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SANDY BAY |
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 Midway between Coxen Hole and West End, SANDY BAY is an unassuming
community with a number of interesting attractions. The Institute for
Marine Sciences (Sun-Tues & Thurs-Sat 9am-5pm; US$3), based at Antony's
Key Resort , has exhibitions on the marine life and geology of the
islands and a museum with useful information on local history and
archeology. There are also bottle-nosed dolphin shows (Mon, Tues, Thurs
& Fri 10am & 4pm, Sat & Sun 10am, 1pm & 4pm; US$4), and you can dive or
snorkel with the dolphins (US$100 and US$75 respectively; must be booked
in advance on 445 1327). Across the road from the institute, several
short nature trails weave through the jungle at the Carambola Botanical
Gardens (daily 8am-5pm; US$3), a riot of beautiful flowers, lush ferns
and tropical trees. Twenty minutes' walk from the gardens up Monte
Carambola, the Iguana Wall is a section of cliff that's a breeding
ground for iguanas and parrots. From the top of the mountain you can see
across to Utila on clear days. Bordering the gardens, Sandy Bay's newest
attraction is the Tropical Treasures Bird Park (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; US$5,
including guided tour), with toucans, parrots and scarlet macaws.
There are several places to stay in the Sandy Bay area, all of which are
clearly signposted, including the attractive Beth's Hostel (tel 445
1266; US$15-25); the Oceanside Inn (tel 445 1552; US$40-60), with large
rooms and a good restaurant; and three dive resorts, the best of which
is Antony's Key Resort (tel 445 1003, fax 445 1140, www.anthonys-key.com
; weekly packages from $600), one of the smartest places on the island,
with cabins set among the trees and on a small caye. Popular places to
eat include Rick's American Café , set on
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