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.

This private beach is a 10--15 minute walk east of the municipal dock. Entrance is L60 and gets you access to lounge chairs, shade, and a more secure setting than the nearby public beach. The sand here is much softer and cleaner than at the public beach, it's (usually) quieter, and the swimming area has less turtle grass. A palapa bar serves inexpensive cold drinks. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; partiers.

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.

Hop on a hammock or soak in the sun at this public space, which is a five-minute walk west of the municipal dock. There's not much to be found in the way of shade or chairs, but it's a great place to tan or hang out with friends. Abundant turtle grass means swimming is only for the brave. A few small restaurants and bar shacks surround the sand, and it can get rowdy late at night. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: partiers; sunset.

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.

On the paved road out of Utila Town, bear right at the airport runway and onto Pumpkin Hill Beach, a mosaic of fossilized coral and sand patches. From here you can walk about 45 minutes along the beach until connecting with the trail that leads up Pumpkin Hill.