Emerging green and lush from bright Caribbean seas, the Bay Islands are framed in white sands and lit with sunshine. Small islands and cays sprinkle the waters around the three main islands, Roatan, Guanaja, and Utila, located off the north shores of Honduras. Roatan is the largest and most developed island, with plenty of land and sea-based attractions to lure visitors. Come to Roatan prepared to log long scuba hours and easy explorations on solid ground.

Walls decked with bright corals rise up to meet divers in the seas surrounding the Bay Islands. Get certified or rent requisite air tanks and submerge to sweep past shipwrecks, reefs and an abundance of tropical sea life. Dive with dolphins for a personal subsurface encounter or watch a shark feeding.

Charter a captain and sea-worthy vessel, then sail away to investigate island sights and snorkeling opportunities. Cruise past stilt homes, mangrove swamps and secluded shores before returning to land and a tour of Roatan's lush interior. Back safely on shore, saddle up for a Caribbean sunset horseback. A jungle swing zips through the treetops for the benefit of visitors after an adrenaline rush.

Join a day trip out to sea for sport fishing, or cast a line off the shores of Roatan for bonefish.

The Bay Islands are located about 40 miles off the north coast of Honduras.