Story and photos by JoAnne and Bill Harris
The Bay Islands of Honduras — Utila, Roatan, and Guanaja — are adored for their stunning beauty, crystal-clear waters, spectacular snorkeling/diving, and laid-back island vibes. It’s a dreamy place for cruisers to drop anchor and dinghy ashore to some unforgettable happy hour spots.
Whether you have just rinsed off your dive gear or are heading in after a salty beach walk, here are some of our favorite places to unwind. These bars are dinghy-friendly, cruiser welcoming. Many are pet- and family-friendly, too. So, grab your flip flops and your favorite sundowner friends — it is time to raise a glass to life afloat.
Utila: Best of Both Worlds
Though it is the smallest of the Bay Islands, Utila’s charm will draw you in when it comes to character and beauty. The main anchorage, East Harbour, is funky, fun, friendly, and full of wonderful places that welcome cruisers with open arms and cold beverages. Caribbean music fills the air and makes for a great atmosphere of island flair.
Bando Beach Bar & Restaurant is a laid-back beachfront haven with picnic tables and beach chairs that is perfect for cruisers. It is always family and pet friendly. The wonderful beach and shallow water are a great way to cool off as you float with a cold drink. There is a great dinghy dock there as well. The staff make an amazing rum punch with fresh juice and offer a variety of happy hour specials as well delightful frozen concoctions, too.
Edo’s Place Bar & Grill iscasual, cool, and run by a crew who love cruisers. A dinghy dock is also available. They offer live music and you will immediately feel like a local. You are welcome to enjoy your beverage while you chill out on the deck or float in the crystal-clear sea. The staff make an amazing cocktail aptly named Blue Utila with coconut rum, pineapple juice and Blue Curacao.
Huffy Utila is tiny and lively and boasts a rotating group of locals, backpackers, and salty sailors. If you are looking for a surprise DJ night or impromptu limbo contest, this is it. Dinghy in and tie up out front. Their fun-themed drink selections are served with floating rubber duckies, beach pails and more. One of their signature drinks is the Bali Bath. With a multitiered platform built over the water, it is a perfect place to enjoy amazing views and the warm tropical breeze.
Mango Tango: The name alone makes you smile — and so does the view. Perched right on the water with colorful cushions and a breezy deck, everyone is welcome to enjoy drinks and the laid-back atmosphere. One of the artisan cocktails is a Grape Gin Smash that is a true hit. Great news is that they offer a unique cocktail for every day of the week.
Nautical Restaurant & Bar is a newly opened mellow spot where cruisers often end up chatting over fresh ceviche and cold beers or select from the fully stocked bar of top shelf liquors. Dock access is available. It’s the kind of place where the bartender remembers your name on the second visit — and your favorite drink by the third. Overlooking the harbor, this place has a spectacular view of sunset in the air-conditioning or enjoy the refreshing swimming pool.
Neptune’s Bar & Grill is a bit of a local legend and one of the most scenic spots on the island. Reachable only by water — dinghy up to the dock and feel like you have arrived somewhere secret. Snorkeling just off the dock is excellent, so bring your gear. Their frozen Painkillers pack a punch.
Underwater Vision Dive Center isn’t just for divers! The beach bar out back is a gathering place for sunset lovers. Music is often playing, and there’s a vibe of international community of travelers here — you’ll hear stories in multiple languages. Dinghy parking is easy on the long pier.
Roatan: Busier Island
Roatan has something for everyone, from party-seekers to those who wish just to chill out. It has many hidden gems tucked away into its shores.
Set right in the sand, the Boat Bar in West Bayis alively spot, dinghy accessible, and has a great view of the sunset. A mix of locals, expats, and visitors keeps the vibe friendly and fun. Enjoy a delicious signature Moscow Mule here.
Brady’s Cay at French Cayis a beautiful hideaway with wonderful management who makes everyone feel welcome. It is here where we set up the “ULTRA Special for Cruisers,” where cruisers can visit and not have to pay the $20 entrance fee. Cruisers can just dinghy in and leave their rides at the dock. Then enjoy great food and drinks. There are many cocktails to select from, including their Bahama Mama. Lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, freshwater showers are also available.
