Saltwater adventures in Honduras
Question: Do you know what outfitters do sea kayaking tours in Honduras?
Robert Gorin
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
robertg@internorth.com
国产吃瓜黑料 Adviser: Moab-based Slickrock 国产吃瓜黑料s (800-390-5715) is an unlikely but nonetheless bankable bet for an eight-day sea kayaking tour of the Bay Islands, about 40 miles off the east coast of Honduras in the Caribbean. You’ll meet your group at the airport on Roatan and then hop in a van for the drive down to the put-in on the far
side of the island, where you’ll gear up, get a few safety and technique tips, and then slip off into the waves. The first few days are spent puttering around small, quiet coves on Roatan’s west end before making the mile-crossing to the north side of Barbareta Island. There’s plenty of time along the way for snorkeling (they provide equipment), swimming, and general lounging
about in the sun. Mike Gray, a paddlehound from the Great Lakes who spends his winters in the Caribbean, guides every Honduras trip they run. Aside from being known for his impressive paddling know-how–which he’ll shower upon you for much of the trip–he’s also made quite a name for himself in the elite world of kayak cookery. Okay, he’s no Julia Child, but he does know how
to whip up a delish batch of shrimp soft tacos on the beach. And if you’re nice to him, I’m sure he’ll throw a few pearls of culinary wisdom your way.
After several days of exploring little-known coves along Barbareta’s north shore, you’ll have the chance to hike inland to the ruins of a pre-Columbian Indian site. From there it’s a half-day paddle to the south side of the island and the mostly empty Casa Grande Hacienda, a sprawling, family-run villa that’ll be your base for two days. If the thought of lifting a paddle
makes you physically sick at this point, you can always arrange horseback riding or scuba diving trips through the lodge. The beach camping part of the trip is officially over, so go ahead and enjoy the cushy comforts of the Hacienda guilt-free–you earned it. The eight-day excursion will set you back $1,195, not including air fare to Roatan; trips depart December through late
March, with a minimum of two people and a maximum of 10.
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