Orientation

Guanaja lies approximately 70km (43 miles) from the North Coast of Honduras and just 12km (7 1/2 miles) east of Roatán. It is the tallest of the Bay Islands and is almost completely covered by hills. The western tip is cut off from the rest of the island by a small canal, "the Cut," running just beside the airport. Bonacca town, the center of nearly all services and the most populated part of the island, isn't actually on the main island, but is off a small cay hanging just off the south coast. There are no roads on the island except one small stretch that runs for just a few kilometers between the settlements of Savannah and Mangrove Bights, on the eastern end of the island.

Visitor Information

Apart from the occasional shop that sells basic supplies, almost all facilities of any kind can be found in Bonacca town. The town's only cybercafe is on the main street turning left from the ferry dock, as is the bank Banco Atlántida (tel. 504/2453-4262), which exchanges currency and traveler's checks, and several small pharmacies. For phone service, make a right from the docks to the Hondutel office (tel. 504/2455-1389).

Getting There

By Air -- Guanaja's airstrip sits in the middle of the main island, across from Bonacca, beside a mangrove-lined canal. This is one of the most no-frills airports you will ever see, down to the baggage claim area, which is on the docks -- bags are unloaded via rolling carts that come right from the plane. Once you have your luggage, you will need a boat transfer to your hotel (which should be able to arrange a boat for you) or a water taxi to Bonacca (which wait for arriving planes).

Just one airline makes the 30-minute trip on an almost daily basis between Guanaja and La Ceiba, with connections to Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Aerolineas Sosa (tel. 504/2453-4359) makes the trip daily at 10am and 4pm. Air-taxi service Lan[LS15]hsa[LS16] Airlines (tel. 504/2442-1283; www.lanhsa.com) also makes trips to and from La Ceiba and Roatán. Passengers can buy tickets at any of the airline offices on Bonacca, right near the taxi dock (you can't buy a ticket at Guanaja's airport). Keep in mind that all planes that land in Guanaja are small, averaging just 15 to 20 seats, so luggage restrictions often apply.

Charter flights are also available to/from Roatán and Utila, although these are quite expensive, and you will need to make arrangements well in advance. Try Roatán Air Services (tel. 504/2455-6879; www.roatanair.com), based in Roatán, which operates two planes: a three-seat Cessna 172 and a six-seat Aero Commander 560. They'll take you to any of the other islands or even just take you in the air for aerial photography or sightseeing. Prices begin at L3,040 ($160) for 30 minutes in the Cessna. Guanaja Air (tel. 901/507-5297; www.guanajaair.com) is another charter option and is the only operation based on Guanaja. They charge L3,705 ($195) per person each way (two-person min.).

By Ferry -- Unlike Roatán and Utila, Guanaja lacks regular ferry service from the mainland. In 2007, a very slow, no-frills ferry service called the Bimini Breeze (tel. 504/2987-0875 for reservations) began between Trujillo and Guanaja, though it rarely runs. You can buy tickets directly on the boat for L650 ($34).

Occasionally, you can ask around on the docks of La Ceiba, Trujillo, and ports along the Mosquito Coast for transport to Guanaja via freighters, although expect to wait around for up to a few weeks.

Getting Around

By Water Taxi -- Even though regular water-taxi service prices are quite high, because of the cost of fuel here, water taxis are one of the best ways to get around the island. Standard prices are listed at the airport and on the ferry dock at Bonacca town. You can generally flag down a taxi while waiting on any dock.

By Ferry -- There is one regular ferry service from Bonacca to Savannah Bight on the Sava, which runs back and forth several times a day. This is by far the cheapest way to get around the island at about L20 ($1) each way.

Keep Exploring