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History
Located about 65 kilometers off the Northern Coast of
Honduras, the Bay Islands group consists of 3 main Islands (Roatán,
Guanaja, and Utila), 3 smaller islands (Barbareta, Morat, and Helene),
and 65 smaller cays. Between these islands and the mainland are the
Cayos Cocinos (Hog Islands). This is a very brief history of Roatan
Honduras.
During the Maya reign in Central America (between the
4th and 10th centuries), the Paya Indians populated the Bay Islands.
The Payas were a smaller and less advanced group than the Mayans. Their
civilization was characterized by simpler housing and tools. Payan artifacts
(pottery, jade, and shells) are often found in Island burial and ceremonial
sites and are referred to by the locals as "yaba ding dings."
The island Indians mined jade which they took in small
boats to the mainland to trade for tools, and other items. The islands
provided an abundant variety of foodstuffs such as manioc, fish, corn,
turtles, iguanas, agouti (island "rabbits"), native fruits,
land crabs, and deer.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Europeans discovered
these islands. For almost 200 years Spanish conquistadores and British
pirates battled for control of these islands, ignoring the Indians for
the most part. During this period, the Islands were used for food and
wood supplies, safe harbor, and slave trading. Remains of old British
forts and towns named after famous pirates remain as their legacy. One
group of slaves was "parked" here during this time during
the heat of a battle. When the winners came to collect them, the slaves
refused to go. These are the Garifunas who populate much of the Bay
Islands to this date, still maintaining their own cultural identity
and language. Punta Gorda on Roatán is one of many villages where
they still make their homes.
The British eventually established control of the Bay
Islands, until the early 1960's when control of the Islands was officially
returned to Honduras.
Today...
The Islands have evolved into a microcosm of many cultures
that is not easy to describe. In recent years, the number of North Americans
and Europeans living in the Bay Islands, especially on Roatán,
has grown dramatically. They have brought many changes, some good and
some not so good. Once pristine beaches and verdant hillsides are now
sites for homes, restaurants, resorts, and other developments. As this
new development occurs, fresh water supplies are being strained, and
the need for a modern infrastructure is apparent. RECO (Roatán
Electric Cooperative) provides adequate electricity, but no sewage or
water treatment plants exist. Telephones are difficult or impossible
to get in most places. Ironically, cable television is widely available.
Created in response to the ecological risks facing the
Islands, The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) "is striving
to establish a strong sense of awareness ... of the importance of conserving
and protecting the islands' natural resources." [Cheryl Galindo,
Introduction to "The Bay Islands: People and Nature"]
Activities and Accomodations
Anthony's Key Resort - Anthony's Key Resort -
A full service dive/snorkel resort in Roatan, also a PADI Gold Star
Resort. All PADI courses available. Dolphin programs for kids and adults.
Aparthotel Guijarros - Tegucigalpa - Aparthotel Guijarros - Tegucigalpa
- Suites, all fully furnished. 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom, each bedroom with
bathrooms with hair dryer, closet, telephone with direct outside access.
Bay Islands Beach Resort - Roatan - Bay Islands Beach Resort
- Roatan - A 44 acre beachfront, accessible dive resort, offering scuba
diving, snorkeling, and non-diving packages. Guest information on amenities,
reservations, and location.
Butterfly Insect Museum in La Ceiba, Honduras - Butterfly Insect
Museum in La Ceiba, Honduras - Enter the incredible world of the butterfly
& insect museum in La Ceiba, Honduras with more than 6,000 butterflies
& moths from Honduras. Bright red, iridescent blue & intricate
wing patterns adorn two walls of this 1,000 sq. foot museum. This nonprofit
museum is the personal collection of Mr. Lehman who has collected for
30 years.
Camino Real Inter-Continental - Camino Real Inter-Continental
Hotel in Tegucigalpa city centre. Information on its location, accommodation,
and facilities, with an online reservation form.
Casa Capricorn Villa on Roatan - Casa Capricorn Villa on Roatan-
Luxury beachfront Island Pearl Diving Resort - Island Pearl Diving
Resort- Romantic PADI diving resort, includes fine French restaurant,
fishing and dive center, and four cottages directly on Roatan's mile
long West Bay Beach.
Keifito's Plantation Resort Roatan - Keifito's Plantation Resort
Roatan- Screened in cabins with personal bathrooms allow for lots of
privacy in an accessible location halfway between West End and West
Bay beach. Dive the barrier reef of the Bay Islands.
Las Rocas Resort - Las Rocas Resort- Tucked away on Roatan's
beautiful West Bay Beach, Las Rocas Resort offers you the perfect setting
for your intimate get away vacation.
Lonely Planet - Destination Honduras - Lonely Planet - Destination
Honduras- Lonely Planet with their usual fine job of presenting a country
profile.
Mermaid Beach Cabins - Mermaid Beach Cabins- The Mermaid Cabins
are located on the sparkling Caribbean sea and offers rustic style cabins
with no phones or TV's.
Minister Suites - Minister Suites- Affordable hotel in the heart
of Tegucigalpa, catering to business travelers.
Oceanside Inn - Oceanside Inn- Acclaimed seafood restaurant,
nice rooms, access
Working in the Bay Islands of Honduras
Getting a Caribbean job in the Bay Islands is relatively
easy because the local immigration laws/enforcement is rather slack.
Be prepared to take a pay cut as a sacrifice for quality of life, but
many find the sacrifice well worth it when working in the Bay Islands.
New comers from the United States, Europe and Canada can work in Honduras
with a work permit. If you have investment capital and management skill
there are many opportunities to start a new business. An attorney can
help you acquire a business and other permits for the type of business
you might be interested in.
