The Central American country of Honduras is bordered to the south by Nicaragua, to the west by Guatemala, and to the southwest by El Salvador. Yet its entire northern shoreline lies on the warm Caribbean Sea. It is off this northern coast where the Bay Islands lie – Roatan, Guanaja and Utila being the main ones. These picturesque islands have become the main tourist attraction of the country and offer hikes, waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, caves, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboard. But they are best known for affordable scuba diving opportunities on lush coral reefs, famed for whale shark encounters. Cayos Cochinos also forms part of the Bay Islands but is more remote and less developed. Here you can escape the tourism hustle to enjoy a beautiful retreat. It is also known as the best dive spot in the country, with rare and big marine life encounters.

On the mainland, visitors can enjoy a variety of graded river rafting adventures at Rio Cangrejal, spot wildlife in the tropical rainforests of Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve and at Punta Sal, explore the natural wonder of Lago de Yojoa, or visit the splendid ancient Mayan sculptures at Copan.

In 2019, 2,000,000 tourists visited the country but the tourism industry accounts for only 2.3% of the GDP of Honduras and the country ranks relatively low in global popularity. On 10 March 2020 the first cases of COVID were confirmed. The government responded very quickly and closed all its borders on 15 March. It also suspended classes at all levels of education, ordered curfews, and, to assist those hardest hit by these measures, fixed prices for basic food items and medical supplies.

These measures have meant that Honduras has fared relatively well in combatting COVID so far and ranks 71 in the world in terms of declared highest death rate per capita. The country has so far recorded 130,000 confirmed cases and 9,000 deaths, with no major spikes. However, excess deaths do show that the government has under-reported deaths by over 70%. Honduras has found it difficult to secure vaccines and currently only 13% of the population are fully vaccinated.

Honduras re-opened its international airports in mid-August 2020. Current entry requirements are a negative PCR or antigen test result, or proof of full vaccination. There is also a pre-check immigration form to complete. Further information can be found here: Honduras entry requirements.

Our Honduras liveaboards are operational and offer diving at Roatan, Utila and Cayos Cochinos. These are the top dive locations in the country with beautiful coral reefs and sheer walls, spectacular wrecks, offshore sea mounts, and opportunities of whale shark encounters.