Roatán

Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. The island rests on an exposed ancient coral reef, rising to about 270 metres (890 ft) above sea level. Offshore reefs offer opportunities for diving. In 2020, it was home to about 110,000 people, concentrated in the western part of the island.

Villages



 * West Bay - is the furthest west area of the island, has some good restaurants and places to stay, and several large resorts have been built on the beach. It's arguably the best stretch of beach in the western portion of the island - powder-white sand that is very well maintained.  The reef is a short swim away for excellent snorkeling, especially near the west-most tip, also known as Tabyana Beach. West Bay is also home to some of the best sunsets.  It is recommended to spend beach time in the West Bay and bar time in the West End.
 * West End - has some good restaurants and places to stay, and it is definitely the most fun town on the island. There are bars, restaurants, and live music, right on the Caribbean.
 * Sandy Bay- a mainly residential area that includes a few resorts such as Anthony's Key Resort, Blue Bahia and Tranquil Seas, as well as a hostel, Roatan Backpackers' Hostel. Several tourist attractions are also located in Sandy Bay: the Carambola Botanical Gardens, the dolphins at AKR, and Mayan Jungle canopy zipline.  Restaurants include Blue Parrot, Soul Food and the Beach Grill at Blue Bahia.  There is a long beach that runs along Sandy Bay, with excellent snorkeling about a 200-meter swim from shore.  For those seeking to do volunteer work, there are several non-profit organizations located in Sandy Bay, such as Clinica Esperanza, Care 4 Communities, and Partners in Education Roatan.
 * French Harbor - has some good restaurants and resorts, and most tourists do not venture further east than French Harbor, which is at roughly the midpoint of the island.  Past this point are a few newer beach resorts, resort communities, and some private towns with beaches and resorts. Many of the resorts, restaurants, and bars on this part of the island were, in the past a secret of the locals and expats - but with the west end becoming more crowded, the secret is out, and more tourist are finding their way to the east end of the island. One point of interest would be Jonesville and the infamous Hole in the Wall restaurant reached by taking a small water taxi from Jonesville to reach it. Another is Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge and the Tasty Tarpon Restaurant, located on Camp Bay Beach, the largest of all the beaches of the Bay Islands, and can be accessed by car or boat.
 * Coxen Hole - With a population of just over 5,000, Coxen Hole is the largest town on the island of Roatan. It's where the airport is located, and most of life's necessities can be found here, including stores, restaurants, and banks. The cruise ship pier is located just west of the center of town.
 * Oak Ridge-Punta Gorda - shortly after the fork in the road to Oak Ridge, the paved road ends and you can continue to Port Royal, which was founded by English pirates. Past this, there lies a few small villages and a handful of homes, mostly occupied by expatriates.
 * Camp Bay - is a further on from Oak Ridge, about 7 km (4.5 miles), and is home to the largest natural beach on all the Bay Islands - Camp Bay Beach, which you can gain free access to at a couple different locations, and has a small beachfront resort and restaurant: Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge. Camp Bay is about the furthest you can go in a car. Past Camp Bay are the mangroves which are quite beautiful when navigated by boat and kayak.  There are many tours through the mangroves which can be chartered from various points on the island.

Understand
The island is near the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea, and is the second largest reef worldwide, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It has become an important cruise ship and scuba diving destination in Honduras.

Due to its tropical location, Roatan harbors a large population of insects, notably mosquitoes and sand fleas. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, and can carry malaria and dengue fever. Repellent is strongly advised. Sand fleas (no-see-ums) are concentrated in coastal areas and their bites can itch for days or even weeks. It is highly advised to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts, and to apply high-strength bug spray (Picaridin- or DEET-based) when exiting the room, getting out of the water, and several times throughout the day. Sand flea bites are not felt or visible for several hours, so one can easily think the bugs are absent in the vicinity until they feel the bites. Reactions to bites are highly individual, ranging from mild discomfort to oozing sores that take months to heal.

For many years the island was a hidden gem, with some of the most beautiful white beaches and the best snorkel and diving spots in the Caribbean, but it was 'discovered' around 2005 by cruise ships and hotel developers.

Tourists used to be mainly divers, but the islands beaches have attracted additional package tourists and cruise ships. Several cruise ship ports provide an influx of traditional cruise ship tourists to the island. You'll know when the cruise ships are in port because suddenly there are several thousand additional tourists on the beaches and in towns. It is best to avoid buying anything when cruise ships are docked, the prices of food, goods, and services generally double to quadruple to capitalize on the higher expendable incomes of the typical cruise ship passenger.

There are three types of traveling experiences in Roatán. First would be the typical Caribbean resort-oriented beach vacation experience which can be found at any number of islands in the region. This type of vacationing is still developing on Roatán, however, in the past few years it has become a bit more common, and the island offers many resorts and activities that would appeal to those who prefer this type of setting. Roatán can still be experienced through the back door, and more rustic accommodations are abundant. If you are looking to sleep under a mosquito net with little to no view of any other human, you can certainly experience this on Roatán. The final type of traveling experience on Roatán is the cruise ship, these visitors are generally in town for short bursts of time and come in huge numbers, it's not unusual for you to wake up and have West Bay suddenly be covered with several thousand cruise ship passengers, rubbing shoulders to find a small patch of available beach to soak up the sun in. Several cruise ships have ports in Roatán, but some dock only in the exclusive private towns and beaches owned by the resort, and you will hardly notice them except for the large ships on the horizon.

Luckily there are still parts of the island that harken to past times when Roatán was more of a remote destination. Although development is spreading to all parts of the island, one can still find more rustic settings and establishments east of French Harbor. Traveling to the far eastern end of the island can take time due to road conditions. Those staying around the West End of the island should expect at least an hour of travel time to reach Camp Bay in a car.

By plane

 * United Airlines, offers direct flights from Houston (Daily during high season, less often other times), and from Newark (weekend).
 * Delta Airlines, flies non-stop from Atlanta (Saturdays only).
 * Sun Country Airlines, offers direct flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul (Fridays only).
 * American, Delta and Continental offer flights to San Pedro Sula's's Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Ramón Villeda Morales) (, also known as La Mesa International Airport on the mainland, from which you can then get connecting services to Roatán.
 * Avianca, a group of five regional airlines, offers service from Miami, Orlando, Chicago, Dallas, Toronto, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC with connecting service to Roatán, including mid-week flights.
 * There are also local airlines such as SOSA, CM Airlines, Air Viva and Isleña (part of Avianca's regional service) connecting the island with La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, and Tegucigalpa. Prices are all over the map due to fuel costs and inflation, but usually average in at about US$200 for a flight from Tegucigalpa-Toncontin to Roatán.
 * There are also local airlines such as SOSA, CM Airlines, Air Viva and Isleña (part of Avianca's regional service) connecting the island with La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, and Tegucigalpa. Prices are all over the map due to fuel costs and inflation, but usually average in at about US$200 for a flight from Tegucigalpa-Toncontin to Roatán.

By cruise
The island is visited by some cruise lines, such as Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Mahogany Bay is a cruise ship stop outside of French Harbor. The beach is nice and the setting amazingly surreal, with 2 rusting shipwrecks within view. The cruise ship companies' employees will actively discourage you from leaving the private beach compound of Mahogany Bay and suggest only going to other parts of the island via expensive taxis or even more expensive tours. However, if you walk off the compound (shoes preferable over sandals) to the main road, taxis get a third to half cheaper.

Cruises also port in Coxen Hole.

By ferry
The Galaxy Wave is a ferry that travels to/from La Ceiba on the Honduras mainland. The ferry is clean, comfortable, and very reliable. It departs from La Ceiba twice daily, once in the morning at 09:30 and once in the afternoon at 16:30. Departure times from Roatán are 07:00 and 14:00. It costs about US$28 (L524) for a 1-way trip.

A catamaran operates a direct daily ferry service between West End, Roatán and Utila leaving Utila at 06:30, arriving West End around 11:00. Departing Roatán at 13:00 it arrives in Utila around 17:00. Contact Captain Vern, ([mailto:vfine@hotmail.com vfine@hotmail.com]),.

Other options are to island hop traveling on the Galaxy Wave between Roatán and La Ceiba and then the Utila Princess between La Ceiba and Utila.

Direct boats to/from Utila are available, but run infrequently and are not regularly scheduled. Ask around the West End to see if any are running or plan to run. The cost is US$50-55, or about the same price as the ferry but more convenient.

Afternoon boats can encounter rougher seas due to stronger winds. Make sure to take some travel sickness pills if you are unsure how you will react.

Charter boat
Another option is to charter a boat from one of the locals. Normally the best way to go about this is to approach one of the dive schools as they normally aren't using their boats in the afternoons. Find other travelers who want to do the same and go in a group of 4 or 6.

Get around
Roatán has a system of paved roads connecting the most important communities of the Island. From the Western End of the Island, at the community of West Bay, the road leads through West End, Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, Brick Bay, Mount Pleasant, French Harbour and Oakridge - Punta Gorda after which it becomes a dirt road and continues east for a distance, to the area of Paya Bay, Camp Bay, Port Royal, and other eastern communities.

Bus
Buses run every 15 minutes between Coxen Hole and West End during the day. They depart from opposite the market in Coxen Hole. Buses run every hour to Oak Ridge, stopping at the new ferry terminal and passing through French Harbor, Polly Tilly Bight, and Punta Gorda on the way. These buses leave from opposite the HB Warren supermarket in Coxen Hole.

Taxi
There are hundreds of taxis, and you must bargain to get the best rates. Ask the price in advance and if it seems high, ask another. Prices from the airport are fixed during the day and negotiable at night. A cab from the airport to West Bay is US$30 (June 2024). Drivers do not expect a tip.

Water taxi
There are water taxis during daylight that link West Bay and West End for US$5 per passenger (June 2024) (or US$10 if you want the boat to leave with less than four people). The water taxis will generally wait until they have at least 4 people before departing. Total trip time is about 10–15 minutes.

Scooters
Renting scooters is a very economical and fun way to see the island. The asphalt road is reasonably well maintained and there is lots to see on Roatán besides the West End, so hire a scooter and start exploring. The rental agencies will happily provide you with detailed maps and explanations on how to best see the island. Scooter rentals are abundant in West End.

Talk
English, Spanish, Garifuna.

English is widely spoken, especially in the West End and West Bay communities, and is the native language of Roatánians of British and African descent (except for the Garifuna). Spanish is spoken natively by all residents who have come from mainland Honduras, and is the second language of many of the native English speakers. Spanish is the official language of Honduras, and as such is the primary language of the school system. Garifuna is spoken by the Garifuna people, who are descendants of the Kalipuna peoples of St. Vincent. There is also 'Island Talk' spoken by the native Caribbean people.

Most individuals living on Roatán are bilingual (English/Spanish).

See

 * Carambola Gardens
 * Caves of Helen, explore the caves.
 * Dolphin show, at Anthony's Key Resort.
 * East end, if you are up for an adventure, visit the east end of the island past Oak Ridge to Camp Bay Beach the largest of all the Bay Island beaches. The road changes from pavement to a dirt/gravel mix and continues on to Punta Blanca and Camp Bay. A 4x4 vehicle is not required for the journey, and you'll see many driving compact cars and scooters. This end of the island is home to many locals and some expats, as well as a few resorts - one that needs to be mentioned is Camp Bay Beach Beach Adventure Lodge which is the only resort on Camp Bay Beach. It is also the home of the Tasty Tarpon restaurant, and a place to gain free access to the beach with free parking, and a depot for your east end adventure from snorkeling or diving, to flyfishing and Mangrove Forest boat or kayak tours. There are a few other interesting stops along the way, such as Marble Hill Farms, where wonderful local jams & jellies are made. Asylum bar & grill is on a palapa literally over the calm waters in Camp Bay, which can sometimes feel like the restaurant at the end of the universe after the long journey of getting there. Luckily these places always have beer on ice and grilled food which makes the trip worth it. If you're looking to get off the beaten path and out of the tourist ridden West End, this is it.
 * Garifuna Village Tour, in Punta Gorda
 * Iguana Farm, near French Harbor.
 * Mangrove Forest Kayak tour, at Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge
 * Marine Science Museum, at Anthony's Key Resort.
 * Oak Ridge, is a small village on the eastern end of the island. On arrival, you'll be offered water-taxi tours to the Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant, neighbouring communities, and around the harbour, but it's also pleasant to walk through the village, which has many brightly colored wooden houses on stilts along the shore.
 * Pigeon Cayes, visit the deserted islands.
 * Punta Gorda, renting a scooter and driving to Punta Gorda takes about 1 hour each way, and goes through some beautiful countryside. It can be nice to get away from the touristy areas and get back into places that look and feel like Honduras. The town of Punta Gorda is friendly and you may run into a beach party if you are lucky.
 * Whites Beach, is supposed to be beautiful.
 * Pigeon Cayes, visit the deserted islands.
 * Punta Gorda, renting a scooter and driving to Punta Gorda takes about 1 hour each way, and goes through some beautiful countryside. It can be nice to get away from the touristy areas and get back into places that look and feel like Honduras. The town of Punta Gorda is friendly and you may run into a beach party if you are lucky.
 * Whites Beach, is supposed to be beautiful.

Snorkeling, diving and fishing
The fishing is good just off the reef in Roatán. Marlins, barracudas, tunas, wahoos, mahi mahis and many other fish can be caught. There is a yearly tournament held every September. It is a catch and release event, drawing over 65 boats from all over.