Eddie’s on the Beach in West End is one of our go-to spots for casual drinks with a view. Dinghy up to the pier, enjoy the comfy sofas and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. They offer live music several days a week, too.
Fun Chaser floating barat French Cay is a unique local place. A real cruiser favorite since after a fun snorkel on the reef, you can dinghy up and order drinks and food. The signature decadent Monkey La-La Cocktail consists of Bailey’s, Coconut Cream, Kahlua, Vodka, Triple Sec. Add ice, blend, pour in chocolate sauce and plop a cherry on top to create the local favorite.
Hole in the Wall at Jonesville Bightis anold-school legendary island spot only accessed by boat. You’ll find seasoned sailors and locals here. The vibe is authentic and the laughs are loud. It is a great place to swap cruising stories and hear island legends.
If you’re craving artful cocktails and designer ambiance, Luna Muna at Ibagari Hotel in West Bayis your stop. Dinghy up to elegance and sip on the signature elixir, “Ibagari Delight” with pineapple juice, rum, jalapeno, and bitters while watching the sun melt into the sea. If you arrive at Ibagari to enjoy the sunset, champagne flutes of chilled prosecco are served.
Sundowners at West End is asclassic as it gets. Hugely popular with cruisers, tourists and locals, there is always something fun happening here with live entertainment and other events. The first time we went, they had just opened and that was over 20 years ago, back when Roatan still had sandy streets. Cruisers are welcome to beach their dinghies right in front and enjoy all this place has to offer. They are famous for their blended margarita with mojito ingredients.
Tita’s Pink Seahorse Bar in West End is colorful, cozy, and always full of laughter. It is named for the seahorses found just offshore. They are famous for their super-size frozen strawberry daiquiris.
Roatan Yacht Club Resort and Marina at French Harbor is a solid stop for boaters — especially if you need fuel, supplies, or just a solid burger, pizza or tacos. They have cruiser-friendly docks and an extremely welcoming crowd.
Trico Bar at Jonesville Bightis a brilliant waterfront place with a come-as-you-are vibe. Dinghy right up to the deck. Great for those nights when you just want to be somewhere totally laid-back, with good tunes and cold drinks.
Guanaja: Undiscovered Paradise
The island of Guanaja remains a dream for those looking to unplug. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and full of charm. Dinghy access is easy in most areas, and the views are postcard-worthy.
You can dinghy up and tie up to the dock at Pico’s Pizza & Fruit Harbour at The Bightfor ice cold beverages, including a variety of German beers.
German owners give Manati Restaurant at El Bighta Caribbean flair. Dinghy dock is available. It is a great place to enjoy a cold beer or a variety of cocktails while enjoying the breeze and beautiful view from the covered deck. Every Saturday, they set the tables family style and invite cruisers, locals and expats to enjoy a wonderful meal and camaraderie.
Mi Casa Too at El Bight: The name says it all. Come as a stranger, leave as family. Shawn and Lisa manage their beautiful restaurant down to every detail. The dinghy can be left at the dock and then after a climb of 192 steps, one will arrive to a charming ambiance with a stunning panoramic view. Enjoy the plethora of hummingbirds sipping on the feeders while you soak in the view and relax with a refreshing Hibiscus Tea or Limeade.
Guanaja Beach Hotel at El Bight is a lovely place set atop a high hill with a stunning view of the sea along with a white sandy beach below. The buildings are designed by the internationally recognized architect Lane Pettigrew, and include a restaurant, bar, pottery studio, villas. The signature cocktail is a Guanaja Sundowner that is sure to please.
Green Flash Bar on the North Side is named for the elusive sunset phenomenon, and with good reason. Accessible by boat only, it’s well worth the trip. It is the best place to enjoy the sunset and to see the elusive green flash with signature pineapple or mango daiquiris made with real fruit.
JoAnne and Bill Harris live aboard their trimaran, SV ULTRA. They are Ocean Cruising Club port officers and cruising hosts for Honduras and Bay Islands for the Seven Seas Cruising Association. Explore their guide, ULTRA Cruisers’ Resource Guide for Honduras including The Bay Islands.
