Things to do & places to visit in Bay Islands, Honduras

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly island vacation, consider the Bay Islands. Each one appeals to different travelers—Roatan’s the most developed (but still not as built-up as, say, St. Thomas), Guanaia’s rustic and Utila’s in between. All three have great dive spots and beaches.

Bay Islands #1 destination in Honduras 2023. The average rating score is 4.64 based on 20.9k traveler reviews, of 65 attractions. Timezone: America/Tegucigalpa, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 19:39.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Utila Dive Center (1.534 reviews)
- Amazing experience in all aspects
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

From the moment I contacted UDC they have been amazing. They respond quickly to email and WhatsApp (other dive shops in Utila take weeks). The office staff are so helpful and really do everything they can to make sure you have a great experience. The housing at Mango Inn is basic but clean, with plenty of bathrooms and showers. There is plenty of hangout space by the pool in a lovely garden setting. I took both Open Water and Advanced with Anton and was impressed with his natural and very patient and supportive teaching style. I stayed on to also do fun dives. The boat captains are fun and the guides are knowledgeable and try their best to get you to a variety of dive sights. (TIP: dive in the morning for best chances of going to the north side of the island) I've spent a month with UDC and exploring Utila, I highly recommend them. See more..
5.0 Underwater Vision Dive Center (919 reviews)
- The perfect balance of professional safety and fun diving
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

An amazing dive centre, we did our Open Water course and loved diving and our instructor Jeneva so much that we immediately booked to do our Advanced Diving course. I’d highly recommend Jeneva as a teacher, she has so much patience and will give you all the time you need to be perfect at everything. Her knowledge and love for the ocean is contagious and we now share her obsession. See more..
5.0 Captain Morgan's Dive Centre (604 reviews)
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff, comfortable rooms and great diving.
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

This was our second time staying at Captain Morgan’s and although the experience was very different this time, it was still a good one. Captain Morgan’s is now under the management of a kind Irish man called Andy. He was very patient with my requests and even lent me his coffee machine to have in my room as the restaurant there was temporarily closed for refurbishment. Our room was a semi private room on the second floor with comfortable bunk beds, fans and a table out front where we had breakfast every morning overlooking the sea. This time our stay was during Semana Santa and the place was mainly filled with families and friends there for a good time rather than for the diving. There was a fun atmosphere, but it wasn’t overly noisy and the windows on our room completely blocked out noise when we wanted to sleep. The whole place was cleaned regularly everyday and the bathroom we shared we other guests was always clean and stocked with toilet paper. The benefit was we got the dive boat to ourselves and were able to do some lovely, long dives we hadn’t done our first time here. We even saw dolphins swim over on our last dive. Our dive master was Augusto, who we’d dived with on our first trip here in July 2019. He is friendly, helpful and calm. Every dive we did was very chilled. Augusto totally looked after all my equipment when I was sea sick, and didn’t make a big deal out of it. The boat captain, Eduardo, is also a friendly young man. Unfortunately we had bad weather for a few days and decided not to complete dives we had originally booked. Andy was very understanding and adjusted the cost of our package accordingly. Overall we had a chilled time in Utila and will be back again soon hopefully to see those elusive whale sharks. See more..
5.0 Bay Islands College of Diving (539 reviews)
- Choose BICD for any diving certifications
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Honduras is one of the cheapest places in the world to get your PADI certificate so you should come here for that reason alone. Bay Islands College of Diving were incredibly professional throughout my time learning to dive and my safety was main priority but I still had lots of fun. The knowledge of the instructors and dive masters is amazing. The college offers free dorm accommodation throughout your time learning to dive as well as 1 free introductory night and any fun dives you do with them also earn you free accommodation. I’ve lost count of the amount of people I’ve told to visit Utila, Honduras and get their Open Water etc. with BICD I really cannot recommend them enough and will continue to tell people to go here. Thank you to Yasmine Braeckmans and Natasha Burr for helping me get my certificates I’m hoping to come back to Utila one day and hope to see you all again. See more..
5.0 Paradise Divers Utila (525 reviews)
- Unrivalled best dive school in Utila
Scuba & Snorkelling

