Guanaja

Introducing Guanaja

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The easternmost of the three Bay Islands, Guanaja is a small island, roughly 18km long and 6km wide. It is covered in a forest of Caribbean pine; when Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1502, he named it the Isla de Pinos (Island of Pines). About 90% of the island has been declared a national forest reserve and marine park.

A vibrant coral reef encircles the island and its 15 or so cays; it’s this reef – and the ships it has sunken – that makes Guanaja attractive for snorkeling and diving. Although several dive resorts have appeared on the island, the diving and tourist boom that has hit Roatán and Utila has yet to reach Guanaja.

There are a few tiny settlements on the main island, including one on Savannah Bight and another on Mangrove Bight; the latter was badly hit by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and is still showing signs of recovery.

Last updated: Oct 20, 2009