Honduras
The Bay Islands

Honduras: The Bay Islands

Although 8 islands and 65 cays make up the Bay Islands of Honduras, Roatan, Guanaja and Utila are the best known and most visited.

One of their biggest surprises is their kinship with another outstanding dive destination: the Caymans.

Some of the earliest Bay Islands settlers were Caymanian fishermen and turtlers. The Cayman contact remains so strong that Cayman Airways sometimes flies directly into La Ceiba on the maindland. Many passengers are Caymanians coming to vacation in the Bay Islands.

Like Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, each of the Bay Islands displays distinct geography and character.

Roatan is the most famous.

Guanaja Island is the highest point in the Bay Islands.

Utila is the smallest of the three Bay Islands.

It's worth noting that sand flies are a bother on most of the Bay Islands. Some people find the insect bites unbearable, others only a mild nuisance.

If you're allergic to insect bites, the Bay Islands is probably not for you. I've seen people look like they were covered with pimples after a single day.

However, www.bayislandsonline.com , one of the region's best information sources, advises that if you dislike bugs and want a luxury resort, then you should visit the Caymans, instead.

That's true neighborliness. . .and honesty.