Once the haunt of pirates and buccaneers seeking precious bounty from heavily laden Spanish galleons, the paradise archipelago of Las Islas de la Bahia comprises three main islands, Roatan, Guanaja, Utila and five smaller ones that lie some thirty miles off the Caribbean coast. Now more a treasure trove for snorkellers and divers alike, the Bay Islands provide rich findings within the tip of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second longest reef system in the world.

For a long time, these islands were a closely guarded secret among adventurers, divers and fishermen who had fallen in love with their turquoise-blue waters and white-sand beaches. Today, no longer a secret, but still highly prized, the islands have several small hotels and dive schools offering an excellent haven for relaxation in the sun.