5 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.

There is great snorkeling on the western end of Cayo Mayor, the largest cay in the archipelago.

The second biggest cay, Cayo Menor, is more than just a mandatory stop. The Honduras Coral Reef Fund arranges scientific expeditions to involve visitors in data collection on endemic species, such as the hamo negro iguana and boa Rosado serpent. The fund also coordinates programs during turtle migrations to the Cayos Cochinos in July and August.

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.

Fishing and passenger boats pull up to the white beaches at La Ensenada bay as fins and snorkels poke out of soft blue waters. Behind the shoreline are several recreational trails that cut through the rising rainforest.