22/11/2024
Let me tell you a story about Old Port Royal, a place right here on Roatan that holds more history and mystery than you might expect. This tale comes from two adventurous travelers, Chris Burry and Madeline Hibberd, who spent time cruising through the Bay Islands and discovered a hidden side of Roatan that most people never see.
Chris and Madeline set out on their catamaran, Mithril of Newhaven, after being stuck at Jonesville Point Marina for a while due to strong winds and unexpected rain. When the weather finally cleared, they decided it was time to venture east. They made their way to Old Port Royal—a peaceful, wide-open bay that once served as a hideout for pirates and English settlers alike. Just imagine this place filled with old wooden ships and secret treasure maps, pirates lurking around every bend. That’s the kind of vibe Old Port Royal still gives off if you listen closely to its history.
Once they arrived, Chris and Madeline took out their small dinghy to explore the bay’s mangrove channels, the winding waterways that weave through the coastline like hidden passages. Back in the day, these channels served as a perfect hiding spot for pirates, giving them an escape route to slip away undetected. Chris and Madeline had to watch closely for hints of where to turn, following local boats and reading the mangrove trees’ bends and curves to avoid getting stuck. It sounds like something out of a movie, right? And the best part is, these routes are still used by locals today.
During their time there, they stumbled across a beach on the nearby island of Morat. It was quiet, untouched, and absolutely beautiful—like something from a postcard, but without any crowds. The water was so clear and the sand was dotted with conch shells. They spent hours snorkeling and exploring the colorful reefs nearby. Chris and Madeline could hardly believe they had the place to themselves, especially knowing how famous the Bay Islands are for their natural beauty. It was one of those moments when you feel like you’ve found a secret paradise.
The best part of their story, though, is how much they felt the history of Old Port Royal. This wasn’t just any beach or bay to them; it felt alive with the past. The quiet, the remote feel of the area, the connection to the pirate legends—all of it came together to make it a place you could almost picture as it was centuries ago, full of intrigue and adventure.
Chris and Madeline left Old Port Royal with a sense of awe, and it’s easy to understand why. This part of Roatan, with its hidden spots and stories, is one of those rare places where you can feel history in the air. Whether you believe in pirates or not, it’s hard to deny the charm and mystery that Old Port Royal holds.
So, if you ever find yourself with a free afternoon, why not take a trip out there and see if you can feel the same magic Chris and Madeline found? It’s a slice of Roatan’s past, still waiting to be discovered.
