East End Islands

East of Port Royal [1], Roatán [2] peters out into a lowland mangrove swamp, impassable by foot or car, which connects to the island of Helene, sometimes called Santa Helena. Just east of Helene is the smaller island of Morat, and farther east is Barbareta, a two- by five-kilometer island, home to pristine virgin island forest and several lovely beaches. All three islands are surrounded by spectacular reef.

A resort once operated on Barbareta, but in recent years the island has become known as a way station for drug runners, and the resort owner wisely decamped.

Southeast of Barbareta are the Pigeon Cays [3], a perfect spot for a relaxed day of picnicking and snorkeling with no one around. Boats to Barbareta, Morat, Helene, and the Pigeon Cays can be hired at the main dock in Oak Ridge [4].