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Of the 70 islands and cays that constitute
the Bay Islands off of the northern coast of Honduras,
only three are populated year round: Roatan, Utila
and Guanaja. Roatan, is the beating heart and soul
of the Islands, and by far the most popular. However,
though it is a tourist destination, it still retains
its rustic charm. Very few roads are paved, and most
of the countryside is still lush jungle, full of tropical
vegetation and animal life.
Roatan Island's striking natural beauty is highlighted
by its Caribbean ambience and glorious wildlife. A
lush tropical island approximately 33 miles long and
4 miles wide, it is bordered by the second largest
barrier reef in the world. It offers spectacular diving
and snorkeling, abundant in stony corals and colorful
sponges. Now a protected marine park, the waters around
West End, where our group will be staying, are home
to dozens of exciting deep water dive sites. Brilliant
blue and clear water, palm-fringed beaches cooled
by constant tradewinds, exotic plants, and nature
trails abound!
Wake up to the soothing caress of tropical breezes.
Have a tropical fruit drink and savor
the very best in seafood and native cuisine while
viewing spectacular sunsets from a dockside restaurant.
Horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, charter
fishing trips, sailing, day hikes, and sea kayaking
are some of the other local activities...to name a
few!
Lush tropical plants such as coconut palm, orange,
avocado, papaya, grapefruit, and cashew trees are
scattered on the island. Among the tropical flowers
there are hibiscus, bird of paradise, butterfly bushes,
gardenia, roses, pink and red ginger, shell ginger,
bougainvillea, etc.
The Bay Islands have a colorful history quite distinct
from that of mainland Honduras. The islanders are
native English speakers and are proud of their traditions.
During the pre-Hispanic period the islands were inhabited
by the Maya Indians and visited frequently by Mayan
traders. In the 17th century, they became a refuge
for British pirates who preyed on Spanish ships.
The island has become a marine sanctuary. The local
Institute for Marine Research has initiated a dolphin
discovery program for both children and adults, as
well as implementing an entire range of reef-monitoring
studies on the island. Our stay includes a swim with
the Dolphins. You can snorkel with dolphins or dive
with them in the open sea, accompanied by a dolphin
behaviorist. These programs offer the unusual opportunity
to interact with dolphins on the mammal's own initiative.
Interaction is achieved by the dolphin's natural curiosity.
The open water dive is the optimal way to observe
the dolphins in their natural habitat, where there
is no feeding enticement to secure interaction with
humans. The dolphin snorkel provides more opportunity
for physical contact. For those who prefer to stay
in waist-deep water, a dolphin beach encounter is
also popular.
Our accommodations at PURA VIDA on Roatan Island offer
you the comfort of home in an exotic setting. You
will enjoy the large, spacious rooms which come with
amenities not often found in other hotels on the island
such as cable TV and air conditioning. The personal
service is a treat - the owners are always ready to
suggest a great diving or touring expedition for the
day. Enjoy dinner at Pura Vida's casual gourmet restaurant
offering Italian and Continental dishes and the best
pizza on the island. At night, there is live music
to entertain you after a day spent snorkeling, diving,
or just relaxing on the beach. End your day with a
massage arranged with the on site massage therapist
and you will know why you chose Pura Vida for a perfect
vacation in the paradise of Roatan.
About the Softly International Program
SOFTLY International is a non-profit organization
serving children and their families living in severe
poverty in Honduras. The renowned service program
you will be participating in during two mornings on
Roatan Island is called "A Bed for Every Child."
The children sleep on the dirt floors of tiny dwellings
made of tin and concrete blocks and thus are susceptible
to all sorts of parasites and illnesses. SOFTLY treats
them with medicines to purge the parasites and then
gives them a bed of their own, to lift them off of
the ground so they will not be infected again. SOFTLY's
standard, simple design for the sturdy bunk beds makes
building them very easy...and enjoyable! The children
and their families participate with us in these projects
and the joy touches the hearts of all involved.
Eloise Vincent, Co-Founder/Director says: "We
are all one global family and family love is not just
a "handout" to a sad child in a strange
land, but a helping hand creating new opportunities
and futures. These tours are the perfect combination
of vacationing with a purpose and passion to make
a lasting difference in the lives of children in the
global family. What a wonderful humanitarian and ecological
experience this is to change your life!" |
