Roatan, one of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras, offers something most divers don't find in the traditional Caribbean getaways: quiet. Here, the only place that seems crowded is the coral reef. It is underwater eye candy, with the chance to see what is normally reserved for zoology books.

The snorkeling is magnificent. Although after one afternoon, many turn to one of the diving schools for a quick certificate, so they can go deeper, stay under longer and see more wonders of the not-so-deep.

Roatan is the largest and most popular of the Bay Islands.