Lying almost directly east of Roatan, Guanaja was first discovered by Columbus during his fourth and last voyage to the Americas on July 30, 1502. Upon arriving there, he found excellent quality water, as well as natives in giant canoes holding up to 25 men each. Thus, we know that the Paya Indians populated Guanaja during this time.

Located at latitude 16.29 N and longitude 85.54 W, Guanaja is a very unique island. It is the tallest of the Bay Islands, and is mostly covered by the Caribbean pine, to the point that Columbus originally named it Pine Island. An island for adventurous souls looking for someplace new. Guanaja is a tropical island getaway for those who want to travel “off the beaten path” and experience one of the last remaining unspoiled islands in the Caribbean. A wonderful climate, cool breezes, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters all just waiting for you to enjoy. Removed from the confines of civilization, guests can roam the miles of unspoiled beaches and lush mountains covered with jungle fauna, hike to cascading waterfalls, scuba dive and snorkel on the virgin fringing coral reefs, kayak, sail, fish, visit remote villages or relaxing a hammock stretched between two coconut trees. Wine, dine and dance to the rhythm of island music at one or more of the unique resorts and lounges. There are no roads, no cars, no traffic, no miles of hotels along the beaches and no crowds. In fact, its normal to wake up in the morning, walk out on to the beach and not see a soul for two miles! From the pages of Robinson Crusoe’s adventure, Guanaja Island has something few destinations can offer. If you want to escape to natural beauty, Guanaja is the antidote.

If the above has not yet convinced you of Guanaja’s uniqueness, the new Mestizo dive site will make you turn the corner….

Created to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s discovery of this beautiful island, Mestizo reef is a tribute to the fusion of European and Native American cultures. Located in about 65ft of water, Mestizo reef includes two life size head and shoulder statues of Christopher Columbus and Honduran native hero, Lempira. It is also surrounded by genuine artifacts such as Spanish cannons, a XVI century bell and a number of vases and other objects from that period. This new dive site enhances the significance of Guanaja as a dive resort and does justice to its place in history.

The population of Guanaja is approximately 10,000 people, of which the majority live on Bonacca (known locally as the Cay), the largest town, located east of the main island. Two other populations lie further east, one on Mangrove Bight and the other on Savannah Bight. These last two are small communities who farm their land in addition to fishing as their way of life. Mangrove Bight is located on a small flat area between the Caribbean and a massive mountain cliff, in a very dramatic setting.

You can say that Bonacca is overpopulated. I don't believe you could build another house on the key. Narrow walkways and bridges over canals make for the "streets" of this totally carefree community. Getting around the island is by motorboat since there are no cars. Bonacca is a unique community with a lot of local flavor. Colorful houses, friendly people, small canals where you will find dugout canoes and a myriad of pedestrian streets all give it a unique, distinctive personality you will not find elsewhere.

As you arrive in Guanaja, you will immediately notice a channel cutting the island in two. This is a man made channel and makes access to the north side of Guanaja easier. In order to get a good idea of where all the resorts are located in the island, check our map.

The only regular service available to tourists arriving at the Island is by air, although there is freight service regularly from La Ceiba and the USA. Isleña Airlines and TACA (Tel 453-4208), Sosa Airlines (Tel 453-4359), and Atlantic Airlines (tel. 453-4211). The airport is located on the main island, and after landing, you will need a boat to transport you to Bonacca or to any hotel you are going to. Most of the least expensive hotels are located in Bonacca. I recommend the Miller Hotel or the Alexander Hotel if you are planning to stay there. All the airlines have boats and will take you to Bonacca for a small fee. Otherwise, you can hire a water taxi right there at the airport, but there are three outfits giving this service and due to the very high fuel costs in the island, it is expensive.

If you are staying at anyone of the resorts located on the island, and they are expecting you, you will be met by them at the airport. If you are coming in on your own and need more information as to where to stay and what to do in Guanaja, walk right up to the Thirst and Last Stop Bar or the Airport Hillton Hotel, located just next to the airport where you will find the famous Captain Al, a native American who has lived on the island for over 25 years. Incidentally, he has some very good, clean, cool rooms and some of the best food on the island. Captain Al and his son Andy know everything that is going on the island and are always happy to share their information.

The resorts around Guanaja are small and are usually family run. Amongst the most outstanding resorts are Island House, West Peak Inn, End of the World Resort and Nautilus are all small operations with good service and food, all specializing in diving or kayaking. Some of these also offer horseback riding tours and tours to a beautiful waterfall located in the island. Island House and End of the World Resort are located on the north side of the island, past Michael’s Rock and has a beautiful white sand beach and very close access to a lovely secluded waterfall located a short 30 minute hike from the resorts. These two resorts specialize in diving and are small family run operations where hospitality is the name of the game. IF you are looking for a first class home to rent for a few days, La Giralda, located on the south side of the island is just what you are looking for… its own private beach, three swimming pools, breathtaking views are all part of this designer home that is available for rent.

There are several small waterfalls throughout the island. The prettiest of these is located on the northwestern side of the island, and access to it is easier from the End of the World Resort and the Island House Resort. The hike from these is a short 30 minutes, and offers a variety of scenes. First of all, you will pass a farm area with multiple local fruits. You will find sea grapes, coco plums, hog plums, lemons, avocados, and bananas. Then you will start climbing up the mountain, following the stream. The water in the stream is crystal clear and extremely sweet and drinkable. Eventually, you will reach the waterfall. There is a small splash pool at its base but it is not very deep. The dense jungle vegetation, the mist of the fall and the solitude of the area make for a very pristine setting. If you are not staying at the resorts that are close to the waterfall, you can make arrangements with a water taxi for transportation.

Another interesting day trip is to take the regularly scheduled boat the “SAVA” from Bonacca to Savannah Bight. From there, after mingling with the community, you can walk along the only road in the island to Mangrove Bight. The walk is not strenuous and should take you less than 45 minutes. From Savannah Bight, you can follow the coastline and after an approximately 1-hour walk you will arrive to the path that leads up the stream to the waterfall. Arrange for a boat transfer back to your hotel ahead of time. This can be done either Mangrove Bight or Savannah Bight.

One of the most unique places in the Island is The End of The World Resort. Located on a 3-mile long pristine white sand beach, overlooking Michael Rock. End of The World has a clubhouse with a beach bar and a restaurant. For your enjoyment, there are a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and fishing. In addition, The End of The World has the only Scuba Certification School and advanced Scuba curriculum programs for Scuba professionals on Guanaja. For as little as $75.00 USA dollars per person, enjoy mountainside cabanas with panoramic views of the ocean. All meals are buffet style and always superb. The End of the World also offers island bar tours by boat for guests.

Another interesting place on the islands is West Peak Inn, offering outstanding beachfront cabins at Guanaja's largest beach at the West End. West Peak specializes in sea kayaking trips as well as sea kayaks with packages available starting at $95.00 US per day all-inclusive. West Peak Inn is part of a large working farm, where some of the produce you will eat is actually cultivated right here. A nice trail leading to the top of West Peak will reward you with a great view of Barbaretta and Roatan, as well as of a good part of Guanaja. West Peak is also a favorite for locals on Sundays, when many jump in their boats to enjoy the hog roast that British host David has prepared specially for his guests.