Off Honduras northern coast, this Caribbean island is a burgeoning ecotourism haven.
After six days, I was convinced.
My adventure began at the airport on Roatan, a string-bean-shaped island off the coast of northern Honduras.
The biodiverse waters around Roatán.Credit:Bill Gozansky / Alamy Stock
I couldnt wait to get into the water.
Its an idyllic place to watch the sunset, perhaps from a driftwood swing chair at the waterside bar.
The 40-foot descent felt like traveling through a portal into an alternate universe.
From left: El Bejuco Waterfall in Pico Bonito park; divers exploring the protected reefs.From left: Jashley247/Shutterstock; Danita Delimont Creative/Alamy
Snorkelers swim out from points like West Bay Beach, Starfish Alley, and Newmans Wall.
My favorite dive was around Big French Key, a private island nearby, where I exploredMr.
My large cabin had rosewood floors and pine ceilings, plus a deck screened by cacao trees.
A beach bar (left) and the pool (right) at the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa.Courtesy of Kimpton Grand Roatan
It felt refreshingly tech-free, without a USB port or flat-screen TV in sight.
There is also a reptile and butterfly garden and a soothing sweat lodge.
Midway through our 40-minute trek, rain started lashing the canopy of tamboril, mahogany, and ceiba trees.
A cabin at the Lodge & Spa at Pico Bonito, which is set in a cloud forest.ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy
By the time we reached the 85-foot-high falls, the water seemed to have doubled in force.
Hurry, hurry, Lobo howled from the whitewater below as adrenaline coursed through my veins.
Gripping the rope tightly, I found my footing step by precarious step.
Slow and steady, I told myself.
Every tread down felt like a gamble.
After 15 minutes, which seemed like an eternity, I finally felt solid ground beneath my soaking-wet feet.
Welcome to the jungle, Lobo said with a high-five.
