A Picture-Perfect Beach In Honduras Is Surrounded By The World's Second-Largest Reef

Central America is a wondrous region that boasts dense rainforests, active volcanoes, massive lakes, idyllic islands, and charming colonial towns. Penned in by the Pacific on its western edge and the Caribbean in the east, this narrow stretch of land is one of the Earth's great natural playgrounds.

While many visitors are drawn to the obvious splendors of Costa Rica, budget-friendly Guatemala, and up-and-coming Panama, the country of Honduras is often skipped over in favor of its more famous siblings. Perhaps this has something to do with Honduras' unsavory reputation, and while it's true that there are places in Central America you should avoid, the Bay Islands off Honduras' Caribbean coast offer safety, security, and some of the most unspoiled scenery in the region. 

This is especially true on the island of Roatán, a place of jaw-dropping natural beauty and rich history. The island is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, which is second in size only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This makes Roatán one of the top spots for diving and snorkeling on the planet, and the settlement of West Bay makes the perfect base of operations for your underwater adventures.

Situated on the western tip of Roatán, West Bay is famous for its incredible stretch of sand and an amazing technicolor array of marine life. The laidback little town is also home to several terrific hotels and resorts, as well as bars and restaurants where you can satisfy your well-earned appetite with the catch of the day.

West Bay's mile-long beach is often considered the best on the island, and one visit will show you why. The fluffy, ivory sand feels like fine powder between your toes, and the calm, crystalline water is ideal for swimming or exploration by kayak or paddleboard. While many come to West Bay for the vibrant world blossoming under the ocean's surface, you could easily spend most of your time just lounging on the immaculate beach. It's the perfect place to lie back, sip a colorful cocktail, and listen to the gentle waves lap against the shore while the day slowly melts away.

Beginning at the tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and extending 700 miles to Honduras' Bay Islands, the Mesoamerican Reef is a gargantuan underwater ecosystem made up of over 60 types of coral, 500 hundred species of fish, five types of sea turtles, as well as marine mammals and whale sharks. This makes it a prime destination for anyone interested in tropical marine life.

West Bay offers some of the best access to this incredible reef system in the form of snorkeling and diving. One of the best things is that you don't have to travel very far to get to the good stuff. At West Bay, the reef is a stone's throw from shore, which means you can just don your fins, snorkel, and mask and swim out until you're immersed in the thrilling, kaleidoscopic scene. If you're interested in going deeper, scores of dive shops and resorts offer guided trips, as well as a range of PADI certification courses for newbies wishing to learn the ropes or old salts looking to level up their skills.

One good local outfit is West Bay Divers, a professional company that offers day excursions on their dive yacht — El Guapo —around Roatán. While they specialize in reef snorkeling and diving, you may also be able to spot dolphins or even pilot whales while cruising along in the open water. They also do package dive deals that can end up saving you a lot of money. For more amazing underwater action, check out the 15 best snorkeling spots in the world.