Parque Nacional Marino Islas de la Bahía, Marine national park in Bay Islands, Honduras
This marine protected area surrounds four islands and contains coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches. The zone extends from shallow coastal waters down to deeper offshore areas.
The park gained official protection status in 2010 when Honduras' National Congress issued a decree. This action aimed to preserve the region's marine resources for the future.
Island residents have long depended on fishing and tourism within these waters as their main livelihood. Their daily relationship with the sea remains central to how they live and work.
Different zones have varying water conditions and accessibility: shallow coastal areas are easier to explore, while deeper zones require more experience or special arrangements. Visiting outside hurricane season offers safer conditions for water activities.
The area forms part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the world's second largest coral reef system after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This underwater formation stretches across hundreds of kilometers and holds remarkable biodiversity.
Location: Coxen Hole
Address: 8FPF+QH2, Coxen Hole, Bay Islands, Honduras
GPS coordinates: 16.33689,-86.52612
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:09
Honduras holds a range of natural sites and archaeological locations along its Caribbean coastline and mountainous interior. The Copán ruins stand among the most important remnants of the Mayan civilization, displaying intricate stonework and the Hieroglyphic Stairway. Several islands in the Bay Islands, including Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja, offer sandy shores and access to coral reefs. National parks such as Pico Bonito, La Tigra, and Celaque protect rainforests and mountain ecosystems with trails through dense vegetation. Lake Yojoa sits between forested hills and serves as a habitat for migratory birds. The capital city of Tegucigalpa contains the 18th-century cathedral, along with the Museum for National Identity and the Garífuna Cultural Center, which provide insight into the country's history and culture. The Christ of Picacho statue overlooks the city from a hilltop. Along the northern coast, the Lancetilla Botanical Garden in Tela holds collections of tropical plants. Protected areas like the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve and the Moskitia region in the east preserve remote rainforests and wetlands. Cayos Cochinos consists of small islands with clear waters off the coast near La Ceiba.
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