Roatan Island

Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands off the north coast of Honduras, fringed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Ships dock at either Coxen Hole or the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, which has a short chairlift down to a private beach. The reef is close to shore and accessible by snorkel in many places, particularly at West Bay Beach, where the coral starts in waist-deep water and sea turtles are common. The West End village, a 20-minute taxi ride from most piers, has a single sandy road along the waterfront with dive shops, bars, and restaurants serving grilled fish and baleadas (flour tortillas with beans, cheese, and cream). Punta Gorda, the oldest Garífuna settlement on the island, has traditional drumming and cassava bread demonstrations. Zip-line tours through the jungle canopy run from several operators near the ports. Negotiate taxi fares before getting in, and carry lempiras or small US dollar bills for vendors and tips.