The Cayos Cochinos, also known as the Cochino Cays or the Hog Islands, are a group of small islands off the northeast coast of Honduras. The two largest islands are named Cayo Grande and Cayo Menor. There are also another 13 coral cays that round out the group. The Cayos Cochinos are considered to be part of the Roatan municipality and the Honduras Bay Islands. The Cayos Cochinos are only accessible by boat, and there are plenty of tour operators in Roatan West Bay Beach that offer day trips to visit these unique islands.
Just over 100 people live on the Cayos Cochinos’ two square kilometers. There are two Garifuna fishing villages, known as East End and Chachauate and the islands have about 15 private residences in total. There is an entrance fee for visitors which goes towards research and preservation work. Cayo Menor houses a research center and has been set aside for scientific purposes. It is therefore only accessible by researchers, employees and guests of the Honduras Coral Reef Fund.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Cayos Cochinos islands are part of a Marine Protected Area that was established in 1994 and is managed by the Honduras Coral Reef Fund with help from the Smithsonian Institution, World Wildlife Fund and other non-profit organizations. The Honduras government declared the islands a National Marine Monument Area in 2003. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The offshore coral reefs are part of the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, and are known to have some of the finest and healthiest marine life found around the Honduras Bay Islands.
Commercial fishing in the 460 square kilometre protected area is banned. The locals are allowed to fish by line, but spear and net fishing are not allowed. There is also a lobster diving season for licensed local Garifuna. There are no roads on the islands which means there are no land vehicles. Boat and foot are the main forms of transportation. Cayo Grande has a hiking trail that travels from the beach to the local communities and allows access to the island’s lighthouse. Water sports such as diving, snorkeling, boating and paddle boarding are all encouraged and there are many options available for boat tours. For those with their own boats there are moorings available between the two main islands or off of Plantation Beach.
Beaches on Cayos Cochinos are world class and afford tremendous views. The jungles are home to the only pink boa constrictors in the world. There are also native species of iguana known as Jamo Black. The local Garifuna are very proud of their food, traditional dances and drumming and are more than accommodating when it comes to travelers. The trip from Roatan West Bay Beach takes about an hour and there are several outfitters who can help with transportation and planning. Just ask and we can recommend a tour operator for you and your group!