DEEP SEA FISHING AND SAILING

Big game hunters take note: Don't come to Roatan in search of prey unless they are under the sea! The crystalline waters encompassing Roatan, fanned by steady trade winds yea round, and inhabited with most of the familiar fish species in the Caribbean, are magnificent for fishing and sailing trips.

Sportfishing includes the shallows near shore where Permit and Bonefish lurk, and Grouper, Snook all types of Snapper and Tarpon during season. Deeper waters have Mackerel (Spanish and King), Blackfin Tuna, Bonits, Dingfish, Wahoo and seasonally trophy Marlin.

Numerous boat owners offer half and full day excursions, snorkel trips, cocktail or sunset cruises, deep-sea or flats fishing or combinations of the former at very reasonable prices.

Several outfits offer cruises to the Cayos Cochinos, a cluster of islets wherethe entire archipelago is a marine reserve with excellent birding and hiking on these postcard perfect Cayes. Trips to neighboring pristine Barbaretta, Morat, Utilla, Guanaja and elsewhere are easily arranged.

Bonefishing has become increasingly popular on the flats surrounding Roatan and numerous experts can get you within 15 feet of the excellent fighting Permits and Tarpin.

HIKING AND TREASURE HUNTING

LOSE IN VEGAS RECENTLY?? TIRED OF PLAYING THE LOTTERY? What about finding buried treasure? Maybe the odds are the same but you'll have a lot more fun.

The jagged coastal topography, mangrove swamps and shallow reefs blocking the approach to Roatan from the sea, creased minimal early Spanish settlement interest. But remember, one man's heaven is another man's hell. What repelled the Spanish explorers is exactly what attracted pirates and buccaneers.

These pirate vessels easily maneuvered the shallow channels to protective harborage behind the reef and safety from, heavier Spanish ships.

The pirates were drooling at the vision of all the precious gold being mined in the Honduran interior and transported through an isolated and under guarded Trujillo.

By the early 17th century, Roatan was a base for pirate looting. It's rumored that up to 5,000 pirates sheltered in the Bay Islands, including Morgan, Coxen, Morris, Van Horn, and myriad others.

When they weren't raiding Spanish gold, the pirates were hunting, fishing, fixing their boats and hiding their treasured bounties.

Perhaps somewhere on Roatan is undiscovered buried treasure waiting for your liberation!

Before and during the Spanish, Roatan was most likely populated by Paya Indians. Many old dwelling and burial sites have been identified and pieces of pre-Columbian ceramic are still discovered by hikers.

It is believed that the Payan's would sit up on the mountain tops watching the Pirates bury their stash and wait for them to leave before unearthing the treasure and hauling the bounty high to the hills and re-bury it for themselves.

Ahoy matey… put on your tracking cap and retrace those cunning pirate trails into Roatan's interior nook and crannies for at the least, verdant trail walking or for the most, old world treasure meant for a king.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Imagine a pathway with azure waters lapping at the shoreline on one side and swaying coconut, seagrape, and tropical almond trees on the other side. This is horseback riding in Roatan. And depending o your level of expertise, you can ride step to step or fly upon your mounted steed along the sandy beach. You can transition from a casual walk, to a comfortable trot, to a upswing cantor, to a full throttle gallop in a matter of seconds.

But balance the heart pounding adventure of a sprint with the mesmerizing tropical scenery that surrounds the rider. And of course you can always elect to take a lush forest trail ride where the nature of the terrain and the slope insures a tamer experience with your steed.

On Roatan let the horse do the walking (or running) and enjoy a sport that mankind has experienced for millenniums in the past. 

SIGHTSEEING

There is so much to see on Roatan.

Carambola Botanical Reserve offers trailways winding through forests of fruit trees, palms, ferns, orchids, spices and mahogany. Visit Iguana Wall, a sheer cliffside section that offers a protective breeding area for iguanas and parrots.

A 20 minute walk to the top of Carambloa peak rewards you with panoramic views of Roatan's western and northern reefs, and Utilla.