Dixon's Cove
Shark Diving -- For about a decade, two Italians have been operating Waihuka Adventure Diving (Dixon Cove, Las Palmas; tel. 504/2445-1283; www.sharkdiveroatan.com) at Dixon's Cove. They offer guided dives with Caribbean reef sharks that are not chummed. Most dives go about 21m (69 ft.) below the surface and encounter as many as 15 sharks at a time. They offer dives Monday to Saturday at 9am, 11:30am, and 2pm (L2,850/$150 per person; 2 person minimum). Equipment rental is available at the center for an additional cost. Cruise passengers who wish to dive are expected to have been diving in the previous 6 months.
Sandy Bay
Windsurfing -- The steady winds and lack of waves make Sandy Bay a fine place to take up windsurfing. Wind Surf Honduras (tel. 504/2445-3292; www.windsurfhonduras.com; Tues-Sun 10am-6pm) has 60 boards on hand for all skill levels, which they rent for L380 ($20) per hour, including the use of a harness and sail. Lessons range from L950 ($50) for 1 1/2 hours to L2,300 ($120) for 6 hours.
West End
Beaches -- West End beaches are smallish and not nearly as nice as those in the West Bay (just a quick water ferry ride away), but there are a few spots where the water is just as clear as anywhere on the island. Half Moon Beach is probably the best option.
Submarines/Glass-Bottom Boats -- If you don't dive, snorkel, or even swim, but still want to experience the undersea world of the Bay Islands, you have a few options. The Roatán Institute of Deep Sea Exploration (no phone; www.stanleysubmarines.com; L7,600-L22,800/$400-$1,200 per person) offers 305m to 610m (1,000 ft.-2,000 ft.) dives and shark dives inside the safety of a submarine. The small vehicles have room for just one pilot and two passengers. Underwater Paradise (tel. 504/2445-6465) has semi-submarine glass-bottom boat tours three times daily from the Half Moon Bay Resort for L380 ($20) adults and L190 ($10) children, and the Coral Explorer (tel. 504/2455-5379; www.roatancoralreefexplorer.com) has a similar tour from West Bay.
Aerial Tours -- For another unique perspective on the island, Bay Island Airways (tel. 504/2946-5665 in the U.S. or 504/2933-6077; www.bayislandairways.com) offers a variety of ways to view the island from the air. They have aerial real estate tours (L6,840/$360 per hr. for two), trips to the Pigeon Keys (L10,000/$520 for a 3-hr. tour for two), and simple sightseeing and photography tours (L2,470/$130 for a 15-min. flight for two).
Fishing -- The waters surrounding Roatán are full of Pelagic species like tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, blue and white marlin, shark, and king mackerel. Early Bird Fishing Charters (tel. 504/2445-3019; www.earlybirdfishingcharters.com), a member of the conservation-minded Fishermen's Association of Roatán, leads frequent excursions from the West End to waters all around the island. Prices begin at L7,600 ($400) for a half-day tour with one to four people. Pescado Roatán (tel. 504/9930-6139; www.pescadoroatan.com) specializes in fly, flats, and remote deep-sea trips, all using new boats and top-of-the-line equipment. Pricing ranges from L950/$50 to L2,850/$150 per hour.
Oakridge & Jonesville
Kite Surfing -- With deep water just off shore past the reef, the south shore and east end of Roatán is one of the best spots in the Bay Islands for kite surfing, sometimes called kite boarding. The wind is ideal during the months of January to April and July to September, though the sport can be done any time of the year. Kite Honduras (tel. 504/3312-8439; www.kitehonduras.com), based at Marble Hill Farms, offers beginner to advanced lessons using IKO instruction methods, with board rentals and repairs, as well as customized trips for advanced riders. Lessons start at L3,325 ($175) for 3 hours and include equipment rental, instruction, and boat support.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
