Roatan 101,
Here you will find anwers to many questions you might have about Roatan. This section is designed to inform you all you need to know before coming here.

Roatan Topography
Roatan has gentle, lush hills and offers clear turqoise waters and spectacular beaches and harbours.

The island’s highest point is approximately 900 feet above sea level. Roatan is rimmed by the world’s second largest reef, creating an underwater environment for spectacular scuba diving and other water sports. There are three white sand beaches on Roatan: West Bay, Palmetto Bay, and Camp Bay. Plantations are the primary use of the land.

Numerous areas of the island and its surrounding sea have been designated as wildlife refuges and marine reserves by the Honduran government.

Roatan Climate and Weather
The climate is tropical with a rainy season from mid-October to late November.

Roatan’s temperature is 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, its waters are equally warm. Almost-constant trade winds cool the island year-round. The island’s indiginous exotic trees and plants are kept healthy by ample annual rainfall. Honduras is not in the main path of the hurricanes. They typically turn north to the United States. During the year the water temperature to practice scuba-diving varies from 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit maximum.

Are there Medical Facilities?
There are several clinics, two hospitals and a recompression chamber for divers. One of the hospitals is private and designed for the foreigner communities. Modern state-of-the-art equipment and well trained doctors are on call 24 hours/day. Ambulance service is also now available on Roatan. Larger medical centers are available on the mainland.

Travel Documents?
A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it and $29.00 for departure tax.

Where Can I Stay?
There are several fine resorts and hotels on the Island. See our places to stay section.

How Do I Get Around?
The island is easy to navigate by car.
One paved main road runs east-west from Oak Ridge to West Bay Beach with dirt, paved or gravel side roads. Driving is on the right side of the road. There are several car and scooter rental companies on the island. Drivers are required to show a valid drivers license and a major credit card or a cash deposit. Of course, there are taxis, buses and water taxis. You should always negotiate the price before you hire the taxi, possibly comparing with another taxi. There are group tour packages available from many resorts and places you stay while here in Roatan.

Water taxis are available in the West End, they offer one way trips, round trips, collective trips or exclusive trips. Usually priced per person, the experience is fun and a great chance to see the island and its landscapes.

Questions about Investing?
See our investment FAQS section on government, economy, property on Roatan and more.

Moving to Roatan
Roatan's requirements for residency and an itemized checklist of the documents and items needed for verification, etc.

Roatan Technology and Public Services
Modern telecommunications systems on Roatan allow reliable telephone, fax, and online accees - there is a high speed internet cafe located at the REMAX location on the corner of French Harbour. There you'll find 4 fast computers available for email and web surfing while you're here. There are other "cyber cafes" on the island including West Bay beach. In addition 24-hour electricity, paved roads, and good medical facilities exist. Roatan has electic energy service, provided by RECO with 110v - 60hz, telephone, television and cable services. We use standard outlets like those found in the USA.

Roatan Currency
The local currency is the Lempira. You will recieve a better exchange rate if you convert your dollars to Lempira and pay for purchases. Banks and some resorts exchange money. There is 12% sales tax. Tipping of 10-15% is customary, although frequently included in your bill as a service charge. Lempiras and United States Dollars are accepted all over the island. This is not the case for Euros, which are received in very few places. Most businesses except credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Most Travelers Cheques are also accepted. Be aware of connection that can be on and off on the island, so cash is the preferred was to pay for services and products.

Apparel and Bugs
Dress for the islands is casual. Comfortable cool clothing is recommended. A light jacket might be handy for some December through March evenings. To protect the reef from damaging runoff, major spraying programs are not permitted. Therefore, there are sand flies on the beach. Use repellent or Avon Skin So Soft and you shouldn't be bothered.

Roatan Population and People
Several different cultures are evident among the 45,000 residents of Roatan, including English, Spanish, Honduran, Payan Indian, Garifuna, and Antillean. The islanders primarily speak English flavored with Creole. About 3,000 North American and European expatriates also call Roatan home.

What About Sailing or Yachting?
There are various marinas. See our things to do section.

Do I Pay Any Duty on Items Brought Into the Country?
No, all personal belongings can be brought in duty free if you are just visiting. If you wish to leave any personal items, you are allowed up to $1,000 per family on your incoming flight.

What Can I Do While Visting Roatan?
Hobbies that are supported here on the island are scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, swimming, charter boats, deep sea fishing, water skiing, horseback riding, sailing, salt water fly fishing and an extensive night life to only name a few. See our things to do section.