Paradise is my newfound family in Honduras. Big Josh is the most welcoming and fun host I’ve met on my travels, and the staff make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. They are all extremely well qualified and top super safe divers, and to top it off, no one beats this place on prices. Would recommend without a second thought. Shoutout Shane, Ilai, Zozo, Caspar, Coco, Per. Miss you all already, Lior x See more..
5.0 Alton's Dive Center (423 reviews)
- Great people! Great divemasters! Great environment!
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Great place, great employees dive masters and crew! I took my advanced, Nitrox, and wreck diver certs. Great courses and dive instructors. Good food everyday at the restaurant/bar. No dinner but RJs across the street is great. I also rented a scooter from Alton’s and buzzed around the island. No safe lock boxes in dorm rooms. Also they keep your passport in a safe when you arrive and you get it back when you pay at the end. Plenty of hammocks to chill in. Before coming to Utilla get limps or get your US dollars new from the atm and put them in an envelope, don’t crease them or they will not be accepted. The one good atm on the island runs out of money often. So plan ahead with your cash. Cards not widely accepted on the island and have an extra charge. See more..
5.0 Karma Jewelry Design (381 reviews)
- A must for jewelry in Roatan
Speciality & Gift Shops

We were fortunate to run across her booth the one day they were there the week we were in Roatan. They took the information for what we wanted and made a special trip to bring it to us. My mom regretted not buying something, so they made a second trip to bring additional items. Excellent customer service, and beatific jewelry. The photo doesn’t do my ring justice. See more..
5.0 Utila Cays Diving (324 reviews)
- Amazing!
Scuba & Snorkelling

My daughter and I had a great experience with Bogdan while in Utila. His equipment was excellent and the service was very professional. The dives were great and Bogdan was an excellent "guide" under water. Bogdan and his team provide great customer service, from picking us up from our dock to helping arrange a ride to watch a football game. I would rate this dive experience as one of the best we have had and highly recommend Utila Cays Diving. See more..
5.0 Manawakie Eco Nature Park (244 reviews)
- Ask for William
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

This is a tour for all cruise ship and hotel guests, to enjoy if you are a history & animal person, you will have the chance to discover the old history landmark and culture of the islanders by visiting our Eco Park, you will enjoy a brief history lesson of Roatan, Bay Islands in the wildcane shack, (MENP) Manawakie Eco Nature Park is not just a typical animal park, apart from interacting with white face Capuchin monkeys, sloth’s and other exotic animals, you will learn about the island first inhabitants culture life today. See more..
5.0 Roatan Island Brewing Co. (218 reviews)
- Awesome place
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Roatan Island Brewing Co. is located in the lush Palmetto Valley of Roatan. Brewing a variety of easy drinking ales and lagers, many with a tropical twist. Just Beer? Our property includes nature trails, foosball, ping pong tables, horseshoes, fire pit, and even a TV for those who need to catch up on some football. See more..
5.0 Gunter's Ecomarine (206 reviews)
- Super Fun Diving
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

We went to Utila just to relax and for some fun diving (we are already experienced divers). Ecomarine definitely is a very good choice for fun diving, they usually run trips for fun divers without the dive courses. Also they keep the diving groups small, we never had more than 4 divers with a guide. Their guides are very friendly, helpful and generally the atmosphere at the dive center is very relaxed. See more..
5.0 Freedive Utila - Apnea Total Freediving School (164 reviews)
- Awesome and patient instructors
Scuba & Snorkelling

Johnny, Rachel and Nina are all AMAZING instructors. All three of them really helped me become more comfortable in the water and had so many tips on how to relax. The best part about taking the course through Freedive Utila is that there aren't any requirements on depth or breath holds. Instead of having a ton of pressure on me I was able to focus on becoming more comfortable. The energy at Free Dive Utila is so comforting and they really made me feel like family during and after my course. I highly recommend using one of these three instructors when you come to Utila. See more..
5.0 Utila Water Sports (158 reviews)
- Freedive Training and Dolphins
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

