Destination: Guanaja

Grab a Flight to Guanaja: Your Tropical Paradise Awaits

Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Guanaja. Located just 70 kilometers off the northern coast of Honduras, this tropical paradise is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and fascinating history. Once you step off your flight to Guanaja, you will find that it’s not just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to unfold.

 

Explore Cayo Bonacca, The Venice of Honduras

 

The island’s main cay, Cayo Bonacca, is a charming car-free village known for its winding canals and peaceful atmosphere. With its unique way of life, where getting around is done by foot or traditional hand-pushed carts, it’s the perfect place to relax. Explore the picturesque streets, where the sounds of the sea accompany you as you wander through this peaceful, motor-free paradise.

 

Natural Beauty Awaits on Your Flight to Guanaja

 

Beyond the cay, Guanaja is a haven for nature lovers. From the tranquil Mangrove Bight to the pristine beaches of Savannah Bight, the island offers a diverse range of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Its warm, crystal-clear waters are home to an incredible coral reef system, part of the world-renowned Mesoamerican Reef, making it a dream destination for divers and snorkelers. The island’s vibrant marine life and tropical charm will capture your heart from the moment you arrive.

 

Guanaja is also steeped in history. Christopher Columbus made his first landing here in 1502, encountering cacao for the first time — the very foundation of chocolate! Over the centuries, this island has become a blend of cultures, with influences from the Cayman Islands adding to its unique character.

 

Book your flight to Guanaja today and experience the beauty of this hidden gem!

The main source of income for the islanders is lobster and shrimp fishing. Tourism has been increasing over the years, there are about a dozen small but beautiful resorts that cater to divers, snorkelers, beach lovers and adventure travelers. Rental homes have also become an option for vacationers. The island’s warm, clear waters support an extensive and splendorous coral reef that is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Today, there is still access to fresh water in Guanaja, and several waterfalls can be seen. Since 2021 the entire island and its cays have been designated as a Ramsar protected site.

A BIT OF HISTORY…

Christopher Columbus landed in Guanaja on his fourth voyage in 1502. Notably, this was the first time he was introduced to cocoa, which is the basis of chocolate. He landed on Soldado beach, on the north side of the island. In later years, Cayman Islanders settled in the Bay Islands, which explains the spread of Spanish and English.

Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys/October Sky, was one of the first diving explorers of Guanaja, visiting it for the first time in 1973. Along with a team of other explorers, he extensively mapped the island’s reef system for sport divers. He still owns property on the northeast end of the island.

In late October 1998, most of the island’s buildings and homes were destroyed by Hurricane Mitch. The islanders have since been rebuilding the island, although the hurricane still has repercussions on the economy, tourism has recovered. Most of the mangrove and pine forests, which were destroyed as a direct consequence of the hurricane’s two-day passage through the island, are slowly recovering. In early October 2021, a fire burned about 40% of the houses on Bonacca Cay, at this time reconstruction has begun….