Discover the Bay Islands Department

“Islas de la Bahía” or also called “Bay Islands” is one of the 18 departments that form Honduras.  The Bay Islands are located on the Northern Coast of the country and they are actually 3 islands; Roatán, Guanaja and Útila. The islands has a mixture of Spanish and British culture, this unique mixture gives the islands an unique flavor. The islands were first discovered by Christopher Columbus in the tear 1502, and later claimed and held by Great Britain and Spain.

Nowadays Bay Islands has grown to be probably the most attractive place for tourism in the whole country. The most visited island is Roatán, which is also the biggest one and the most developed one. This island has four main communities; French Harbour, Coxen Hole, Sandy Bay and West End. Each of the mentioned above has its own personal and unique characteristic, for example Coxen Hole operates as the commercial center with a bunch of shops and small hotels, and also plenty of restaurants, this makes this community the most important one when it comes to economy, while in French Harbour is where most of the fishing takes place, this community is colorful and vibrant. When it comes to Sandy Bay, the first thing that comes to mind are the festivals and the local culture celebrations, house of cultural attractions such as museums and botanical gardens. And finally the most important community that anyone can think of is West End, this part is full of gorgeous beaches where the diving takes place. Even some of the best hotels are located there!

If you are done visiting Roatan then you should head to Utila, is a small and pretty affordable island. It is great for a new and exciting tropical and unique experience, its coral reefs makes Utila a once in a life time experience and very popular among tourists and locals.

Another interesting place to visit is Guanaja, an unique and exceptional place, with plenty of Caribbean pine trees. It also has the highest mountain that Honduras has! So, if you are seeking for a tropical experience, and to sit back and relax while staring at the clear water, then the Bay Islands are perfect for your vacations.