- The Bay Islands of Roatán and Utila are the safest and easiest part of the country for visitors
- Utila is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive
- Copán's Maya carvings are among the finest in Central America
- Most UK travellers connect through Houston, Miami or Atlanta
- Airports
- Roatán (RTB), San Pedro Sula (SAP), Palmerola (XPL), La Ceiba (LCE)
- Flight time
- about 14-16h from London to Roatán or San Pedro Sula, usually with one stop in the USA
- Best time to go
- February-May for the Bay Islands and the mainland; October-January brings the heaviest rain on the Caribbean coast
- Currency
- Honduran lempira (HNL); US dollars widely accepted on the Bay Islands
Honduras has two very different faces. Offshore, the Bay Islands of Roatán, Utila and Guanaja sit on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, with warm clear water, walls and wrecks, and some of the cheapest scuba courses anywhere. On the mainland, the Maya city of Copán has exquisitely carved stelae and a hieroglyphic stairway, while cloud forests, coffee farms and Lake Yojoa reward travellers who venture inland.
From the UK there are no direct flights, so you'll connect in the USA or occasionally via Central America. Honduras is six hours behind the UK (seven in British Summer Time), uses US-style two-pin plugs at 120 volts and drives on the right. English is widely spoken on the Bay Islands, Spanish on the mainland. This Central America guide covers where to go, when to visit and what it costs.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually enter Honduras visa-free for tourism. Honduras is part of the CA-4 agreement with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, which generally gives a combined stay of up to 90 days across all four countries. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and you may be asked for proof of onward travel. Honduras has high levels of violent crime in some cities, particularly San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, and parts of the country have periodic states of emergency, so read the latest advice carefully. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Honduras
Roatán
The largest Bay Island is the most developed, with resorts and dive shops around West End and West Bay, where a long white-sand beach backs straight onto the reef. Snorkelling is excellent from the shore, and cruise ships call regularly, so West Bay can get busy on ship days.
Utila
Smaller, scruffier and cheaper, Utila is a backpacker and diving hotspot. Open Water courses here are among the cheapest in the world, and whale sharks are sometimes seen offshore, especially from about March to April and again later in the year.
Copán Ruinas
In the western highlands near the Guatemalan border, the ruins of Copán are famous for detailed sculpture rather than tall pyramids. The pleasant cobbled town next door has good cafés, hot springs nearby and a macaw sanctuary.
Lake Yojoa and the central highlands
The country's largest lake is a birdwatching hotspot, with the Pulhapanzak waterfall, a craft brewery and coffee farms nearby. It makes a good stop between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.
La Ceiba and Pico Bonito
La Ceiba is the gateway to the ferries for Roatán and Utila. Inland, Pico Bonito National Park has jungle trails, waterfalls and white-water rafting on the Cangrejal River.
Best time to visit Honduras
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| February-May | Driest and sunniest on the islands and mainland; ideal for diving and the ruins |
| June-September | Warm with some rain; good diving and fewer crowds |
| October-January | Wettest on the Caribbean coast and Bay Islands, with storms possible from August to November |
Getting there from the UK
There are no direct UK flights. Roatán (RTB) has direct flights from Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas and other US cities with United, American and Delta, so a one-stop itinerary from London Heathrow is usually possible in about 14-16 hours. Mainland gateways are San Pedro Sula (SAP) and the newer Palmerola International (XPL), which replaced Tegucigalpa for most international flights. You'll need an ESTA to transit the USA.
If you only want the reef, fly straight to Roatán and skip the mainland transfer; a fast ferry links Roatán and Utila in about an hour.
Getting around
The Galaxy Wave ferry and Utila Dream link La Ceiba with Roatán and Utila, and small airlines such as CM Airlines and Lanhsa fly domestic routes. On Roatán, taxis and water taxis are the main options. On the mainland, Hedman Alas runs comfortable first-class buses between the main towns, and tourist shuttles cover Copán. Avoid travelling by road after dark, and use pre-booked or hotel taxis in the cities.
Money and costs
The lempira is the currency, though US dollars are widely accepted on the Bay Islands, often at a slightly poor rate. Roatán is noticeably more expensive than the mainland. A mid-range trip on Roatán is likely to cost about $120-200 per person per day; on Utila or the mainland, budget travellers can manage on about $40-60. An Open Water course on Utila has typically cost a few hundred dollars. Tip 10% in restaurants if service isn't included.
Frequently asked questions
Is Honduras safe to visit?
The Bay Islands and Copán see most visitors and are generally calmer than the big cities. San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa have high crime rates, so keep time there short, avoid walking at night and follow FCDO advice.
Is Roatán or Utila better?
Roatán suits couples and families wanting beaches and comfortable resorts. Utila is cheaper and more relaxed, and better for learning to dive on a budget.
Can I combine Honduras with other countries?
Yes. Copán is close to the Guatemalan border, and shuttles run to Antigua and Lake Atitlán. The CA-4 agreement makes crossing to Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua simple.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
English is the first language for many on the Bay Islands. On the mainland, basic Spanish is very useful.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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