Guantanamo Island is located off the northern coast of Honduras, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the mainland and 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the island of Roatan, which is arguably the most picturesque among the Bay Islands. One of Guanaja Island's coral reefs, also known as Bonacca or Cayo Bajo, is close to the primary island and is where most of the population lives.
This densely populated island is often known as the Venice of Honduras due to its waterways that run via it. Most areas of the island do not have motors, so the only way to tour around is by water taxi. The handiest "automobiles" you may locate are wheelchairs utilized by the elderly or disabled and "vehicles" used to move goods; all other tours are performed by taking walks. The people right here historically depend on fishing, so the lifestyle of Guanaja Island is intently tied to the sea and its bounty. Most islanders produce their meals through fishing, cattle elevating, or non-public gardens.
The predominant supply of income for the islanders is lobster and shrimp fishing. Over the years, tourism has been developing, with around a dozen small and beautiful resorts catering to divers, snorkelers, beach enthusiasts, and adventurers. Renting houses has also come to be a choice for travelers. The heat and clean waters across the island nurture widespread and colorful coral reefs, a part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Today, Guanaja Island nonetheless has freshwater resources and several waterfalls. Since 2021, the complete island and its coral reefs have been specified as a Ramsar wetland safety location.
Guanaja Location
| Name | Guanaja |
| Country | Honduras |
| Department | Islas de la Bahía |
| Coordinates | 16°28′N 85°53′W |
| Area | 50 km2 (19 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 |
| Population | 5538 (2015) |
| Airport | Guanaja Airport |
History of Guanaja
In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed on Guanaja Island through his fourth voyage, marking his first come across with cocoa, the simple ingredient of chocolate. He landed on Solada Beach on the northern aspect of the island. Later, settlers from the Cayman Islands settled within the Bay Islands, which explains the unfolding of Spanish and English languages.
At the top of October 1998, most of the homes and houses on the island were destroyed by Hurricane Mitch. Since then, the islanders have been rebuilding, notwithstanding the continued economic impact of hurricanes. However, the tourism enterprise has recovered. Due to the direct devastation caused by the 2-day storm, most of the mangroves and pine forests are regularly improving. In early October 2021, a fire destroyed approximately 40% of the houses on Bonacca Island, and reconstruction efforts were already underway at that point…
Guanaja Activities
The Guanaja and the Bay Islands vicinity offer a number of activities appropriate for all kinds of tourists, inclusive of walking to seashores, waterfalls, river mouths, chickens looking together with parrots and macaws, snorkeling, diving, and fishing journeys.
You can quickly discover the island on foot, admiring tropical birds along the manner and playing in lovely natural surroundings. Did you know that Guanaja is home to the simplest waterfall in the Bay Islands? The perspectives from the top of the waterfall are definitely breathtaking.
Exploring the Local Towns
To revel in the local culture, you could go to any nearby cities, such as Bonacca, Mangrove Bight, Savannah Bight, Northeast Bight, and Mickey. Bonacca is the destination if you need to go to shops, banks, pharmacies, or see a physician. For an authentic experience of the journey, you may attempt greeting the gentlemen riding Ford Explorers someplace along the Mickey River and feature them take you on a "jungle excursion" finishing at Northeast Bight.
Fishing
Some of the sector's satisfactory fishing grounds lie among the coral reefs at the east facet of the island. If you are now not following a manual, make sure to carry your fishing rod.
Deep-sea fishing is also famous on the island, in which you can seize marlin, jackfish, barracuda, and even tuna. Dozens of nearby guides can take you to satisfactory deep-sea fishing spots, and you can additionally hire gadgets from them. If you want to discover Guanaja Island's waters on your own, you could lease a kayak and take it to nearby reefs for snorkeling.
Scuba Diving
Guanaja Island sits on the world's 2d-biggest barrier reef and has some of the most satisfactory diving spots in the Bay Islands. The maximum visibility here, every so often exceeding 55 meters, in conjunction with warm temperatures yr-spherical, makes diving in Guanaja Island a pleasure you'll need to experience time and again.
Snorkeling
Be sure to take your snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel on Guanaja Island. There are two perfect snorkeling spots on the island, consisting of the coral reefs around Michael's Rock and the place close to Dina Beach. Graham's is also a superb spot to see barracuda and northern barracuda, and you might even catch Caribbean lobster.
Hiking
You are hiking for 30 minutes to attain Guanaja Island's simplest waterfall; begin from the north of Bo's Island House and comply with the signs. You can also hike up Grant Peak, which is one of the highest points on the island, for beautiful views of the Bay Islands.
How to Get to Guanaja
First, take American Airlines and Continental Airlines and fly to SAN Pedro Sula. From here, take Sosa Airlines to La Ceiba and then to Guanaja. There are specific approaches to attaining Guanaja, both by aircraft and ferry.
- By aircraft from La Ceiba, you could take a flight to La Ceiba from San Pedro Sula, which you can attain by bus from San Salvador with businesses like Ticabus. From San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba, you can take a flight with Hedman Alas. There are flights departing from Ceiba every day, one at 9:00 am and the other at 3:00 pm. Another alternative is to fly directly from Roatan, with direct flights to be had on Saturdays related to global flights. The price is approximately $125.
- From Trujillo, small ferries and personal boats depart for Guanaja. You also can take the more comfortable Galaxy Wave ferry, which operates as soon as each different day at some stage in the week and every day on weekends to encourage traveler visits.
Guanaja Hotels
Dunbar Rock Villa is situated inside the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by sea on all facets - even though it provides a helicopter landing pad for folks who want to reach uniquely.
Despite being surrounded by pristine waters, it gives visitors an infinity pool. Additionally, it functions as a private beach and has eight suites. The Rock resort has its golden seashore, so you might not have to worry about competing with other travelers for the seashore area.
This secluded villa is the correct choice for the ones seeking both privacy and scenic views. The 7-day, 9-night time excursion package deal starts at $1952, which is consistent with the character and includes diving costs.
Operated by Graham, this magical location is positioned on its coral reef and features a small eating place, air-conditioned non-public cabins, and a new hotel with 16 guest rooms.
Here, you may effortlessly experience the stunning surroundings of Guanaja Island, making it ideal for those who love the Maldives-like surroundings where everything feels near handy.
This seaside motel is situated in Sandy Bay, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and steps far from waterfalls, with a 15-minute walk to the city.
The cabins are designed with cozy beach-style consolation, offering excellent sea views, and are hosted by an utterly welcoming girl.
This hostel is nestled in Guanaja and has a garden, terrace, bar, and loose WiFi, with a few rooms supplying sea perspectives.
Experience nearby wooden cabins and stunning surroundings at a decreased cost. The personnel is also very welcoming and friendly, and the animal's quality atmosphere makes for a pleasing morning…
