Slickrock is pleased to announce our third season in Honduras, exploring a seldom-visited area of the Bay Islands. The Bay Islands lie 30 miles off the coast of Honduras in the Caribbean. We paddle from Roatan to nearby Barbareta Island, where we have found a true paradise of unspoiled reefs, tropical islands, and picture-perfect beaches sheltered by hidden coves. 

Video available: We have a 20-minute video about our trips. This professionally produced show features live footage covering our adventures and will give you a real feel for what to expect. The video is free if you return it within a month, give us a call or visit our "Order Further Information" page. 

Note: All distances paddled and locations visited are dependent on weather conditions; variations to itinerary are common and are at trip leader's discretion. 

Day 2 Sunday: Drive to launch point at Paya Bay, rig and paddle 5 miles to camp on beach. Dive on reefs from beach.  

Day 3 Monday: Paddle to Garbin Bay, Barbareta Island. Snorkel from the most beautiful beach you have ever visited and camp under the palms.  

Day 4 Tuesday: Hike to pre-Columbian Indian ruins, explore hidden coves, paddle to reefs and dive. Camp at Garbin Bay, or if the group prefers, we will paddle on to the hacienda a day early.  

Day 5 Wednesday: Paddle to south shore of island, then out near Pigeon Cayes to dive on reefs. Stay at the "Casa Grande" hacienda, with beds, showers and kitchen facilities.  

Day 6 Thursday: Paddle along the south shore of Barbareta, diving the nearby reefs. Return to hacienda. Horseback rides, scuba diving and sport fishing tours available.  

Day 7 Friday: Paddle to reefs offshore, returning for lunch at the hacienda. Boat launch back to Roatan, drive back to West End. Hotel and farewell dinner at restaurant.  

Day 8 Saturday: Breakfast with guide, then taxi in time for first flight out. 

The Bay Islands were historically a refuge for people who didn't fit the mainstream development of the region. Following Pre-Columbian Indians, the islands became home to buccaneers, pirates, displaced refugees, and fleeing rebels. Control of the Islands passed between the Spanish and the British for over 200 years. The Spanish prevented development by forcibly removing any settlements, but displaced Englishmen eventually resettled the Islands, and English remains the main tongue spoken. Today the islands retain their unique identity, with a Caribbean flavor not found on the mainland. The Bay Islands are a world removed not only from the mainland but from time as well, a paradise of beach and rain-forested peaks in the sea, with few telephones, clocks, or cares. We embark on our sea kayak tour to Barbareta where extensive lengths of deserted coastline still exist from the eastern end of Roatan.  

First explored by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage, Barbareta remained in the shadow of Roatan and Guanaja and was never colonized. Barbareta's coast is rugged, with cliffs broken by coves of white coral sand. Palm trees carpet vertical walls which rise to nearly 500 feet. Surrounding fringe reefs protect Barbareta's coastline and extend for miles beyond. The lagoon is scattered with patch reefs out to the Pigeon Cayes to the east. This maze of coral provides endless opportunities for exploring and diving from the kayaks. A trail system is maintained for visitors to explore the jungle-covered interior, home to a large flock of parrots. One of the highlights is our hike to a Pre-Columbian Indian site, located on the crest of Barbareta, where artifacts are discovered every visit.

Sea Kayaking: On our journey from Roatan to Barbareta we find the waters inside the protecting reef an ideal setting for sea kayaking. Our guides are experienced kayakers who know the region and are proficient in emergency care, safety and leadership. In addition to teaching sea kayak skills, they will share their knowledge of weather, navigation, rescue techniques, sea life and camping. 

Kayaking Self-Supported:On our trip we carry everything in our boats, allowing a more complete break from the civilized world. The kayaks are built to handle the load, and weight does not affect their performance. Pack light; remember you will rig and de-rig your kayak almost daily. We have a secure place on Roatan for items left behind.  

Our menu and equipment are chosen with weight and compactness in mind. Our food consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, and dry staples available in Honduras, with fresh seafood bought from passing local fishermen. Once on Barbareta, we have more freedom with the menu as we have the use of a full kitchen.

All transport and meals in itinerary

Flights USA/ Roatan

Hotels listed in itinerary (booked double occupancy if possible)

Taxis to and from Roatan Airport

Guides and instruction

Belize entrance/departure tax: approx. $20.00

Sports equipment listed below

Any extra expenses due to late arrivals/ delays

Tents and sleeping pads

Any services not listed in itinerary

Slickrock T-shirt

Fees for optional activities at Barbareta

Alcoholic beverages (available in Roatan)

Snorkeling gear

Sea Grape Lodge: This is where we stay the first and last night of our trip. The Sea Grape is in a very private location, with nice cabins that are not even visible from each other. This is one of the few hotels in West End that do not have resident roosters that keep you awake. The cabins are so near the sea that spray hits the walls during "Northers". The only down side of this hotel is that there is no beach (the shore is sharp rock, as is much of Roatan.) 

Casa Grande Hacienda at Barbareta: Perched halfway up the cliff above the shores of Barbareta, our private hacienda is the perfect place to stay for the remainder of our week. This large building has 2 apartments on the ground floor and three rooms off the balcony upstairs. With modern bathrooms, and the best view in the Bay Islands (the sunset shot above was taken from the porch), you will never want to leave this incredible home base. We basically have all of Barbareta to ourselves; it is a "resort" that is rarely used.