Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos Travel Guide
Unspoiled Caribbean isles with mountains & pine forests
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The least populated and most distant of the Bay Islands, Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos are completely different places in comparison to its neighbours. Unspoiled, more mountainous and covered in pine forests, visitors will get to see a Caribbean that existed long ago.
And just a few miles off the mainland, but officially still part of the Bay Islands, the Cayos Cochinos (literally ‘The Hog Islands’) make up a protected marine reserve with some of the least spoiled parts of the Caribbean.
The island of Guanaja is the least populated of the three Bay Islands and is altogether quite a different destination. It is the most unspoiled and sparsely populated Bay Island, covered in a large Caribbean Pine forest and surrounded by clear waters and virgin coral reefs. Home to just 10,000 people, the main town of Bonacca, located on a tiny cay just off the main island, is packed full of colourful houses connected by narrow walkways, canals and bridges.
The island was once home to the Paya people, before European influence in the region began when Christopher Columbus sailed past what he originally named Pine Island in 1502
Far closer to the mainland, just a few miles from La Ceiba, are the Cayos Cochinos. These small islets are even more pristine and untouched than Guanaja. Totalling thirteen in number, there are two main islands, Major and Minor.
The Cayos Cochinos have been declared a marine reserve for their protection – this and the difficulty in reaching them is likely to keep their natural beauty intact.
Attractions in Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos
Guanaja is more ‘authentic’ than its two larger neighbours, with communities at Bonacca, Savannah Bight and Mangrove Bight that seem to have changed little over the years. Nonetheless, there is still excellent diving around Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos, including a new, man-made site at Mestizo Reef.
Activities in Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos
Scuba Diving or Snorkelling – Both Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos have virgin reefs, but only the Cayos Cochinos are part of the world's second largest reef system, the Meso-American Barrier Reef. Idyllic clear waters and not another diver in sight add to the island’s attraction.
Hiking – Guanaja is covered by Caribbean Pines and is the tallest island of its neighbours. Hiking through its forests and over its central heights is nothing less than a pleasure.
Relaxing
It is impossible not to relax at these laid-back destinations.
Getting Around
Ferries and aeroplanes make the trip to Guanaja from La Ceiba.
Boats to the Cayos Cochinos can be taken from La Ceiba, nearby Nueva Armenia or from Roatan Island.
Travel around Guanaja or the Cayos Cochinos can only be done by foot or by boat.
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