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| French Harbour |
Roatán is the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands. It is approximately 60 kilometers (37 mi) long, and less than 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) across at its widest point. It has become an important cruise ship and scuba diving destination in Honduras. Tourism is its most important economic sector, though fishing is also an important source of income for islanders. Roatan is served by the Juan Manuel Gálvez Roatán International Airport and by the Galaxy Wave express Catamaran ferry.
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| View from the yacht club in French Harbour |
The Bay islands is located near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It
stretches over 1000 km from Isla Contoy at the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico) down to the Bay Islands of Honduras. This reef structure is
the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest barrier
reef in the world.
We stayed 2 days at French Harbour before we moved on to West
End. To be able to shop in French Harbour was a welcome experience as we were down and out on our provisions! Christelle went to town at the delicatessen in the Wine shop. We spend a memorable evening on S/V "Bailando" with
Ricardo (Venezuelan) and Linda (USA).
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| On a clear day one can see the mountains on mainland Honduras. |
We stayed 2 weeks at West End waiting for a good window to sail
to Utila and on to Guatemala. During this time we had some fun when we rented a
scooter for one day to explore the Island.
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| Pic-nic and planning. |
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| Conch grass under Songerie at West End |
The anchorage at French Harbour is much better protected than
West End. We experience a couple of very heavy Westerlies at West End. The reef
does not stop the swell, luckily we took a mooring after Jaco inspected it and
was satisfied with the strength.
One evening we entertained Canadian Paul and Twyla of 52ft S/V Samphire on board Songerie with a delicious Brazilian moqueca.
Twyla is a professional under water photographer and film producer.
Most of her films focus on raising awareness within the marine ecosystem.
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| Samphire leaving on a 2 day trip. |
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| Unusual rig of "Samphire". |
West End can be crowded by backpackers and tourist with a lively night life.
We left early morning 26 June for Utila.
We stayed 2 days at French Harbour before we moved on to West
End. To be able to shop in French Harbour was a welcome experience as we were down and out on our provisions! Christelle went to town at the delicatessen in the Wine shop. We spend a memorable evening on S/V "Bailando" with
Ricardo (Venezuelan) and Linda (USA). 
We stayed 2 weeks at West End waiting for a good window to sail
to Utila and on to Guatemala. During this time we had some fun when we rented a
scooter for one day to explore the Island. 
