Cayos Cochinos Islands
Have you heard that there is an idyllic Caribbean Paradise off the coast of Honduras called Cayos Cochinos Islands?
Cayos Cochinos Islands, also known as the Hog Cays are a group of two small islands and 13 tiny white sand cays. The Cayos Cochinos Islands were declared a National Marine Monument, by the Congress of Honduras several years ago, and are part of the National Park system in Honduras. These lovely, paradisiacal islands are managed by and NGO called Fundacion Cayos Cochinos, who are responsible of the proper management and protection of this National Park of Honduras.
Cochino Menor, which is the smaller of the two larger islands that form part of Cayos Cohinos Islands, is the operation base and scientific center of the National Park. It is here were scientists who are studying the reef system and the unique eco system of the park are stationed, and this also where the park rangers are headquartered. There is no other community on Cochino Menor. This is where all the tours must first arrive to register and pay the entrance fee, which is $10 US dollars per person.
Cochino Mayor the larger of the Cayos Cochinos Islands, is nearby, and this island houses an small hotel called the Turtle Bay Eco Resort, an exclusive dive resort on the Cayos Cochinos Islands that offers quality service and great diving. Nearby is one of the two Garifuna communities that exist on the Cayos Cochinos Islands: East End. This small community has a couple of community owned and managed cabins, where you can stay at a fraction of the price you pay at dive resort. The cabins, called Cabanas Larubeya can be booked through Reservaciones Turisticas La Ceiba.
A third, less expensive, but extremely basic option is to stay in the huts at Chachahuate Cay, with the Garifuna community there. Bare in mind that there is no running water nor electricity in the community, so conditions are primitive, to say the least!
The easiest way to get to Cayos Cochinos Islands is to book a tour through the Turicentro Sambo Creek, located at the Garifuna Community of Sambo Creek. If you are staying at La Villa de Soledad, we can assist you in arranging for the transfers from our bed and breakfast to Sambo Creek and making the proper reservations for the regular tour that operates from the Turicentro Sambo Creek.
The lovely La Villa de Soledad Bed and Breakfast is only a 45 minute ride from Sambo Creek, and offers the perfect setting for a relaxing stay in the jungle and easy access to many different activities. Friendly staff and great food will make of your stay in the La Ceiba and Cangrejal River area an unforgettable experience you will cherish for a lifetime! Book now for some truly unique vacations!
