Snorkelling in Guanajay, Bay Islands

About Guanajay:

Guanaja, Roatan and Utila islands are located just 20-30 miles off the northern shore of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea. The island is just a two hour flight from Miami in the US. A commercial airport has been recently inaugurated in Guanajay. The project has been funded by the Honduran and Japanese governments. Moreover, the gradual rise in tourism has moved the naval forces to set up a base in Guanajay.

Christopher Columbus had discovered Guanaja on July 30, 1502. Since the island was covered by pine trees, Columbus initially named the island Pine Island. The pine trees were destroyed by a hurricane in 1998. Bonacca is the only real city on the island. It is located on a small cay a half mile off the main island of Guanaja.

Most people arrive at Honduras to snorkel and dive in Roatan, but for many it is Guanajay that appeals more.

People often assume that Guanajay would offer little opportunity for good snorkeling but in reality, the reef on the southeast side of Guanaja has quite a few nice spots.

This volcanic island is a unique geological formation that was created when lava hit the ocean and cooled off quickly. All along the coastline of the island there are caverns and chambers, some of which are not entirely submerged and hence suitable for snorkeling.

The smooth tunnels off the northern tip of the island are home to wildlife like nurse sharks, jewfish, parrot fish and eagle rays while forest of elkhorn corals lies off the southern shores concealing shallow wrecks that serve home to angel fish, trumpet fish and pufferfish.

The soft coral spot near the southernmost tip of the Guanajay Bay Island is a nice place to visit particularly in the evening when it emits soft glow. However, the current here is strong and hence steps should be taken with caution.

Jim’s Silverlode is one of the famous dives in Guanajay. It is a reef wall with a deep rift that leads upto a tunnel ending in a wide cavern with walls ridged with coral. The cavern is inhabited by big fishes like grouper, yellow tails and eels and these creatures are so accustomed with the divers that they even pursue them expecting a feed. Jim’s Silverlode is an easy dive suitable for beginners, intermediate as well as experienced snorkelers.

Graham’s Island is another great place for those who want to enjoy the sun, beach and snorkel away from the congested island resorts. There is a resort on this island called Graham’s Place.

The place is home to sharks, sea turtles, groupers, bone fish and various other exciting creatures.

The island has several small waterfalls and the most beautiful of them is easily accessed from the northern side of the island. The place offers great snorkeling, diving and hiking opportunities.