8 Best Sights in Roatan and the Bay Islands, Honduras

This traditional Garífuna cay has lunch, lodging, and snorkeling. Village chief Roman Norales heads the town of 44 fishing families and often oversees tourism in the tiny community, a budding industry that supplies most of the island's income. The communal restaurant prepares fried fish, shrimp, and lobsters for tourists (have your guide put in an order at least an hour in advance). A rustic motel with 16 rooms and shared latrines costs L300 a night per couple.

West of French Harbour you'll find Arch's Iguana & Marine Park, an unusual attraction that has been around for three decades. Drop in around noon to see the stern-faced lizards have lunch. An estimated 3,500 sleepy creatures roam around the reserve, which also has turtles, monkeys, and a fish hatchery.

With one of the country's most extensive orchid collections, the Carambola Botanical Gardens are home to many different varieties of tropical plant. It is also a breeding area for iguanas. There are several trails to follow, and many of the trees and plants are identified by small signs. The longest trail leads up to the top of the hill, where you find an amazing view of the West End of the island. Guides can be hired at the visitor center.

With one of the country's most extensive orchid collections, the Carambola Botanical Gardens are home to many different varieties of tropical plant. It is also a breeding area for iguanas. There are several trails to follow, and many of the trees and plants are identified by small signs. The longest trail leads up to the top of the hill, where you find an amazing view of the West End of the island. Guides can be hired at the visitor center.

On the east end of the cay (referred to, suitably, as the East End), trails leading up to the lighthouse offer stunning panoramic views of the islands. This side of the cay is home to around 50 Garífuna villagers and the only school in Cayos Cochinos. The community has constructed beachfront cabins to offer visitors a more cultural experience.

This park is part nature reserve, part tourism fun. Macaws, parrots, and monkeys will land on your shoulders as iguanas scuttle around more than 200 tropical tree and plant species. Paved paths lined with boulders lead to a 90-meter (300-foot) suspension bridge that crosses a lagoon. The park's zip-line tour is its main attraction, with 13 lines traversing the rain forest canopy. There is also snorkeling, Snuba (a form of surface-supplied diving), horseback riding, kayaking, and a white sandy beach. Coxen's Cave is reminiscent of a theme park ride: recreated cave drawings line the walls; and dotting the interior are life-size pirate statues and replicas of maps, weapons, and treasure. Grab a bite at the poolside grill and take a refreshing shower in the outdoor stalls. Park admission includes the pirate cave, animal preserve, botanical gardens, and the pool. All other activities cost extra.

Often called one of the best small museums in Central America, the tiny Roatán Museum is well worth a visit. The facility, at Anthony's Key Resort, displays archaeological discoveries from Roatán and the rest of the Bay Islands and gives a detailed history of the entire island.

Glass-bottom boat and submarine tours are an excellent way to enjoy the West End's coral reefs from a nondiver perspective. Underwater Paradise drops passengers 7 feet below the water in an air-conditioned semi-submarine with a crystal-clear bottom view for 45 minutes of reef exploration.