The Bay Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea off the north coast of Honduras and are situated along the southern most portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second largest barrier reef system in the world. With their stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and picturesque landscapes, the islands are idyllic destinations which offer an abundance of activities for sailing enthusiasts, scuba divers, snorkelers, and food lovers. During our adventure we can sail, dive and explore the islands of Roatán and Utila as well as the nearby Cayos Cochinos archipelago.

The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatán is a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs. Sailing around Roatán provides an excellent opportunity to explore its coastline, uncover secluded coves, and discover hidden bays.

Roatan is a world-class destination for scuba diving, with its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef making it an underwater wonderland. The reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, offers an incredible array of marine life and breathtaking coral formations. Divers can explore renowned sites such as Mary’s Place, Blue Channel, and West End Wall, where they will be treated to stunning underwater landscapes and encounters with tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins.

Odyssey Shipwreck

Starting at 60 feet below the surface lays the Odyssey shipwreck. The intentionally-sunk ship is massive, 300 feet from bow to stern, 50 feet wide and 85 feet tall. Exploring the cargo area, along passageways the length of a football field, divers look tiny.

The hull has broken apart so you can discover different parts of the ship on your dive. The stern reaches up to 60 feet and provides plenty of penetration opportunities for experienced divers. Meanwhile, the bow is closer to the reef wall and extends up to a depth of 73 feet.

Schools of schoolmaster snappers, large black grouper, and barracuda are just some of the species you may encounter while diving around the Odyssey. 

Little French Cay

Little French Cay is a private island resort located just across the shores of Roatan. While small in size, it’s packed with adventure and a great way to spend a final day on Roatan before flying out.

Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, jet ski rentals, massages, manicures and pedicures, horseback riding, a mini zoo, bars, restaurants, and plenty of lounge spaces.

Sloth Sanctuary

Daniel Johnson’s Sloth Sanctuary is a small family run animal sanctuary nestled in the community of French Cay. What started out as a hobby for Daniel many years ago has over the years grown into a safe and loving environment for many animals.

All of their animals have a little different history, but most of them have came from local people that have realized they are not capable of having the responsibility of owning these animals any longer. So now they call The Hangout, home.

At The Hangout, you will have a guided tour through the park and get to interact and learn all about their animals including tropical birds, monkeys, and sloths.

Utila, the smallest of the Bay Islands, is often referred to as the backpacker’s paradise and a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. Sailing around Utila reveals its laid-back charm and unspoiled beauty. The island is surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, creating an ideal setting for a relaxing day on the sea.

Utila is renowned as one of the most affordable and accessible destinations for obtaining scuba diving certifications. Its shallow reefs and calm currents make it an excellent training ground for beginners, while experienced divers can explore deeper sites and encounter incredible marine life.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Utila. The island offers various entry points to its reefs, allowing visitors to snorkel at their own pace and admire the vibrant coral formations and diverse marine species. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it a perfect destination for both experienced and beginners divers.

Airport Caves a fun and beautiful dive site, and at a max depth of 32ft it’s great for beginners interested in swim through and buoyancy control. The highlight of the caves is a large U-shaped swim-through. It starts off straight, but then at the halfway mark, it is almost completely dark, and you cannot see the exit until you fully turn the corner. And then you see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the sunlight filters down through the holes in the ceiling. 

Airplane Wreck is conveniently near the caves. These dives sites are so-named due to their proximity of the old landing strip. Years ago, a DC3 overshot this runway and landed in the sea. Thankfully, all 32 passengers aboard safely escaped, but the plane now sites at 45ft.

Ron’s Wreck is a former shrimp fishing boat that is now a colorful little wreck full of coral and sponges and inhabited by various species of marine life. Moray eels, lobsters, blue tangs, lionfish, nudibranchs, and lettuce sea slugs can be seen around the ship. You may also spot some eagle rays.

Downtown

Utila’s downtown area is cute and highly walkable. The dining scene reflects its laid-back vibe, with a range of options to suit all budgets and tastes. From cozy local eateries serving traditional island dishes like conch fritters and coconut shrimp to international restaurants offering global cuisines, visitors will find an array of dining experiences. Seafood lovers can indulge in freshly caught fish prepared in various delicious ways, while those seeking a taste of home can find familiar comfort foods.

Cayos Cochinos, a small archipelago situated between Roatán and mainland Honduras, offers a secluded and untouched paradise for nature lovers. With its remote location and limited tourism infrastructure, Cayos Cochinos provides an exclusive experience for those seeking serenity and natural beauty.

Sailing around Cayos Cochinos allows visitors to explore its pristine waters and picturesque islands. The archipelago consists of two main islands, Cayo Menor and Cayo Mayor, as well as a collection of smaller cays. The unspoiled surroundings, with their lush greenery and white sandy beaches, create a breathtaking backdrop for sailing excursions.

The underwater world surrounding Cayos Cochinos is a diver’s paradise. With a variety of dive sites, divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, swim through tunnels and caves, and encounter a plethora of marine species. The marine biodiversity of the area is astonishing, with an array of colorful reef fish, sponges, and sea turtles. Divers can also explore walls that drop into the abyss, providing a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience.

The Sea Mounts

One unique option on the sail between Cayos Cochinos and Roatán is a stop at the sea mounts. The sea mounts are a deep reef formed by the tops of underwater mountain ranges called the Roatán Banks, which are located halfway between Roatán and Cayos Cochinos. This is a relatively unexplored area and you are basically guaranteed a fantastic dive, with loads of fish, current, and amazing, healthy, vibrant coral. Lucky divers can spot sharks and massive eagle rays, as well as large schools of creole wrasse, southern sennet and horse-eye jack.

Dining

While Cayos Cochinos is more secluded than the other Bay Islands, it still offers some dining options. Local fishermen’s co-operatives provide fresh seafood dishes, showcasing the flavors of the region. Visitors can enjoy the catch of the day, including succulent lobster, grilled fish, and other traditional Honduran specialties, while taking in the tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings.