The insular archipelago of Honduras is formed by three mayor islands: Utila, Roatan and Guanaja, and three other minor ones which are Saint Helene, Barbarat and Morat. The Bay Islands are 30 miles away of Honduras mainland. Situated on a Latitud of 86.30 O West and 16.20 O North. They are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The Island of Roatan is the largest of them all. The word “ROATAN” is derived from a Mexican tongue meaning “ISLAND OF WOMEN”. Due to the tranquility of its waters, it makes navigation much easier for motor boats which travel daily in search of shrimps and lobster, and also due to commercial activities link with the mainland.

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History

The returning of the Bay Islands on behalf of the United Kingdom’s Government to Honduras, occurred on April 22, 1861. It was declared a department on March 14, 1872 and Roatan was then decreed a municipality in 1882 and as a departmental capital in 1890. It has four municipalities which are: