Bay Islands Information

The Bay Islands are a hidden jewel of the Caribbean. They are located off the North coast of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea. The Bay Islands are made up of three larger islands - Roatan, Utila and Guanaja and over 60 islets and keys. Tropical waters and a diverse underwater world surround the shorelines of the Bay Islands. The land ranges from hillsides and ridges, to sandy coves and palm-lined beaches. The lifestyle is relaxed, laid back and as Caribbean as it gets.

Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands and is made up of a forested ridge rising from the Caribbean which offers spectacular sea views and cooling trade wind breezes, palm lined sandy beaches and hidden coves, a diverse coral reef which at times is only a short swim from the sandy shore and a Caribbean atmosphere. Roatan is the most developed of the Bay Islands and offers many services.

Utila is the smallest of the major three Bay Islands. Utila Town is the main settlement on the Island. The island maintains a unique, small town atmosphere. Utila is less developed than Roatan, but it still offers many amenities and facilities, and great hidden coves with palm lined shores. Utila has hidden charms and is still unknown to the outside world.

Guanaja was originally named “Island of Pines” by Christopher Columbus and is a island of diverse contrasts and beauty. It is home to the tallest peak of the Bay Islands: Michael Rock Peak which reaches 1,350 ft. The island boasts deserted sandy beaches and coves and some of the most pristine reef in the whole of the Bay Islands. Another of Guanaja’s charms is its seclusion. There is only one major road. The majority of the Island’s population is found on one key, called Bonacca, which means most of the island’s transportation is done by water.

Cayos Cochinos are an island group of the Bay Islands, which are made up of 13 different islets and keys. The islets and keys are located only a few miles off the north coast of Honduras. Cayos Cochinos are famous for their seclusion, sandy beaches and untouched nature above and below the waterline.

A valid passport is required for all visitors to Roatan, a 90 day tourist visa is granted on arrival.

Direct flights to Roatan depart the USA, Spain, Italy and Canada. Flights via the Honduran mainland cities of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa are also available with connecting flights with domestic Honduran airlines.

Roatan is in the Central Time zone and does not observe daylight saving time. Honduras and Roatan is 6 hours behind Greenwich mean time (GMT).

The local electricity in Roatan is 110 volts, 60 MHz. This is identical to the USA, and also uses the same plugs. Voltage drops and irregularities in quality of electricity can occur, so consider bringing a surge protector for valuable items.

In Roatan you will find Internet cafes and phones for international or local calls available in West End, Coxen Hole and French Harbour. The majority of major hotels in Roatan will also offer internet and phone services for guests.

Roatan is home to a wide variety of shopping options, from the t-shirt and souvenir stores to art galleries and local craft stores. A shopping mall is in French Harbour and features a variety of clothing and department style stores. Supermarkets can be found in Coxen Hole and French Harbour while smaller style grocery stores can be found in West End, Sandy Bay, Oak Ridge and Punta Gorda.

Banks in Roatan are open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 9 am to midday. This does vary though from bank to bank. It is recommended to avoid visiting banks at the end of the month or before or after a public holiday as the banks can be extremely busy, and you may need to wait 1 to 3 hrs to be served.

The official currency in Honduras is the Lempira though US$ are accepted through out Roatan and the Bay Islands. Credit cards are accepted in some restaurants, hotels and stores. There maybe an additional charge for credit card purchases. It is recommended where possible for smaller purchases to use cash.

Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards at most banks. Also ATM machines can be found in West End, Coxen Hole and French Harbor for cash advances on major credit cards.

Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks or hotels. US$ travelers checks are recommended as most other currencies will be hard to change in Roatan.

The warm and welcoming local inhabitants of the Bay Islands speak Caribbean English and Spanish.

The Bay Islands offer a wide range of activities and attractions. Some of these are world class diving and snorkeling, kayaking, white sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing, sailing, deep sea and fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, Caribbean sunsets and trade wind breezes and of course relaxing, our personal favorite.

For more information on the wonders of the Bay Islands and how you can become part of our relaxed Caribbean Lifestyle please contact us now.