This was our first trip to Guanaja but won’t be our last. Let me start by saying that if you are looking for 5 star resorts, drunken rude tourists, a ton of people, and a lot of stress, this island is NOT the place for you. But if you’re looking for a friendly, safe, relaxing, authentic island vacation - Guanaja is the place to be. It is a great place to unplug, unwind, snorkel/dive, and see beautiful sunsets and stars. We have traveled all over the world but this place has the best reef. It is too awesome to describe! We spent two weeks over Christmas and New Year’s at the Guanaja Caribbean Cottages. Travel there was very easy. We left the US on Saturday morning, flew into Roatan, and took an island hopper airline to Guanaja (Lanhsa Air). From the airport we took a boat (which was arranged by Kay, the owner, who met us at the airport) to the cottage - and we did all this in time to see Saturday’s sunset. The same was true for our return. Things you need to pack for your trip are shorts, swimwear, snorkel/diving gear, water shoes with good soles, flip flops, flashlight, backpack to carry groceries, sunscreen, books, and bug spray with deet. Also bring a water container for your hiking trips, because YES…you can drink the water right out of the tap. There is hot water for your showers (they call it a suicide shower head that gives you hot water on demand). This location is about a mile from the closest town that has a grocery store, hardware store, and a couple small cafés that serve salads, hot dogs, fried chicken and hamburgers. If you don’t want to cook or carry groceries, get the all-inclusive package. There are no cars, scooters, or boats to rent. You don’t need them. There are only two towns (fishing villages) on the entire island, Mangrove Bight and Savanna Bight. There is only 1 road, about 4 miles long that runs between the two and there are taxis to take you. English is spoken by most of the locals but knowing a few Spanish words like hola, buenas dias, and gracias will get you the biggest smiles ever. The owner Kay knows everyone in town, can get anything you need, can arrange any travel around the island, and was instrumental in making this a relaxing vacation. I suggest using her as a resource. Also, take a trip to the key (Bonacca) on the ferry. It goes there twice a day. Bonacca has a library (with computers), lots of little stores, some restaurants, and even a doctor’s office (but it is much more populated than the mainland). Also go to Bo’s (within walking distance from the cottage). Get a margarita or a monkey la’la’ there. There are 4 waterfalls on the island, but 3 of the 4 are a hike. One is easily assessible from this location. There is no place fancy on the island, so leave your dress clothes at home. Someone else mentioned this place reminded them of Gilligan’s Island. That is true. Travel around the island is done mostly by boat. There are no dangerous snakes, spiders, or animals on the island, unless you count cats and dogs as dangerous:) The cottage location is on the leeward side of the island so there is less wind and waves to contend with which makes it great for swimming and snorkeling/diving. There is a satellite with wifi, but don’t count on it. It periodically goes down. Facebook works well there (but this is supposed to be a vacation, right?). Bring some DVD’s with you for evening entertainment. Leave your watch at home - it’s island time. Kay, the owner, has created her own slice of paradise. It truly is a miracle location. We have made friends for life there. After a week you will feel younger, healthier, and happier. We loved it! And can’t wait to go back. One last thing…you will need to take cash with you (US dollars) that are not torn or ripped in any way. If they are ripped you can’t use it and very few places take credit.