A small ( 34 miles long and 4 miles wide) quiet island off the Honduran north coast which hasn't had a lot of development yet, Roatan is particularly attractive to divers, snorkellers and fisherpeople. However, the cruise ships have arrived, so change is probably coming. Sandy beaches, lush jungle-covered hills, a diverse reef system, good bird watching (there's a bird reserve, plus a butterfly garden and a tropical forest reserve), friendly English-speaking people and authentic Caribbean charm. Horseback riding, kayaking, mangrove tours and island tours are available. Anthony's Key Resort has an eco-museum and dolphin encounters available. Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands.

>> Spotlight on Roatan:
This undiscovered island sits on the world's second largest coral reef

>> Underwater jungle film:
Watch video footage of a scuba diving excursion off coast of Honduras