Port Honduras Marine Reserve

Port Honduras covers around a hundred thousand acres of shallow inshore water between the Toledo coast and the barrier reef, scattered with some hundred and thirty small mangrove cayes. Because several rivers empty into it, the water is brackish and rich, and it works as a nursery for fish that later move out to the reef, as well as holding manatees. The Snake Cayes at the outer edge have the clearest water and the snorkelling.

What you actually see

• The mangrove cayes - around a hundred and thirty small islands across the reserve.
• The Snake Cayes - the outer islands with clearer water and reef.
• The manatees - a resident population in the brackish inshore water.
• The fish nursery - the shallow habitat that stocks the reef further out.

When to go

December to April is the dry season with the clearest water. River runoff in the rains cuts visibility badly. Boats are cancelled in rough conditions.

Honest expectations

Water clarity inshore is poor because of river runoff and visitors expecting reef-clear water are disappointed. Getting to the Snake Cayes is a long boat run. Facilities are none.

Nearby

Punta Gorda is south, and the Sapodilla Cayes are further offshore.