Search for vacation rental homes in Bay Islands
The Bay Islands: A Honduras Gem in the Caribbean!
Nestled off the Central American Coast, the Bay Islands of Honduras have everything one could ask for, if you are looking for a vacation in the palm of Mother Nature. The three main islands, Roatan, Guanaja, and Utila, are different in topography, but alike in that they are filled to the brim with pristine beaches, and have a myriad of aquatic activities available. The Bay Islands are known as one of the top scuba diving and snorkeling areas in the world. The sport fishing is abundant, and a body can while away the day swimming, windsurfing, parasailing, beach combing, or hiking the interior of the islands.
Roatan is the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands. The island is almost 40 miles long, but only 1½ miles wide. Like the other Bay Islands, the beaches are stunning and offer premium suntan time. The cultural heart of the island is Sandy Bay; the Institute of Marine Sciences, The Roatan Museum, the Carambola Gardens, and Marine Reserve are all located here and make for great sight-seeing if you want to spend some time indoors. The newest attraction in Sandy Bay is Tropical Treasures Bird Park, which has a live exhibit of macaws, toucans and parrots that are native to Honduras, as well as a few species from South America. For some nightlife fun, head to the lively community of West Bay.
Utila is the smallest of the islands, but still packs a vacation wallop. Hikers will like the trek to Pumpkin Hill, a curvy trail that leads to the highest point on the island. The views of the island from atop the hill are spectacular. If you are real lucky, you might find buried treasure left behind by pirates during the Colonial era in one of the caves that pepper the hill. The beaches on Utila are mostly located on small keys (quays) that are only accessible by boat, giving the visitor total privacy.
Guanaja has the highest elevation of the Bay Islands, and is mostly covered by Caribbean Pines, giving the island a totally different appearance than its flatter neighbors. Guanaja was first discovered by Christopher Columbus during his fourth and last voyage to the Americas on July 30, 1502. This is the island getaway to visit if you want to see one of the last unspoiled areas in the Caribbean. Miles of pristine beaches, hikes to waterfalls, visiting remote villages, and sea kayaking and canoeing can be a part of your experience on Guanaja.
The Bay Islands are a diver's paradise. In some cases, the reef is just a few feet from shore, so no boat is needed for a day's scuba and snorkeling activity. If you are looking for something more invigorating, there are enough wall dives, reefs, coral beds, drop offs, and caves to entice divers of all skill levels. Off of Roatan, Mary's Place is a popular dive due to the swim-throughs and fissures that traverse the reef beds which are teeming with fish. El Aguila is the area's best wreck dive, sitting in 100 feet of water. Huge grouper fish guard the ship, and hard coral gardens make for a scenic descent. Off of Guanaja, the 187-foot Jado Trader is the Bay Islands' signature wreck dive, and for good reason. A deeper wreck, it sits on its side in 90 to 110 feet of water. Utila is best known for its wall dives, and for the population of whale sharks that offer lasting memories for any diver. The Halliburton 211 was sunk in 1998 as an artificial reef, but there is nothing fake about the thick aggregation of marine life that call the wreck home.
Where there is warm water, coral reefs, and active currents, there are fish. The waters off of the Bay Islands are brimming over with plenty of opportunities for the avid sport fisherman. Some of the popular species are wahoo, mahi mahi, kingfish, bonito, yellow fin tuna, barracuda, marlin, and sailfish. You can choose your favorite method of angling experience. Take a party boat to the deep water, or a skiff that patrols the reef. It all depends on what you are after. Even land lubbers can get caught in the act. There are plenty of rivers running through the islands, and fly-fishing is a popular pastime.
The Bay Islands of Honduras are a tropical paradise waiting to be discovered. The Caribbean breezes blow over the islands, singing a soft, relaxing song that will soothe the savage vacationer. The reefs, waters, and pristine beaches will entice those seeking active pursuits, or those who just want to sit on the sand with a good book. An active nightlife can be found, or you can get away from it all and not see another soul. The Bay Islands are there for the taking. What are you waiting for?
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Luxury oceanfront property; *best diving/snorkeling on the south shore* — Property 172365
- House
- 3 bedrooms , sleeps 9
- 2 bathrooms
- 1 half bathroom
- waterfront
- swimming pool
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $1500 per property per week
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Brand New Caribbean View Island Condo With Pool Near Beach - West End — Property 79180
- Condo
- 2 bedrooms , sleeps 4
- 2 bathrooms
- beach, village
- air-conditioning
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $900 per property per week
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Elegant Beautiful Modern Luxury Beach Front Home — Property 186278
- House
- 3 bedrooms , sleeps 5
- 2 bathrooms
- beach, waterfront
- air-conditioning
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $1500 per property per week
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'Ocho Palmas'Elegant Luxury Oceanfront Villa in the Caribbean — Property 147020
- Villa
- 4 bedrooms , sleeps 8
- 2 bathrooms
- beach, waterfront
- swimming pool
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $3000 per property per week
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