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Delight in one of the most extensive
reef systems in the
world, that offers spectacular diving and snorkeling.
Surrounded by warm
Caribbean waters, these hilly islands are as picturesque
as unspoiled. There are
numerous different coral types, sponges, fishes and marine
life as well as warm,
clear blue water and excellent visibility.
Have a tropical drink and savor the very best in seafood
and native cuisine
while viewing spectacular sunsets from our dockside bars
and restaurants.
Horseback riding, scuba diving and snorkeling, charter
fishing trips, sailing,
day hikes, and sea kayaking are some of our local
activities...to name a few!
For an interesting day trip, arrange a visit to the
ancient Maya city of Copán
on the mainland of Honduras. These impressive ruins
represent one of the most
sophisticated and culturally developed of all the ancient
Maya cities. Or if
it's true adventure you seek, journey deep into the
tropical rain forest on a
river rafting trip.
DIVING
Most divers around the world have probably already heard
of Roatan as a diving
destination. Roatan is a world class destination for
students wishing to become
divers and certified divers looking for a great location.
The Honduran
government has designated the reefs around the Bay Islands
as a national
treasure. These reefs form part of the second largest reef
system in the world
after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Lying in the Western Caribbean they are undoubtedly the
most pristine and
bio-diverse in the region as yet untrammeled by large
numbers of divers.
Roatan's reef system lies against the Caymans Trench which
drops away to
thousands of meters in depth.
In a few sites along the north coast it touches the island
and creates
spectacular drop offs from the coral wall.
Offering technical sport divers the chance to explore
these incredible vistas.
Diving with dolphins, turtles and the occasional whale
shark can be the
highlight of the diving vacation. Many can be found in the
waters around Roatan.
SNORKELING
The great advantage for snorkeling on the reefs around
Roatan is the reef come
to the surface around the island, large areas safely
tucked inside the shallow
lagoon make ideal areas for the novice snorkeler and
children to experience the
wonders of the reef in controlled conditions. With a small
tidal range of less
than one foot and no strong currents, Roatan makes the
ideal location for all
the family. For the more experienced free diver
spectacular drop offs offer
depth ranges to suit all levels.
BEACHES
Roatan has one of the finest beaches in Central America
let alone the Bay
islands.
West Bay Beach is a ¾ mile stretch of pristine white coral
sand fringed with
palm trees and lapped by the azure waters of the
Caribbean, safe for swimmers
and bathers it makes for an ideal days outing where ever
you are staying on the
island.
Other good beaches exist up at the east end of the island
at Camp bay and Paya
bay.
FISHING
Although Roatan may not be known as a sport fishing
destination, because of the
close proximity of the Caymans Trench and its associated
deep water, Marlin,
Sailfish and Tuna are to be found in good quantities.
In the shallows and lagoons, Bone fishing can be had at
very reasonable rates
with expert local guides.
KAYAKING
Several outfits offer rental and guided trips around the
island in kayaks, there
are endless opportunities to explore the out of the way
places and hidden secret
coves around the island, maybe catch dinner on the way and
cook out over a camp
fire on some secluded beach. It's away to meet the remote
fisherman and
villagers living around the island.
SAILING
Opportunities are endless for those who come with there
own craft, however,
several local yachts are available for rental or charter,
either on a daily
basis or just for a sunset cruise.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Two glass bottom boats operate in the marine reserve of
Sandy bay and West End
fully air conditioned they represent the latest in
observation technology and
provide a safe and informative introduction to the wonders
of the reef.
Photographers and nature lovers can always find plenty to
interest them on
Roatan.
The many varied habitats offer a wide variety of
opportunities to view migrating
birds, rare and exotic indigenous fauna and flora, the
natural landscapes and
peoples of the island.
The island has a botanical gardens where plants and trees
are labeled as to
economic use and an institute for marine sciences where
research is conducted on
the reef and Dolphins.
There is also a small museum attached with the local
history of the island.
Horse back riding, is a must on this island, a few
operators with good horses
offer excellent treks through the country side and some
faster 'gallops' along
the beaches.
What a glorious way to explore the island.
NIGHT LIFE
In many of the towns and villages you can find restaurants
and bars offering
local fare.
In West End village a number of restaurants offer
international cuisine, these
establishments are usually run by ex-patriots and have
some of the best dinning
on the island.
The island has two disco/nightclubs for the hardy party
goers and many resorts
run special nights with Garifuna dancing or Mexican fiesta
themes.
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