The Bay Islands are nestled in the southwest corner of the Caribbean, about 48 kilometers/30 miles north of Honduras. The outstanding reef systems draw divers from all over the world, and the islands have become a veritable hive of dive activity. Part of the second largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the islands of Roatan and Utila in particular feature vibrant coral, multi colored tropical fish, sponges as big as refrigerators and pelagic species. You might see manta rays, sea turtles and, especially from mid-February to April, whale sharks. The reefs here are more diverse than rainforests.
If you’re looking to spot a whale shark, it can be done all year, but the best chance is off the north shore of Utila from March to May and again from August to October.
There are more than 300 identified fish species in Honduran waters. Divers frequently see dolphin, grouper, rays, barracuda, angelfish, butterfly fish, grunts, parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, horse-eye jack, octopus, lobsters, crabs and moray eels. Sharks of all shapes and sizes are sometimes seen on the reefs, and sea turtles stay in the shallows.
Flying into Honduras is fairly easy. The largest airport in the country is Ramon Villeda Morales Airport in San Pedro Sula. A few international flights arrive at Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport on Roatan, but most flights pass through mainland Honduras or other countries in Central America before connecting to Roatan or Utila. Traveling in and around the country is inexpensive, as well, especially if you choose to ride on the local transport. You can get to the islands from the mainland by ferry.
There is plenty of variety to be had diving the Bay Islands and it also suits all levels of divers. Most dive operators are located either on Roatán or Útila with a couple on Guanaja. The best times to dive are over February to early October and you can expect balmy weather and water temperature of 81-88°F (27-31°C). Visibility averages at 66ft (20m) unless there is...