Bay Islands and beaches holidays
Bay Islands and beaches holidays at a glance
Astride the vast reef that runs on into Belize lie the Bay Islands of Roatán, Utila and Guanaja, easily some of the best Bay Islands Honduras has to offer if it’s Caribbean Honduras you’re after. Palm-shaded beaches and warm, glass-clear water surround all three, drawing in divers, snorkellers and barefoot beach-goers in good numbers year after year.
There’s history here too. The islands were once a hideout for European pirates preying on passing ships, before Carib and Garifuna communities settled and built the culture that still shapes island life today, with mainland Hondurans now adding their own influence into the mix.
The result is a laid-back atmosphere that suits budget travellers and honeymooners in equal measure. Across on the mainland, Tela makes a good add-on too, within easy reach of more glorious Honduras beaches.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Bay Islands and beaches
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
With coral reefs, Caribbean beaches and laid-back island life, the Bay Islands provide one of the most rewarding coastal escapes in Central America.
When to visit Bay Islands and beaches
March to September is generally the best time to visit, when the water lies clear and calm and the sunshine holds through the day. Temperatures on the coast sit above 30°C for much of the year, so island time works whenever you travel.
Somewhat defying the normal logic of the region the north coast’s ‘wet’ season lasts a bit longer than most areas and doesn’t really end until January but then continues to be ‘dry’ until July or even August. There is much less rainfall and temperatures are normally in the mid to high twenties.
You’re typical tropical wet season, a good chance of mostly hot and dry weather but there will normally be an afternoon downpour, normally a sign it’s time to head to the beach bar and wait for the air to clear just in time to enjoy a cooler evening. Rain significantly increases for the final months of the year. This time of the year is more humid and temperatures can early reach the mid thirties.
Top Things to do in Bay Islands and beaches
Life in the Bay Islands revolves around the sea. Coral reefs, marine wildlife and pristine beaches create a destination where outdoor adventures and relaxation go hand in hand.
Explore a verdant reserve sustaining a wide variety of wildlife before discovering the history and culture of the Garifuna community.
Take a PADI course or just get a taste of scuba diving in the Caribbean waters of the Bay Islands.
Take a tour of the Cuero y Salado Refuge, dedicated to protecting the habitat of the endangered manatee.
Accommodation in Bay Islands and beaches
Accommodation here runs from simple beachfront guesthouses to properly private island retreats. Our current favourite is Barefoot Caye, a small private island off Roatán with just a handful of rooms and its own strip of sand, and a strong base if you’re planning Roatán holidays built around diving.
Laid-back, friendly and welcoming boutique resort on its own private caye. A scuba diver’s dream, but equally suited to relaxation.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Bay Islands and beaches Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Honduras: Jungle, islands and Mayan ruins
Places visited: Copan · Pico Bonito National Park · Bay Islands and beaches
11 days from £3,225
FAQs about visiting Bay Islands and beaches
Bay Islands and beaches is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The coastal lowlands have a hot tropical climate all year round with temperatures peaking over 30oC. On the islands, Oct – Feb is the season when rainfall may be heavy and hurricanes are possible. The best time to visit the islands is Mar – Sep when the water is clear and untroubled and there is plenty of sunshine during the day.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish, English, smatterings of French and Garifuna. Many people on the islands speak a version of Caribbean creole.
- Getting Local Currency
Lempira. You can change US dollar cash or travellers cheques locally in banks and may be able to obtain cash advances at one or other of the banks on Roatán. You are, however, advised to acquire lempiras before heading to the islands, though US dollars cash are accepted in some places.
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hours.
- Combines With
A few days at the eco-lodge in Pico Bonito National Park; further diving experiences across the border in neighbouring Belize.
- Getting There
There are domestic flights (less than 25mins) to all the islands from La Ceiba and daily flights from the capital Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to Roatán. Tela is accessible by road (93 km) from San Pedro Sula (1 hour 20mins).
- Key Events
Semana Santa, Easter. Celebrated from Thursday through to Easter Sunday.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.