My partner and I booked a month of freedive training with Erin at One Breathe (she is partnered with Utila Water Sports). We were both already certified and Erin lead us to longer and deeper dives during our month on Utila. She is an amazing instructor and an even more amazing person. She incorporates all of her students into her community and schedules games, movies, sound baths, dinners, caving, and all sorts of activities on the island for her freediving tribe. The diving was between 30m and 50m mostly. You take a boat out to all sites (including wrecks) and if you spot dolphins or the captain gets a call you can swim with them and they are super playful!!! In a month we swam with dolphins 6 times! We highly recommend reaching out to Erin to start your freediving journey or continue to grow your skills. See more..
5.0 Coral View Dive Center (145 reviews)
- Accommodating, Skilled, and Fun!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Hans and his crew at the Coral View Dive Center are outstanding. They easily accommodated our group of 30+ college students and faculty for 3 weeks of diving. As a result, we received PADI certifications in Open Water and Advanced Open Water. A huge thanks to our Dive Instructors: Lucia, Georgia, Marc, Erika and Louise. They were patient, highly skilled, and a lot of fun. Hans and his team at the Dive Center were extremely responsive and flexible with our group needs. Highly recommend it! - Ben W. See more..
5.0 Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum (134 reviews)
- Beautiful gardens and hike
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum is OPEN for PRIVATE TOURS only please contact to book in advance. Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum is home to Roatan's most exotic tropical gardens and some amazing hiking trails. Featuring the only commercial hydroponic lettuce farm in the Caribbean, exotic tropical fruit trees, large orchid collection, heliconia gardens and a conservatory with an indoor waterfall surrounded by lush tropical plants. Enjoy our pond with several varieties of aquatic birds. Breathe deep and take in nature at Roatan's tropical Eden covering over 150 acres. See more..
5.0 AJ's Monkeys and Sloths (124 reviews)
- Private interaction with Sloths, Parrots and Monkeys
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Join us as you play around with some friendly white-faced monkeys, hug a beautiful yet gentle sloth, hold or hand feed our beautiful national bird The Red Scarlett Macaw and shoulder our beautiful yellow headed parrots. Join us to have a lifetime experience. See more..
5.0 Float Utila (106 reviews)
- Must Experience It
Spas

The world's biggest floating tank. This is a must do on Utila! See more..
5.0 Shawn Jackson Gallery (64 reviews)
- Local artisans
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

Photography gallery now located on West Bay Beach. Showcases the work of local island photographer, Shawn Jackson. Jackson is a longtime professional underwater and topside photographer and the artwork in our gallery celebrates Roatan and the Bay Islands both beneath the waves and on dry land. Art, gifts, post cards, books, small to large sized prints available for sale. Direct shipment of artwork to US for guests. Come see us! See more..
5.0 Flamingo Cultural Center (55 reviews)
- The real Garufina experience!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Due to the pandemic, we were forced to temporarily close the center in March 2020. We reopened on April 12, 2021, and renamed the center to the Garifuna Cultural Center, you can find new reviews on that page. See more..
5.0 Steel Pan Alley (55 reviews)
- Best excursion on our cruise!
Educational sites

We offer a totally unprecedented opportunity to truly feel and live the Caribbean musical experience.Within the space of one ninety-minute course any guest, regardless of previous musical experience or education, will learn to play the Trinidad steel drums and sound like a professional.We promise zero-to-music in one session! See more..
5.0 Yoga Utila (54 reviews)
- Soooo nice...
Yoga & Pilates

Yoga Utila was started as way to promote traditional Yoga- its practice and its teaching, throughout the community, to locals, expats, and travellers alike- on the great little island of Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras. Our yoga classes are on a donation basis, in an effort to build and support a growing yoga community on Utila. Come and join us in this great space we had create to share yoga and a positive way of life! See more..
5.0 La Comarca Labs (54 reviews)
- Best bet for tour of Copan Ruinas from San Pedro Sula
Thursday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

I wanted very badly to go to see the Copan Ruinas, but I was traveling alone, do not drive when in Honduras, and wanted to go just for the day. I asked the reception clerk at my small hotel if he happened to know if there was any tour or transportation leaving San Pedro Sula the next day for Copan. The best bus, Hedman Alas, has a schedule that does not permit same day travel from San Pedro Sula to Copan. He said sure, call Juan Carlos. I did and it was one of the best travel decisions I've ever made. Juan Carlos is a very patient and knowledgeable guide, his car is comfortable and has air conditioning, is bilingual, and he is an excellent driver. It was a great experience. I highly recommend Juan Carlos and Jungle Expedition to anyone visiting San Pedro Sula. He also goes to other places in Honduras and knows where there are waterfalls that most tourists will never see. See more..
5.0 Garifuna Cultural Center (29 reviews)
- SO WORTH a visit!!!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Garifuna Cultural Center is a Garifuna heritage preservation site located in the FIRST Garifuna community in Central America. During the week, you can book activities such as cooking class, drumming class, or the immersive Garifuna package, including lunch, a Garifuna folk dance presentation, and a guided tour of the center. In addition to its tourist activities, the center plays an active role in the struggle to preserve the Garifuna culture. The center also facilitates free empowerment programs for the Roatan public. See more..
5.0 Tank’d Pro Dive Center Utila (24 reviews)
- Diving & Dining with Tank’d
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Fishing Charters & Tours • Gear Rentals

