Honduras offers travelers plenty of opportunities for underwater adventures as home to the largest coral reef in the Americas. The vibrant Mesoamerican Barrier Reef hugs The Bay Islands just off the mainland with 700 miles of colorful corals and more than 500 species of fish. The area is a renowned year-round diving and snorkeling destination offering some of the most stunning underwater vistas in the world.

From the deep reef crevices of Roatán and the massive whale sharks of Utila to Guanaja's wreck dives and the unspoiled paradise of Cayos Cochinos, travelers can dive deeper into Honduras's natural beauty with these top diving and snorkeling experiences:

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING

The Bay Islands are famous amongst scuba divers and snorkelers of all skill levels thanks to the spectacular reef and its close proximity to shore. Many lodges and resorts like Barefoot Cay and Turquoise Bay have on-site dive shops, and plenty of independent businesses dotting the islands offer guided snorkel tours by boat and self-guided explorations from shore.

Mary's Place in Roatán, one of the most popular sites in all of Honduras, is famous for its 100-foot volcanic canyon which gives way to an abundance of marine life, black coral trees, and giant sea fans. Southwest of Roatán and a haven for hardcore divers, Utila is known as one of the safest and least expensive places in the world to get PADI diving licenses of all levels. The island boasts more than 100 dive sites, including the sea mound of Black Hills. Utila is one of the only places on the planet where whale sharks are seen year-round, although they are most commonly seen in spring and early fall. The artificial wreck of the Jado Trader, a 260-foot freighter sunk in 1987, is Guanaja's signature wreck dive.

The pristine Caribbean waters of Cayos Cochinos, an area comprised of two small islands and more than a dozen coral cays, are filled with banded butterfly fish, queen conch, sea cucumbers, and more. Recognized as marine protected areas, Cayos Grande, the largest of the volcanic islands, is the only island where tourists are allowed to snorkel. Open Water Driver Certified visitors can sign up for coral reef cleaning and transplanting, a conservation initiative led by the Cayos Cochinos Foundation where volunteers partake in two 40-50 minute dives a day to clean and measure coral being grown and/or monitor the site where the healthy coral has been transplanted.

FREEDIVING

For travelers looking to discover new limits, freediving can be a relaxing yet exhilarating way to explore the steep slopes of The Bay Islands. Unlike scuba diving and snorkeling, freediving is done without the help of a breathing apparatus, with divers holding their breath as they descend to depths of 30 feet or more. It's a meditative adventure that offers a more intimate interaction with ocean life.

The calm currents and deep abyss that lies just beyond the reef wall makes Honduras ideal for freediving. Home to the annual Caribbean Cup Freediving Competition, Roatán has established itself as a worldwide destination for the sport. Roatan Freediving School & Training Center offers beginner to instructor level courses. The US$119 one-day introductory course includes one open water session. Freedive Utila, the first freediving school in Central America and the Caribbean, offers instruction for all levels of experience. Beginner courses take place over two and a half days and start at $199USD (plus 15% tax).

SEMI-SUBMARINE

For those who want to see ocean life without getting wet, Hyde Tours Roatán offers a fun semi-submarine experience. Kids and adults venture six feet underwater in a glass bottom boat as they pass vibrant corals and sea creatures during a 45-minute excursion along the reef. Capacity is currently capped at 50-60% due to COVID regulations. Tours are US$30/person (plus 15% tax).

Travel to Honduras is easily accessible from the U.S. through Roatán's international airport, and

ferry service is available between the four major Bay Islands and the mainland in in La Ceiba. For more information on Honduras, please visit www.honduras.travel/en.