The Bay Islands off Honduras' Caribbean coast are one of the primary tourism areas, and there is an almost feverish building boom on Roatan serving both vacationers and retirees. The islands are popular with divers, snorkelers and anglers because of the extensive barrier reef that lies near them. Although they were squarely in the path of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, there is now almost no evidence of any past destruction.
The islands have a distinctive culture. Among the settlers were Cayman Islanders of British descent (both English and Spanish are spoken). The Garifuna or Black Caribs—descendants of Carib Indians and escaped African slaves—have a long history there as well, though many have moved to villages on the North Coast of the mainland. If you get the chance to see a Garifuna traditional dance, it is well worth the time. In recent years, more and more mainland Hondurans have gone to the Bay Islands to find work, which is making the area less distinctive than it used to be.
The majority of the 70-odd islands and cays in the archipelago are uninhabited. The largest and most populated islands are Roatan, Guanaja and Utila, all of which have dive-oriented resorts that rent scuba equipment and arrange for boat excursions. Expect a range from luxury to basic (but comfortable and well-run) accommodations at these resorts. In addition, some homes on the islands of Roatan and Utila can be rented by visitors. Live-aboard dive boats anchor off Roatan. Combination sailing and beach vacations also can be arranged.
Light-tackle fishing is becoming more popular in the islands, especially bonefishing on the flats around Guanaja and Utila, where it's also possible to hook permit (similar to pompano), tarpon and snook. Deep-sea fishing charters are available from all three islands. Tuna, barracuda, shark, blue and white marlin, and sailfish can be found year-round. September-January, trophy wahoo, mahimahi, kingfish, grouper and red snapper are in the waters. Whatever you're doing or pursuing, take along plenty of repellent for mosquitoes and sand flies.
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