Islas de la Bahía ("Bay Islands") is one of the 18 departments (departamentos) into which the Central American nation of Honduras is divided. The departmental capital is Roatán.

The Bay Islands were first discovered by Columbus on his fourth voyage to America in 1502. They were later claimed, and successively held, by Great Britain, Spain, and the Dutch United Provinces. Britain finally took control in 1643 and, with the exception of a one-month period of Spanish dominance in 1780, held onto them as a Crown colony, dependent on Jamaica. In 1860, in the aftermath of the William Walker filibustering affair, the British crown recognized Honduran sovereignty and ceded possession of them. The department of Islas de la Bahía was officially incorporated into the nation on 14 March 1872.

The English language is still the main language on the islands, contrary to the Spanish language of mainland Honduras.

The beautiful Caribbean island of Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras offers some of the world's best SCUBA diving. The island is surrounded by the world's second largest coral reef, hugging most of the shore. This provides calm, clear beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and many varieties of sea life. Almost every hotel, vacation rental, resort, and other lodging is close enough to walk to beaches, and Roatan's many excellent dive operators assure convenient access.

Roatan is not as "touristy" as many Caribbean islands, but you will find plenty of activities and things to see and learn about the island and Honduran culture.

Roatan Honduras offers accommodations in a wide variety of prices and amenities. Everyone from budget travelers to those who demand the very best can find exactly what they want - hotels and hostels, resorts, first class fly fishing lodge, private homes and villas, and apartments.