Best kept Secrets in the Caribbean
The Caribbean has always been an item in the bucket list for virtually every traveler, however there are so many different islands and countries that are bathed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, that it is easy to get confused as to where your ideal vacation will be. There are many options, and many opinions as well. Here a list of what I consider the best kept secrets in the Caribbean, which hopefully will help you.
The Bay Islands of Honduras are a set of 6 islands, Utila, Roatan, Helene, Morat, Barbareta and Guanaja, located in the Western Caribbean, not far from the coast of Honduras in Central America. Of these, Morat in uninhabited, Barbareta is privately owned, Helene is accessible only by boat and has small fishing communities living on the island and only Utila, Roatan and Guanaja are inhabited and with infrastructure to receive tourists. These islands are certainly one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. Best of all is the fact that despite the proximity between them, they are so very different from each other!
English is widely spoken throughout these islands, and although the official language in Honduras is Spanish, native Bay Islanders much prefer to use English to communicate between each other. Roatan is the most developed, and even has an international airport with direct nonstop flights from the USA by Avianca, American, Delta and United. The second longest barrier reef in the World, known as the Meso American Barrier Reef ends with these islands, providing unique, World Class diving. As a matter of fact, it is common knowledge that the most affordable spot in the world to get “scuba certified” is Utila, right here in the Bay Islands. This fact is actually known by many, and is not one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean! It is though, a great reason to travel to the Bay Islands and enjoy them, and at the same time get scuba certified. Two good sources of information on Utila are www.aboututila.com as well as www.utilaguide.com.
Although Utila does tend to attract more of a younger crowd, you will find that Roatan and Guanaja cater to different markets, so there is no doubt that there is a perfect atmosphere for you in the Bay Islands of Honduras, regardless of your interests and age. This is certainly one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. A good source of info about the bay islands can be found in www.hondurastravel.com
These islands have a series of small little islands known as Cays, surrounding them. These are the idyllic white sand islands with coconut palms that everyone dreams of visiting and spending some time in. Some are private, others public. You can even rent one out with a villa to enjoy a relaxed week in paradise away from it all! Or if you are on a budget and willing to rough it out, bring your tent and pitch it right on the white sand beaches!
Nearby, on the mainland of Central America lies Honduras, one of the least traveled countries in Central America, a true gem that for the moment, has managed to stay off the beaten track due mostly from the bad rap that it has gotten from the press. Those tourists that do come to Honduras have discovered the Cangrejal River Valley as one of the crown jewels in Central America and the Caribbean. The Cangrejal River Valley, located only a few miles upstream from the mouth of the Cangrejal River flowing into the Caribbean, is truly one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. Different activities, including white water rafting, zip line canopy tours, hiking and horseback riding together with a variety of over 10 little lodges and inns provide the perfect setting to relax and enjoy nature. Truly one of the best kept secrets in Caribbean and Central America that you should visit before they are discovered by the hordes! For more information on the Cangrejal River Valley, visit www.cangrejalriver.com