming distance of the beach. There are many caves and caverns waiting to be explored. Divers will want to be on the lookout for the many varieties of sponges and the pillar coral. There are many protected areas and as most divers know, coral reefs are easily damages, so care must be taken not to stand or even touch the reefs.

While the traditional industry is fishing, mostly shellfish, tourism has become the major source of income. The islands have are ethnically diverse; Roatan being mostly English-speaking blacks, while Utila is about half black and half white. In the 18^th century the islands were bases for English, French and Dutch buccaneers. They were in British hands for over a century and many settler came from Grand Cayman in 1830. After the islands were ceded to Honduras in 1859, Latin Hondurans began moving there from the mainland. Children are taught Spanish in school, but the population is largely bilingual.