If you're wary of the mainland, hop on a plane and come straight to Roatan. There are direct flights to Roatan from Belize and El Salvador, as well a from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa and La Ceiba, so if you're traveling overland through Central America and want to see this beautiful island, it can be an easy inclusion in your itinerary. Roatan's reef is part of the Meso-American reef system, the 2nd largest living barrier reef in the world. Dive courses are relatively inexpensive, or just rent a snorkel set and check out the reef that way. The island also has several beaches, as well as lush tropical vegetation with several zipline companies, and an array of activities, from parasailing to horseback riding.
Is Honduras dangerous? Ask the question to 5 different people, and you'll probably get 5 different answers. You'll need to be a cautious traveler, as there is a high crime rate, but very few travelers that I've met in my 16 years of living in Roatan have encountered any kind of problems, and for the few that have, it's been theft of belongings. A few common sense precautions will help to keep your experience trouble-free. Get insurance for valuable things that you plan to bring with you, don't wander around isolated areas after dark, listen to the advice of locals regarding areas to avoid, don't leave bags unattended on the beach, by your feet at a bus station, hooked on the back of a chair at a bar or restaurant.