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Roatan, Honduras

Pawel Jaworski
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The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatan is 40 mi/65 km long and measures not quite 4 mi/6 km at its widest point. A mountain ridge runs down the center, which proved to be a saving grace when Hurricane Mitch struck: The south shore of the island was somewhat sheltered from the storm.

Roatan is the most developed of the Bay Islands, with an international airport offering direct service to Miami and Houston, as well as flights from mainland Honduras. There is also ferry service from La Ceiba. Beautiful white-sand beaches, offshore coral reefs, canyons, dramatic wall dives, marine life and a relaxed atmosphere are the keys to the island's popularity. It's possible to dive right off the beaches, but a boat is needed to get to the best sites.

The center of tourist activity on Roatan is the western end of the island. The community of West End consists of a number of dive operations, small shops and moderately priced hotels and restaurants. West Bay, with one of the world's truly beautiful beaches, is developing into a more upscale area with several new hotels and more on the way. West Bay is also home to the Bite On the Beach, one of the island's oldest and best restaurants. Although most of the road connecting West End and West Bay has been paved recently (its condition used to be terrible), the best connection between the two areas is still by water taxi.

Near the island's airport is Coxen Hole, Roatan's largest village and the capital of the Bay Islands. Banks and other services are available, and buses and vans provide transportation from Coxen Hole to other areas. French Harbour, on the south side of Roatan, is home to a large fishing fleet. It has the best restaurants and stores on the island, as well as banks and hotels. Nearby are the popular Bonne Beach/Fantasy Island Beach Resort and Marina and the Coco View Resort.

Sandy Bay has the Roatan Museum and the Institute of Marine Sciences, both located on the grounds of Anthony's Key Resort and open daily except Wednesday. The resort operates a program where you can snorkel or dive with the dolphins. You don't have to be a guest at the resort to take part, but guests get a discount on the price.

Punta Gorda is Roatan's only Garifuna community and was the first such established in Central America. It was populated by the descendants of a group marooned on the island by the British in 1796. Located on the north coast, it suffered heavy damage from Hurricane Mitch: Almost half of the town was destroyed. Most has been rebuilt, although the small dive resort that was located there has not reopened.

For those who like to travel off the beaten track, the extreme eastern end of Roatan offers beautiful, pristine beaches and charming villages. Many of them are accessible only by boat.