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Roatan is the largest of the
Bay Islands located about 30 miles off the coast of the Republic
of Honduras, in the Western Caribbean Sea. The Islands are the
tips of undersea mountains that extend out from the mainland's
Omoa Ridge. The islands form the Bonacca Ridge; 30 miles from
the mainland and the steep walls of the ridge are one of the
most rare and beautifully formed reefs in the world and it supports
97% of the known coral species in the Caribbean. Roatan is surrounded
by the world's second largest natural barrier reef.
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Honduras means " deepwater"
and the reef create natural breakwaters and ideal, calm pool
for diving, fishing, swimming and sailing.
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The Bay Islands cover about
92 sq.miles and include Utila and Guanaja, the smaller Morat,
Barbareta and St. Helena, just east of Roatan.
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The climate is tropical with
a rainy season from mid-October to late November. Temperatures
are in the 80’ all year ( 28/30 degree centigrades).
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Orchids, exotic fruits, and
other vegetation fill the island. Trade winds normally mitigate
the sensation of heat or humidity.
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About 60,000 persons inhabit
Roatan. The people are friendly, easy going and approachable.
Native Roatanians speak English.
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The main industries are fishing
and boat building but many make a living on harvesting and drying
coconut meat. Tourism is growing very fast.
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The island is approximately
30 miles long and 5 miles wide.
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The dress is very casual everywhere
on the island.
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Roatan is not as commercially
developed as other islands in the Caribbean so you may not have
some of the conveniences you are used to but this is part of
the charm of this paradise island.
Coxen Hole is the point of arrival for almost all visitors and
the capital of the Bay Islands. In addition to the airport and
ferryboat docks, Coxen Hole also houses most of the island’s
banks and shops. The second stop for most travellers is West End
and West Bay Beach which is the main tourist area on the island.
The next stop for most travellers is West End and particularly
West Bay Beach which is the main tourist area on the island, home
to gorgeous beaches, shops and restaurants, dive centers and night
life, this is the place to be on Roatan!
Sandy Bay is the hub of Roatan’s cultural
activities. This seaside community houses the Roatan Museum, the
Institute of Marine Sciences, the Carambola Gardens and numerous
small resorts and marinas. Located just northeast of Coxen Hole,
French Harbour is a busy town with one of the Caribbean’s
largest fishing fleets and many of the island’s business
and financial institutions.
Continuing northeast out of French Harbour, visitors
will arrive at Punta Gorda, one of the first Garifuna settlement
in Central America. In addition to various land and water-based
activities, hotels, and cultural highlights, Punta Gorda is also
the gravel road gateway to smaller communities such as Port Royal
and Camp Bay.
While each community offers its unique attractions,
both land and water-based activities can be found all over the
island. With the world’s second largest barrier reef just
100 yards off shore, diving and snorkelling top the list of activities.
Walls, volcanic tunnels, canyons, and ridges are home to endless
marine life including everything from colourful sponges, coral,
and tropical fish to playful dolphins and awe-inspiring whale
sharks. