Carib Bight to Calabash Bight · Roatan, Honduras
The shallow channel behind the reef that pirates used to slip away from Spanish warships. Today it's the best day on the water in Roatan, and it starts at our dock.
Why it's here
The passage runs along Roatan's south shore, protected the whole way by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest reef system on earth. During the Golden Age of Piracy it was a highway, an ambush point, and a hiding place. Henry Morgan and his crews used the island as a base to raid Spanish galleons running the treasure route.
The outer reef wrecked heavy, deep-draft Spanish warships. The pirates' small, fast boats ran the shallow channels inside it, and when they were chased, they disappeared into the mangroves.
The same channels are still there. Calm clear water, mangrove tunnels, coral gardens to snorkel, and a string of small towns, dockside bars, and restaurants you can only really reach by boat.
How guests run it
Skiff use is included for overnight guests after a quick orientation at the dock — the No Go Zone, the shallow spots, and where the channel entrances actually are.
From Carib Bight through Blue Rock, Jonesville, Oak Ridge, Pandy Town and Fiddler's Bight to Calabash Bight. Protected water the whole way. No open-water crossing.
Get back to El Palacio Rosa for sunset from the infinity pool, and dinner at La Rosa Tiki Bar on the dock.
Rather paddle? Kayaks and paddleboards go straight from our dock into the mangrove tunnels toward Blue Lagoon. La Rosa can also arrange a guided tour or a dory water taxi.
What's out there
Numbers match the map. Hours vary and plenty of these places run on island time, so check with La Rosa before you head out.
Start here
El Palacio Rosa sits at the western end of the route on Carib Bight. The Bay Suite sleeps 5, the Pink Palace sleeps 13, and the Resort Takeover sleeps 18. Skiff, kayaks, infinity pool, dock, and La Rosa Tiki Bar on site.
The numbers, plainly
#1 Blue Lagoon Road, Carib Bight, Santos Guardiola, Roatán, Honduras · 30 minutes from Roatán International (RTB) on new pavement · 4-night minimum · infinity pool, dock, sandy beach, kayaks, paddleboards and skiff shared across the property · La Rosa Tiki Bar and La Rosa Dive & Fish on site.
