The Cayos Cochinos archipelago consists of two small islands and smaller coral cays in the Caribbean Sea. Upon arriving at Cayos Cochinos, visitors are welcomed by staff on Cayo Menor. The information center at Cayos Cochinos informs tourists about the protected area, shows a video about it, and has restrooms.

Reefs and Habitats in the Bay Islands

Parque Nacional Marino Islas de la Bahía includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, wetlands, and beaches. It extends across the municipalities of Utila, Roatán, Santos Guardiola, and Guanaja in the Departamento de Islas de la Bahía. These four municipalities illustrate how the protected area spans several islands and coastal areas.

On Utila, a protected area includes mangroves, wetlands, and tropical savannas. The Swamper, an iguana endemic to Utila, is also found there. Alongside its underwater world, the island is therefore home to native animal and plant habitats on land.

Underwater: Utila and Guanaja

Coral reefs surround Utila, offering diverse underwater landscapes and abundant marine life. Utila is considered a diving destination and a gathering place for whale sharks; sightings are not guaranteed. More than 17 dive schools are listed for Utila, although the number may change.

Guanaja is considered a destination for nature-focused ecotourism. Reefs and nurse sharks can be observed there. Tourism information also lists diving and snorkeling opportunities in Guanaja for beginners and experienced divers, at various depths. Conditions vary. The islands therefore offer different ways to experience the sea: Utila’s diving scene, and the nature observations and water activities described for Guanaja.

Roatán: Reef, Forest and Beach

Roatán is known as an island with a biodiverse reef and mountains covered in tropical forest. Another side of the island can be found at West Bay Tabyana Beach, a natural beach with white sand. Activities listed at this beach include banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat rides and sea kayaking, as well as parasailing, snorkeling and jet skiing. Activity availability may change; check if any of them are important to your plans.

Discover Culture and History

The Roatan Museum was founded in 1992 and is located at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences. Artifacts, murals, maps and documents there convey the culture and history of the Bay Islands. Punta Gorda on Roatán is considered the historic arrival site of the Garifuna in Central America. The Punta Gorda Carnival is associated with April, Garifuna traditions, and Punta music and dance.

Guanaja’s coast also has historical associations: it is linked to Spanish and English pirates, as well as numerous shipwrecks. On Roatán, Arch's Iguana and Marine Park offers another focus on nature conservation. This wildlife reserve is dedicated to protecting corals and marine life.

You can choose your destination based on the experiences you would like to explore further.

Discover more destinations: Roatan, Jose Santos Guardiola, Utila, Punta Blanca, Lempira, Colón, Atlántida and Intibucá.

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