Guanaja, the easternmost island of the Bay Islands, offers an experience unlike any other in the Caribbean. Known for its rugged beauty, vibrant reefs, and unique stilt village, it’s a place where time seems to slow down, and life unfolds at its own gentle pace. Chris Burry and Madeline Hibberd, two avid sailors, ventured to Guanaja as part of their journey through the Bay Islands. What they found was a quiet paradise, rich with natural beauty and local charm.
As with many travelers to the Bay Islands, the underwater world was a highlight of Chris and Madeline’s trip. Guanaja’s reefs are some of the best in the Caribbean, and they didn’t waste a moment diving in to explore. They were immediately captivated by the array of marine life that surrounded them—colorful coral formations, swaying sea fans, and schools of vibrant fish that darted around them. Guanaja is less crowded than Roatan and Utila, which meant they had much of the reef to themselves.
A memorable moment came when they encountered their first lionfish. While beautiful, these invasive fish pose a threat to native species, and some locals even offer classes on how to safely catch, cook, and eat lionfish to help control their population. Seeing the lionfish up close served as a reminder of the delicate balance of the island’s marine ecosystem and the efforts by residents to protect it.
One of the most unique aspects of Guanaja is Bonacca, a densely populated village built entirely on stilts. This close-knit community of around 2,000 people lives on a cluster of homes rising above the water. Chris and Madeline took a walking tour of Bonacca, navigating its narrow boardwalks and witnessing firsthand the ingenuity and resilience of the islanders. Life in Bonacca is simple but lively—residents rely on the sea for transportation, food, and much of their daily activity.
Bonacca’s homes are built so close together that neighbors are practically family. The tight-knit community exemplifies the cooperative spirit that sustains life on Guanaja, where resources are limited, and the natural environment demands respect. As Chris and Madeline strolled through the village, they were struck by the residents’ warmth and hospitality, who shared stories about island life and the challenges and rewards of living in such a unique place.
For many locals, memories of Hurricane Mitch in 1998 are still fresh. The hurricane devastated much of Guanaja, destroying homes, damaging the once-thriving mangrove forests, and reshaping the island’s landscape. Chris and Madeline met residents who had lived through the disaster and shared stories of resilience and recovery. The island’s residents rebuilt their homes, replanted mangroves, and restored their community despite the significant challenges.
A poignant example of this resilience can be seen in the area known as Mitch, a neighborhood renamed after the hurricane. Chris and Madeline found that the community’s history and the impact of the storm are woven into everyday life on Guanaja, shaping how people interact with their environment and with each other.
To really soak in the natural beauty of Guanaja, Chris and Madeline spent a few days at the aptly named “End of the World” resort. Perched on the western coast of the island, the resort offers panoramic views and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. From their treetop room, they could see the blue waters stretching endlessly, with only the sounds of nature breaking the silence.
Each day, they enjoyed meals prepared by Marlee, a local who grew up on the island and had vivid stories of Hurricane Mitch and her life in Guanaja. Marlee’s dishes highlighted the flavors of the island, including fresh seafood prepared with a Caribbean twist. One evening, they even enjoyed rum served in frozen coconuts, a true island treat.
In addition to the views and meals, Chris and Madeline had the chance to explore more of the island’s pristine waters with Armando, a guide who took them snorkeling. The reefs here were teeming with lobsters, nurse sharks, and colorful fish. Armando shared his knowledge of the ecosystem, and the excursions offered a personal look into the wonders that Guanaja’s waters hold.
Chris and Madeline left Guanaja with a deep respect for the island’s beauty, its people, and their resilient spirit. Guanaja is not just another island destination—it’s a place that feels untouched, where the rhythms of the sea and the stories of the past are part of everyday life. From Bonacca’s stilt village to the reefs that lie just offshore, Guanaja offers a side of the Bay Islands that’s both captivating and humbling.
For those seeking a destination that combines natural beauty with cultural depth, Guanaja is well worth the journey. The island may be remote, but it’s a reminder that the most unforgettable places are often those off the beaten path, where adventure, community, and nature come together to create something truly special.