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.

A beach in 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.

A pair of photos one showing a waterfall and the other scuba divers in Honduras.

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 pair of photos one showing a beach bar and the other a hotel pool in Honduras.

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 in the woods.

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.