Little History ,

The history of Roatan and her sister Islands includes three centuries of interaction between England, Spain and the Americas. Christopher Columbus discovered the Islands in 1502 while on his fourth voyage which at the time were occupied by the Paya Indians.  During the next century, these fertile islands were used to provision Spanish galleons. The first peaceful settlers were Puritan farmers, landing in 1638 from Maryland. In the early to mid 1800's, strong imigration occurred from Grand Cayman and England to the Bay Islands. In fact, most of the modern Bay Island communities were established during this period and the majority of the native Bay Islanders today trace their ancestry to these early 19th century families.

Facts About Roatan,

Aboriginal home of the Paya Indians, mecca for buccaneers in the 17th century, colony of the British Commonwealth in the 1850's, the original banana republic... 

Roatan is the owner of a colorful Caribbean history and a glowing future in environmental tourism. Roatan notable for its pristine aquamarine waters, lush tropical foliage, hilly terrain staging unparalleled vistas, and a reef system offering protection to its sandy shores. One of the very last "undiscovered" islands of the Caribbean...

The Bay Islands of Honduras offer a very different world from that of mainland Honduras. The Islands history, which includes many disputes between the Spaniards and the British during colonial times, with the British actually controlling the islands most of time, have given the islands a unique heritage.

There are several islands within the department, with three larger ones being the most popular with tourists: Utila, Roatan and Guanaja. English is so widely spoken in the Islands, that some people don't even speak Spanish, despite the fact that this is the official language of Honduras! 

• Approximately 96% of all species of Caribbean marine life, have been observed in the waters neighboring Roatan
• Roatan is rimmed by the world’s second largest reef
• Christopher Columbus discovered the Islands in 1502

Of the three islands, the largest, and most developed for tourism is Roatan. Roatan is a long island, measuring almost 40 miles in length and with a total landmass of 49 Square miles. The island has a mountainous backbone and is totally surrounded by coral reefs, offering superb diving as well as excellent fishing.

Roatan has a paved road that connects the most important communities of the Island. Starting from the Western End of the Island, at the community of West End, the roads leads through the communities of Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, Brick Bay, Mount Pleasant, French Harbour and Oakridge - Punta Gorda.

From here, the road becomes a dirt road and continues east for a distance, to the area of Paya Bay, Camp Bay, Port Royal, and other communities. Roatan offers outstanding real estate investment opportunities. There are several world-class developments under way that can be a convenenient way of purchasing a piece of paradise.

Ranked ##1 by International Living (September, 1998) 1998 Retirement Index for real estate investment. Primary criteria: Low prices and ease of purchase by foreigners."Your first sight of it (Roatan) from the air probably reawakened that old dream of a sunblessed Eden...

(excerpts from letsgohonduras.com)

DIVING AND SNORKELING

One of the most complex ecosystems on the planet and comparable to tropical rainforest diversity is the coral reef. Roatan's location is at the perimeter of the Honduran continental shelf-the evolvement between shallow and deep water habitats.

Approximately 96% of all species of Caribbean marine life, ranging from flecks of fluorescent organisms to the grandeur of the whale shark, the largest undersea inhabitant in the world, have been observed in the waters neighboring Roatan.

Water temperatures vary from 77 degrees F to 82 degrees F through the year allowing a cornucopia of diving adventures, offering the greatest diversity of coral, sponge and invertebrate species in this part of the Caribbean.

Underwater terrain exploration is a spectrum of reefs grooved by angled chutes dropping to the sand. Tunnels, ledges and volcanic mazes extend far into the coral walls forming caverns and cathedrals. Underwater cliffs are draped with kaleidoscope of hard corals and sponges.

Visibility ranges from 65 to 110 feet. Open water currents along the plunging depths of the walls equate to clear visibility. Most Roatan resorts have in-house diving operations and there are numerous dive shops offering dives and instructional courses for all levels and in several languages.

Divers are treated to a dizzying array of reef and pelagic fishes, and because a drop-off is always close, deep water species like dolphins, sharks, manta and eagle rays are prevalent.

The majority of dives are made conveniently from boat moors from a few yards to 140 yards offshore. Luckily some of the best reefs on Roatan are a few fin kicks from the shore. Put on the mask, fins, and snorkel and in a matter of seconds you're in an underwater fantasy.

