Wednesday, February 7, 2018

When & Where 7 Feb 18

Day four, Mahogany Bay, Honduras. The ship's clocks were set back 1hour due to going into a different time-zone.

One of the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands, Roatán. Spanning just 37 miles in length, the island lies next to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest in the Caribbean Sea and the second-largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef.

Roatán attracts divers from all around the world but also visitors
who are simply looking for some rest and relaxation. While Christopher Columbus landed on the island in the 16th century, it wasn't until three centuries later that the island was given a break from territorial conflicts.

Today, the island is owned by American fruit companies and prospers from its agricultural endeavors. Plenty of recreational activities are available in Roatán.

Learn to sportfish from locals or take a semi-submarine tour in the Bay Island Underwater Museum. Head to the Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum and wander through lush tropical gardens housing tropical fruit trees, heliconia gardens, and an indoor waterfall.

Next, embark on a journey through Carabola Gardens, where a nature walk takes you through the native environment of monkeys and parrots. Head to the Black Pearl Golf Course to soak up the paradise sun and perfext your game at the island's only gold course.

 Roatán offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Board a catamaran and explore the reef and its exotic and tropical marine life.  Roatán still keeps the Garifuna traditions alive. Be sure to watch the Garifuna Dancers perform their culturally important dance called Punta.

So from eco-tours, diving, snorkeling, caves, botanical gardens, beaches, a cloud forest, and other incredible photo opportunities. This is a great place for very unique experiences, regardless of your age or activity level. There are also dozens of friendly iguanas, tarpons, monkeys, and lobster.

With the beautiful beaches comes fascinating Maritime history. In the mid-17th century, there were approximately 5,000 French, English, and Dutch pirates living on the Bay Islands. Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, and John Coxen (the namesake for Coxen Hole) just to name a few.

Until next time,
Sluggo