There is great snorkeling and diving to be found here, and many dive shops to choose from. Anthony's Key Resort offers a dolphin dive that is very popular among tourists. Waihuka in Coxen Hole offers the shark dive. Booking the shark dive must be done through one of the local shops.

If you are a good swimmer, and keep an eye out for motorboats, you can swim straight out from west end towards the white buoys for about 200 m, you will arrive at a 10–30 ft deep reef that is great for snorkeling and freediving. Slightly further out the reef gets much deeper and you hit the wall.


 * Discover Roatan Excursions & Tours. Local & licensed tour operator for cruise line passengers and other Roatan Island guests.
 * Discover Roatan Excursions & Tours. Local & licensed tour operator for cruise line passengers and other Roatan Island guests.
 * Discover Roatan Excursions & Tours. Local & licensed tour operator for cruise line passengers and other Roatan Island guests.
 * Discover Roatan Excursions & Tours. Local & licensed tour operator for cruise line passengers and other Roatan Island guests.
 * Discover Roatan Excursions & Tours. Local & licensed tour operator for cruise line passengers and other Roatan Island guests.
 * Discover Roatan Excursions & Tours. Local & licensed tour operator for cruise line passengers and other Roatan Island guests.

Walking
You can walk along the beach to West Bay from West End in about 45 minutes, and can take a water taxi back if you like ($5 USD per passenger, or $10 per passenger if you want the boat to leave with less than four people). They seem to stop running around sunset, so make sure to catch them before it is too late.

Other

 * Kayak trips around the Island and through the mangroves on the east end of the island.
 * Mini-Golf in Sandy Bay, cold drinks & burgers.
 * Zipline, Roatán has 4 zipline jungle canopy tour adventures

Buy
The US dollar is generally accepted all over the island, however, your change is mostly given in Honduran lempiras. This method of money exchange is not recommended generally but if you're only stopping for the day from a cruise ship, it's an easier option to changing money that you may not spend.

Prices of everything skyrocket when cruise ships are in town, if you are looking to purchase anything, including food, it is best to wait until they have left port.

Local handicrafts abound and can be had for very little money. Look for Central American arts and crafts, brightly-painted pottery, wood carvings, costume jewelry, tee-shirts, cigars and clothing. Remember that the initial price should be considered the start for some haggling. It's expected and if you have the stomach for it, you'll likely end up with a final price somewhere around 40-50% lower.

Eat
The restaurants you will find along the West End beach are slightly more expensive than similar restaurants on the mainland, but the food is of a very high standard. Seafood abounds, and you can find a top quality lobster dinner for around US$10. Argentinian steaks are also popular.

There is a small food caravan located on the main road hosted by an ex-pat Aussie. The food is cheap, and he is open late, which is perfect for when you return home from one of the West Ends night spots.


 * Gio's, French Harbor. One of the nicer dining experiences on the island. It's a longtime mainstay for expats and islanders who can afford to dine out. Seafood is the specialty of course.
 * Gio's, French Harbor. One of the nicer dining experiences on the island. It's a longtime mainstay for expats and islanders who can afford to dine out. Seafood is the specialty of course.
 * Gio's, French Harbor. One of the nicer dining experiences on the island. It's a longtime mainstay for expats and islanders who can afford to dine out. Seafood is the specialty of course.

Drink
Roatán boasts a wide array of experiences for night life, depending on your taste. Since the arrival of cruise ships, prices have risen somewhat, and restaurants and bars cater to cruise passengers as well as North American and European tourists. These types of establishments are relatively easy to find, as they are mostly located in and around the West End. Prices here are generally higher than in most other places on the island.

The best part about drinking in the west end is the pub crawl that occurs almost every night. Its virtually mandatory to start at Sundowners and enjoy drinks whilst watching the sun go down over the beautiful bay in front. When Sundowners shuts at 22:00 the whole bar shifts about 50 m down the street to kick on at the Purple Turtle where you can enjoy live music out the back. The Purple Turtle closes at midnight and from here most people continue on to the Nova Bar, (or the Twisted Toucan's) which will be the joint to party at and where you will meet most of the locals in the region, this being a favorite haunt. Most people go home from here, but if you really are feeling like an adventure grab a group of friends and head down the beach to FuBar.



Sleep
There are excellent accommodations ranging from US$4-400 per night. Condos are available as are beach cabanas. Note the quoted prices usually do not include 19% tax, so plan accordingly.

Go next

 * Bay Islands are in the Caribbean Sea, venture forth from Roatán and visit the 2 other larger islands in the group
 * La Ceiba
 * Guanaja
 * San Pedro Sula
 * Tegucigalpa
 * Útila