DEEP SEA FISHING AND SAILING

Big game hunters take note: Don't come to Roatan in search of prey unless they are under the sea! The crystalline waters encompassing Roatan, fanned by steady trade winds yea round, and inhabited with most of the familiar fish species in the Caribbean, are magnificent for fishing and sailing trips.

Sportfishing includes the shallows near shore where Permit and Bonefish lurk, and Grouper, Snook all types of Snapper and Tarpon during season. Deeper waters have Mackerel (Spanish and King), Blackfin Tuna, Bonits, Dingfish, Wahoo and seasonally trophy Marlin.

Numerous boat owners offer half and full day excursions, snorkel trips, cocktail or sunset cruises, deep-sea or flats fishing or combinations of the former at very reasonable prices.

Several outfits offer cruises to the Cayos Cochinos, a cluster of islets wherethe entire archipelago is a marine reserve with excellent birding and hiking on these postcard perfect Cayes. Trips to neighboring pristine Barbaretta, Morat, Utilla, Guanaja and elsewhere are easily arranged.

Roatan has charter services located in the West End Village, Sandy Bay and West Bay Beach. Prices vary from as little as $10 per hour for a guided excursion to around the $250 per ½ day.

Bonefishing has become increasingly popular on the flats surrounding Roatan and numerous experts can get you within 15 feet of the excellent fighting Permits and Tarpin. Contact can be made locally through many of the resorts and restaurants or you can email us and we can put you in touch with the pros.

HIKING AND TREASURE HUNTING

LOSE IN VEGAS RECENTLY?? TIRED OF PLAYING THE LOTTERY? What about finding buried treasure? Maybe the odds are the same but you'll have a lot more fun.

The jagged coastal topography, mangrove swamps and shallow reefs blocking the approach to Roatan from the sea, creased minimal early Spanish settlement interest. But remember, one man's heaven is another man's hell. What repelled the Spanish explorers is exactly what attracted pirates and buccaneers.

These pirate vessels easily maneuvered the shallow channels to protective harborage behind the reef and safety from, heavier Spanish ships.

The pirates were drooling at the vision of all the precious gold being mined in the Honduran interior and transported through an isolated and under guarded Trujillo.

By the early 17th century, Roatan was a base for pirate looting. It's rumored that up to 5,000 pirates sheltered in the Bay Islands, including Morgan, Coxen, Morris, Van Horn, and myriad others.

When they weren't raiding Spanish gold, the pirates were hunting, fishing, fixing their boats and hiding their treasured bounties.

Perhaps somewhere on Roatan is undiscovered buried treasure waiting for your liberation!

Before and during the Spanish, Roatan was most likely populated by Paya Indians. Many old dwelling and burial sites have been identified and pieces of pre-Columbian ceramic are still discovered by hikers.

It is believed that the Payan's would sit up on the mountain tops watching the Pirates bury their stash and wait for them to leave before unearthing the treasure and hauling the bounty high to the hills and re-bury it for themselves.

Ahoy matey… put on your tracking cap and retrace those cunning pirate trails into Roatan's interior nook and crannies for at the least, verdant trail walking or for the most, old world treasure meant for a king.v

HORSEBACK RIDING

Imagine a pathway with azure waters lapping at the shoreline on one side and swaying coconut, seagrape, and tropical almond trees on the other side. This is horseback riding in Roatan. And depending on your level of expertise, you can ride step to step or fly upon your mounted steed along the sandy beach. You can transition from a casual walk, to a comfortable trot, to a upswing cantor, to a full throttle gallop in a matter of seconds.

But balance the heart pounding adventure of a sprint with the mesmerizing tropical scenery that surrounds the rider. And of course you can always elect to take a lush forest trail ride where the nature of the terrain and the slope insures a tamer experience with your steed.

On Roatan let the horse do the walking (or running) and enjoy a sport that mankind has experienced for millenniums in the past.v

SIGHTSEEING

There is so much to see on Roatan.

Carambola Botanical Reserve offers trailways winding through forests of fruit trees, palms, ferns, orchids, spices and mahogany. Visit Iguana Wall, a sheer cliffside section that offers a protective breeding area for iguanas and parrots.

A 20 minute walk to the top of Carambloa peak rewards you with panoramic views of Roatan's western and northern reefs, and Utilla.

We have a wonderful photo gallery to wet your apetite for Roatan and feel it's virtual beauty.

