Tiger Island is nestled in the charming city of Amapala, Honduras. It stands as a veritable paradise on Earth, beckoning vacationers with its breathtaking appeal shared with different islands within the mesmerizing Gulf of Fonseca, along El Salvador and Nicaragua. Renowned for its distinct landscapes and rich historical tapestry, this captivating haven entices traffic seeking respite in its warm oceanic waters.
Nestled on the foot of Honduras' largest dormant volcano, this picturesque locale prospers amidst a tapestry of abundant plants and fauna, making it a haven of verdant splendor. Its pristine volcanic seashores and awe-inspiring sunsets best decorate its status as one of the most unique destinations possible.
Map of Tiger Island
| Name | Tiger Island (Isla del Tigre) |
| Country | Honduras |
| Department | Valle Department |
| Coordinates | 13.272°N 87.641°W |
| Area | 75.2 km2 (29.0 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 |
| Population | 2,482 |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Tiger Island
Tiger Island is a place of captivating history and legends that hold a notable connection to the renowned British pirate Sir Francis Drake. It is said that Sir Francis Drake chose this island as a strategic base from which to plunder Spanish vessels traversing Central America, hence the island's namesake.
Legend has it that the infamous Pirate Drake buried a portion of his treasure in the vicinity of Playa Larga, although attempts to unearth this fabled bounty have proved fruitless over a decade. Nevertheless, the island's inhabitants firmly believe that this is indeed the very spot where the treasure lies hidden, adding an air of mystique to the island's allure.
Things to Do on Tiger Island
Amapala
The captivating town of Amapala, affectionately acknowledged by the locals, holds a slightly large stature compared to its neighboring cities, nestled in the northern area of the island. Here, one can find a picturesque pier that offers breathtaking vistas for the duration of the daylight hours, a terrific church that graces the panorama, and a handful of eating places and shops. These establishments provide a choice of primary provisions, albeit in restricted portions, making them a treasured and helpful resource for island dwellers.
As one meanders through the streets of the historic center of Amapala and explores cultural institutions like the House of Culture, glimpses of the island's colonial-era infrastructure come into view. Until the late 1970s, this island served as the primary port for the country in the Pacific. Despite its modest size, spanning a mere 75 square kilometers, this island harbors a rich and storied history that spans through the ages.
Playa Negra
Playa Negra is famous throughout the island for its extraordinary black sand, which derives its name from the volcanic minerals that grace its seashores.
On the other hand, Playa Negra may not boast any legends or first-rate capabilities. However, it gives a tranquil seaside where you can unwind and bask in the serene ambiance of Los Veleros.
The sunset at this enchanting locale stands as one of the most romantic and picturesque spots for capturing timeless moments.
Climbing Amapala Mountain
The hike commonly spans to a few hours, with rumored routes available. One starts offevolved from Playa Larga, while the other commences from Playa del Burro. Neither of those paths undergo markers guiding the way to the summit, so it is beneficial to hold an ample delivery of water to ensure a secure adventure without any detours.
Kayaking
Indulge in the exhilarating pursuit of kayaking, a captivating activity that allows you to rent a kayak for a day and navigate around the island. Kayaks can be rented in Amapala itself and at several hotels scattered across the island. Prices for kayak rentals range from 3 to 10 dollars per vessel.
It is stated that the perspectives from the mountaintop are genuinely awe-inspiring, yet neighborhood residents caution site visitors towards venturing too effortlessly to the summit. Nevertheless, the direction starting from Playa Larga is considered more accessible.
Amapala Pier
The venerable Amapala pier, steeped in history, stands as one of the beloved destinations for tourists. If fortune smiles upon you, your visit may be graced by the graceful flight of seagulls and other seabirds as they seek sustenance, adding a touch of enchantment to your experience.
How to Get to Tiger Island
1. Arriving at the Crossroads to Coyolito
If you're journeying from the north:
Option A (relevant best to Santa Rosa de Copán or areas beneath): Take any bus heading to Choluteca or Guasaule (Nicaraguan border) and request to get off at the crossroads leading to Coyolito.
Option B: Take any bus operated via Costeño or Langueño organizations heading in the direction of El Amatillo, the border with El Salvador, and request to get off on the metropolis of Jicaro Galan. From there, take any other bus heading to Choluteca and ask to get off on the crossroads main to Coyolito.
If you are touring from the east:
Option A: From San Marcos de Colon (El Espino border) or Guasaule, take a bus/minivan to Choluteca. Once you arrive in Choluteca, take any bus heading to Santa Rosa de Copán or El Amatillo (El Salvador border) and request to get off at the crossroads leading to Coyolito.
If you're touring from the west:
Option A: From the El Amatillo border, take a bus/minivan and request to get off at Jicaro Galan. From there, board a bus heading to San Lorenzo, Choluteca, or the Honduran border and request to get off at the crossroads leading to Coyolito.
Option B: From the El Amatillo border, take a bus/minivan and request to get off at the main junction to Agua Fría and Coyolito. Warning: There are only a few possibilities of locating a bus connecting this junction to Coyolito, but if you want to give it a try, please let us know how it goes!
2. Arriving at Coyolito
When you reach the Coyolito crossroads, anticipate the bus heading in the direction of the San Lorenzo-Coyolito direction and get off at the final forestall. Buses run every 40 minutes, supplying a value-powerful fare of 25 lempiras, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Taxis also are to be had to take you to Coyolito, but we are discussing the option of a one hundred fifty-lempira journey from the crossroads.
3. Choosing a Boat
Upon arriving in Coyolito, the bus will prevent proper in the front of the pier, so there may be no want to wander around on the lookout for an appropriate spot. Small boats are available at those docks, and they go away for Amapala or Playa del Burro once they're full of passengers. When the ship is entirely or almost complete, you'll pay about 15 lempiras in line with a man or woman. However, if you can not look ahead to filling up the boat, you can favor paying a hundred lempiras for the entire ship. The quick journey across the waters between Coyolito and the island takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the ocean situation and whether or not you are headed to Amapala or Playa del Burro.
In essence, Tiger Island is some distance eliminated from the entirety, making it a perfect place to rest and prepare after lengthy trips, whether or not you're getting into Nicaragua, El Salvador, or heading to Santa Rosa de Copán. Fortunately, this location stays off the overwhelmed route of tourism (despite being most effective an hour away from the Pan-American Highway), permitting a proper, genuine, and distinct revel to unfold as you assign to Amapala and discover the most authentic essence of Honduran lifestyle.