Tank’d is a very professional dive shop. I was loaned the owners personal dive fins when I told her I had one foot that had an irregular fit. Our dive master Dewey was great and very knowledgeable about the sites that we went to. We did a 2 tank dive and saw lots of diverse marine life. I would definitely dive with them again when I return to Utila. They also have a restaurant (of the same name) above the dive shop which we had a great dinner at for a really reasonable price. We were seated and told that the special that evening was a FREE glass of wine! I am always up for free wine and completely enjoyed their generous offering of the night! The owners of Tank’d were very helpful as it was our first visit to Utila. I highly recommend this business for you’re diving & dining during your stay on the island! See more..
4.5 Little French Key (4.108 reviews)
- Great time with 2 families & teens at Little French Key - Its like your own private island !!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Little French Key Resort is open and operating. We are looking forward to your next visit.One of the nice features of Little French Key Resort is our all-inclusive model. Our key might be small, but it offers a wide range of activities. We offer scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet ski rental, massages, manicure, pedicures, horseback riding, sunbathing, and some of the best rope swings on Roatan. Best of all, we have a lovely mini zoo with macaws, parrots, monkeys, and much more! See more..
4.5 West Bay Beach (3.400 reviews)
- Great clean beach
Beaches

West Bay is what many consider the picture-perfect Caribbean destination: white sand, clear, calm waters and full service resorts. The variety of water activities include scuba diving, fishing charters, snorkeling and parasailing. Scuba diving and other outfitters leave directly from the beach so starting your water-based activities is easy and convenient. See more..
4.5 Gumbalimba Park (1.441 reviews)
- Book This!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Parks

On my hotel staff's suggestion, I booked Gumbalimba Park for ziplining and a park tour, which includes visiting its animal sanctuary. The park itself is beautiful, lush with foliage and flowers. The bird sanctuary has the most colorful birds i've ever seen--red and green macaw. They're noisy and wonderful! The monkey sanctuary houses white face monkeys, who are so cute, timid, friendly and curious. The ziplining was so much fun! some lines take you as fast at 40 mph! being up in the canopy of trees is a wonderful experience. The zipline guides were great and held onto my phone and took photos for me. What a great time! It was $60 which includes transportation to and from the park, but obviously does not include tips. Make sure you bring cash to tip the bird trainer, the monkey trainer, the park guide, the zipline guide and your driver. JUST GO! See more..
4.5 Tabyana Beach (838 reviews)
- Snorkeler's Paradise
Thursday: Beaches

Best snorkeling ever, right off the beach nonetheless, and very little current so people of all ages and swimming abilities. Beach is lovely. Easy access to the water with a nice gradual decline. All the employees are so there for you. They have security that TRULY watch your items so you feel safe to snorkel with your things on the chairs. Snorkel guides are great: they take you all over the reef. Yes the merchants are pushy, but, trust me, you would be too if you were them. Also, they are expressly forbidden to leave the shoreline and walk where the customers are: there is an actual line they aren't allowed to cross. Security officers see to that. Busses will start leaving at 1:00pm and last bus leaves at 4: 30. And don't forget how very blessed you are to be able to go to such a place and bless them with some good tips. Trust me, God will reward you. See more..
4.5 Maya Key (557 reviews)
- Well worth a second visit
Beaches

11.5 acre private island conveniently located just three minutes across the bay from the Roatan cruise pier and 15 minutes away from Mahogany Bay Cruise Pier. This pristine island features two secluded beaches, excellent snorkeling from a scenic pier, a 70,000 gallon swimming pool, 5,000 square foot lounge deck, lush garden paths bursting with indigenous flora and most recently an animal rescue center, artisan plaza and Roatan's finest cultural attraction, The Bay Island's Interpretation Center and Ethnic Honduran Art Exhibit Center. See more..
4.5 Parrots Dive Center (504 reviews)
- Awesome
Scuba & Snorkelling

Everyone at the dive shop was so kind and friendly. Alfredo set up a group and took us all to underwater caves that were so cool and we wouldn’t have seen without him. Borja was our dive instructor and he was so patient and helpful with helping me over come my nervousness with diving. The price was really good compared to the other places we looked too. Would definitely recommend See more..