Getting to Roatan,

Try some of these online travel agencies

Expedia.com Travelocity.com CheapTickets.com Delta.com Taca.com

PriceLine.com LowFares.com Orbitz.com HotWire.com Carnival.com

TravelZoo.com AmericanAirlines.com Travel.AOL.com CheapFlights.com NCL.com

Roatan International Airport is connected from all the major cities of the world through San Pedro Sula.

Roatan is accessible by non-stop or direct commercial jet from Houston, New Orleans, LA, and Miami.

Flight time from the United States is approximately 2 hours, making it one of the closest islands of the Caribbean.

Currently TACA is the carrier directly to Roatan from the United States. However, flights by Continental, American, and other airlines arrive daily in San Pedro Sula, Honduras with connection by Islena, Sosa, and Caribbean Air to Roatan. For the adventurous, ferry service is now also available from La Ceiba to Roatan.

The new Roatan International Airport terminal opened in 1995. The 27,000 square foot air conditioned structure includes two passenger lounges, two snack bars/restaurants, two gift shops, a car rental, and information counter. Immigration and customs departments are included within the international arrival area.

Questions?

Travel documents, what is Roatan's climate like, when is the best time to visit and more?

See our Roatan 101 section.

Details of Roatan,

Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands and is approximately 33 miles long and 4 miles wide. It has gentle, lush hills and offers clear turquoise waters and spectacular beaches and harbors. There are six islands known as the Bay Islands, located approximately 30 miles off the coast of the Republic of Honduras, which lie in an arc in the Western Caribbean sea.

Click here to explore the island with Google

Roatan Communities,

1. Sandy Bay-
The educational center of Roatan. You will find the Institute of Marine Sciences, the Roatan Museum, the Carambola Gardens and Marine Reserve. This appropriately named small community sits on a sandy bay and offers a lot to do. Enjoy the dolphin show, wind surfing, or a day at the spa. Here you will find hotels, restaurants, residential developments and more.

2. Coxen Hole-
Also known as Roatan City and is the largest town and capital of the Bay Islands. There are various shops and government offices. Home of the International Airport and the sailing port, the port for embarking and the dock for cruise boats coming into Roatan. Customs office and the City Hall are located in this town. There is also a hospital, banks, gas stations and more.

3. West End-
A must to visit! Perhaps the most well known area of Roatan it offers idyllic white sand beaches in a very tropical setting. There are many small hotels and restaurants, "Glass Bottom Boat" tour, deep sea scuba-diving schools, rentals, kayak rides and lots of shopping. West End at night is the liveliest zone in the island. Where you can have fun till late at night and enjoy local island entertainment. Don't miss "The Argentinian Grill", great food!

4. West Bay-
Want to stay close to the beach? This is the place. The fastest growing spot on Roatan. Unbelievable white prestine beach. Top notch hotels, snorkeling, diving, many restaurants, including Il Pomodoro and an incredible deli near the beach. The waters are peaceful, crystal clear and saturated with sea life. There are many residential places here to rent and to purchase. Don't miss the natural park and canopy tour of the island!. Snorkeling is a must, you won't believe your eyes.. It's very common to see nurse sharks, rays, schools of fish, parrot fish, baracuda, breath taking coral and more.

6. French Harbour-
Perhaps the most bustling community of Roatan and home of one of the largest fishing fleets in the Western Caribbean. Features several very fine restaurants including Gio's, and Romeo's. Many fishing companies are settled here and the best and most stocked supermarket. This town has discos, executive hotels, schools and high schools, and an exciting canopy tour to name a few.

9. Oakridge-
On the road towards the east, is Oakridge a small, picturesque community. Until recently, access to this part of the Island was limited. Therefore, it has not changed much with the passing of time. Here you will see many houses built right on the water. Home of the mangrove swamp! Catch a tour via "water taxi" to see the culture and scenery.

10. Punta Gorda-
Garifuna community of Punta Gorda. This is where they first settled in 1797. Which is still celebrated every year on November 12 with a island festival. If you visit Politilly Bay, located on the pave road to Punta Gorda, you can enjoy a full experience of Garifuna culture. including history, native dances and tribal drums.

11. Paya Bay-
Close to Oak Ridge and one of the most beautiful/recommended spots on the island, because of its breath-taking shores. It has an exclusive resort "Paya Bay Resort", very private and secluded. There are two beaches here and a restaurant.

14. Camp Bay-
Very open sea beaches. Not much development, but amazing natural beauty. Quite popular for the local people on Roatan. The waves break here more than other beaches on the island.