Honduras' 'Green Island' Offers Secluded Beaches, Lush Forests, And World-Class Fishing And Snorkeling

The Caribbean has long been a remote paradise shrouded in otherworldly mystique, centuries-old pirate lore, and tales of unfathomable destinations. The name alone evokes images of Aruba, Jamaica, Blackbeard, and the one-and-only Captain Jack Sparrow. However, just a short, 2-hour flight from Miami lies Guanaja, an unsung destination that overflows with natural wonder and underwater adventure.

Guanaja is part of the Bay Islands archipelago, which includes seven other islands like Roatán and Utila, a secret Caribbean wonderland with breathtaking bioluminescent waters, along with 53 cays. This little-known destination teems with countless marine life species centered around a jaw-dropping ecosystem that is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in size and impact. Throughout many millennia, Guanaja's varied topography has given rise to several sunny beaches, dense mangrove forests, and thick jungles that make up the island, including the archipelago's highest point, Michael Rock Peak.

Given its small size and relatively remote location, visitors will first need to fly into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport on neighboring Roatán, then take the ferry or hop a domestic or charter flight. Access around the island by car is limited, so covering the waters between the cays and islands, as well as local towns like the densely populated Bonnaca Town, is best done via water taxi. As many businesses and residents speak English and accept U.S. currency, this destination is a quick and easy getaway for anyone seeking a break from the sometimes chaotic and always busy routines of daily life in the States.

Guanaja is an extremely biodiverse environment. From the Central American agouti, northern tamandua, Jamaican fruit bat, and scissor-tailed flycatchers that call the forests and mangroves home, to the flora that covers the island in thick, lush greenery and ripe tropical fruit trees, the island abounds with unique and diverse species.

In the surrounding waters, lava tunnels, vertical walls, and shipwrecks, including the popular Jado Trader, create an ideal environment for numerous species of coral, fish, and marine animals to thrive. In turn, the area has become a prime location for snorkelers and scuba divers to observe hundreds of species in their natural environment. These viewing locations are scattered throughout Guanaja and the greater archipelago, with many being suitable for adventurers of all experience levels. Popular dive sites like Michael's Rock and The Pinnacle are well-known and relatively easy to access, while other secret dive sites can only be experienced with certain tour operators.

In addition to snorkeling and scuba diving, the latter of which requires a $10 annual park fee, visitors can also enjoy deep-sea fishing, saltwater fly fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and hiking. Guanaja is home to the archipelago's only waterfalls, as well as 12 pristine, sandy beaches. The rainy season is from October to January, which can affect visibility in the water, so plan ahead. For an all-in-one experience, off the coast of Guanaja is Graham's Place, a private island resort that is the perfect starting point for your Bay Island adventure. This idyllic, family-owned stay hosts several fishing expeditions, as well as kayaking and diving tours, and can assist in planning excursions hosted by other local guides and companies in the area.

Since Hurricane Mitch devastated much of the rich habitat in and around the island in 1998, residents and local governments alike have placed increasing importance on rebuilding the island's natural and man-made resources in a sustainable and green manner. Efforts have included implementing solar and wind power throughout the island, reducing waste, eliminating reliance on single-use plastics, and practicing recycling.

Conservation efforts include replanting the island's dense natural mangroves in a self-sustaining manner, designating protected waters to combat overfishing, and even phasing out the use of harsh and dangerous chemical pesticides. School children regularly do their part to help clean up local beaches, and many of the island's businesses, bars, and restaurants uphold these values by executing the same practices.

In a way that limits the disruption to the spectacular natural island environment, local businesses and restaurants seemingly pop out of the dense jungles that overlook the crystal clear, emerald green waters below. During your trip to Guanaja, dine at the highly-rated Mi Casa Too, which serves fresh lobster, conch, and, according to one Tripadvisor review, "the best shrimp ever". Nearby Manati Bar & Restaurant is home to a pool table and serves classic German fare right on the water's edge. Located in Mangrove Bight on the northeast side of Guanaja, the aptly-named Barnacles Restaurant is highly praised for its lively, welcoming atmosphere and fresh seafood offerings, including its seafood pizza, baked over a fire.