Cayos Cochinos

The Cayos Cochinos sit between the mainland and Roatan, a protected archipelago of two forested islands and a scatter of sandy cays where commercial fishing is banned outright and only traditional Garifuna fishing is permitted. That protection shows: the reef here is in better condition than much of the region, with healthy coral and fish populations, and it is a favoured research site. Chachahuate cay holds a Garifuna village of thatched huts on sand barely above sea level, and the islands are also home to a distinctive pink boa constrictor found nowhere else.

What you actually see

• The protected reef - snorkelling and diving in a strict no-take zone.
• Chachahuate - the Garifuna fishing village on a tiny sand cay.
• The pink boa - the endemic snake of the larger islands.
• The research station - conservation work on Cayo Menor.

When to go

The drier months from March to September give the calmest crossings and best visibility. The rainy season brings rougher water and more cancellations. Garifuna Settlement Day in April brings celebrations to the coastal communities.

Honest expectations

The crossing in an open boat can be very rough; those prone to seasickness should medicate first. Day trips are short and often crowded onto the same cay - overnight stays in the Garifuna community give a completely different experience. Facilities are minimal and cay accommodation is basic. Visiting the village should be done with respect and through arrangements that benefit the community rather than as a photo stop.

Nearby

La Ceiba and Sambo Creek, Pico Bonito national park and Roatan.