Route 6- Pigeon Keys

Approximate Time: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Guide Required: A guide will take you by boat to the keys and show you around the shallow reefs and tiny islands

Things to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, snorkel mask and fins

Description: The Pigeon Keys are located at the easternmost end of the Roatan, south of the small island of Barbaret. The keys themselves are nothing more than two small lumps of sand and palm trees that sit just out of the water. At first sight, they invoke thoughts of deserted islands and Robinson Crusoe. Uninhabited and well-off the beaten track, these beautiful keys offer true seclusion in paradise.

After the boat ride from Mango Creek past the islands of Helene, Morat and Barbaret, your guide will beach the boat on the eastern key where you can unload the kayaks, have a drink on the beach, and dive in with your snorkeling gear right from the sand. This area is popular with local fisherman because of the plentiful fish and the snorkeling here is excellent.

After you've gotten in the water, load up your kayaks and your guide will take you along the inside of the protective reef where you'll have spectacular views of waves crashing against the cliff-lined eastern end of Barbaret. As you start to head back west, the lengthwise view of Roatan is phenomenal. With no one around, it is easy to feel as though you've fallen right off the map and into paradise.

Weaving your way in between the various shelves of reef, you'll work your way back to the second key. This island is a common rest stop for local fisherman heading off to fish the deep channel between Roatan and Guanaja. With luck, you might have the chance to spot a dory parked on the beach with a tired fisherman resting before heading out again. Stop on the beach and wait for your guide to bring the boat around to pick you and the kayaks up before heading back to Mango Creek. The boat ride itself is worth the trip.