| HONDURAS BAY ISLANDS
Located just southeast of Belize in the Western Caribbean, the Bay Islands
of Roatan, Utila and Guanaja are part of the same barrier reef as Belize.
The islands are steeped in culture and history. The friendly
population is a unique blend of African, Spanish, Paya Indian, and British
cultures. This mixture of people and cultures have created an
environment rich in tradition.
Oriented to dive enthusiasts, the culture of the Bay Islands is as rich and
colorful as the marine life living off its shores. The history of the
Bay Islands dates back to the Paya Indians, related to the ancient Mayan
civilization. Even nowadays islanders are still unearthing "yaba-ding-dings",
the local name for broken clay pottery and figurines.
The island of Roatan is the most developed of the Bay Island and located 40
miles northeast of mainland Honduras.
Walk around Roatan's many villages to feel the distinct mixture of cultures.
Enjoy the exquisite orchids at Carambola Gardens and the primitive reptiles
at the Iguana Farm.
The worlds second largest barrier reef, just 100 yards of shore offers both novice and experienced divers spectacular vertical walls and
overhangs, huge sea fans, sponges, gorgonians and shallow fringing reefs. A
macro photographers fantasy island, seahorses, sailfin blennies, and
tunicates. But there are big critters too, eagle rays, grouper, and
even whale sharks. Some of the Caribbean's largest barrel sponges and
gorgonians are found here.
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