Honduras

HEALTH & SAFETY

The islands are generally safer than the mainland, although a few assaults have been reported on the beach between West End and West Bay. Water taxis are a faster and safer option than walking. Also, when swimming or snorkeling, don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach. Better not to bring them at all.

Mosquitoes and sand flies are voracious on the islands, especially during the rainy season. You’ll need plenty of repellent. It’s also very important that you take anti-malarial medication. Five different strains of the disease have been identified on Roatán alone. Mosquitoes also carry dengue fever.

Sand flies don’t carry diseases, but they’re tiny (the size of a grain of sand) and can turn your back and legs into a forest of red welts in one afternoon on the beach.