Honduras has a front-row seat on the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest barrier reef system in the Western Hemisphere. Two of the best places to see it are on our Discover Honduras tour, and they could hardly be more different.
Roatán: the island with everything
Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands, a ferry ride from La Ceiba. It has white-sand beaches, clear water a few steps from shore and plenty to do. On our tour you spend two nights at an all-inclusive resort, with meals, drinks, pools and beach included, so the island is about relaxing first.
Day 6 is free, which makes it the right day for Roatán’s most popular extras:
- Dolphins at Anthony’s Key, from a platform encounter to swimming with them.
- Canopy zipline combined with a sloth and monkey sanctuary.
- Reef snorkelling at spots such as Starfish Alley and Blue Channel, by boat or catamaran.
- A glass-bottom semi-submarine in West End if you would rather stay dry.
These sell out in high season, so tell us when you book and we will fit them into Day 6.
Cayos Cochinos: the quiet side of the reef
Cayos Cochinos is a small group of cays and islets off the coast near La Ceiba, protected as a marine reserve. There are no big hotels, no cars and very little development. The water is calm and clear, and the snorkelling over the reef is excellent.
It is also home to Garífuna communities. On Chachahuate, a tiny cay covered in thatched homes, you can see how island families live and fish, and often try fresh fish with coconut rice.
On our tour, Day 8 starts with a 7:00 AM boat from the coast. You spend the morning snorkelling and visiting the cays, and you are back at the hotel for a free afternoon.
Which one is better?
Neither. Roatán is comfort and choice; Cayos Cochinos is nature and culture at a small scale. Seeing both is what makes the trip feel complete.
Reef tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard.
- Never stand on or touch the coral.
- If you get seasick, take something before the boat rides.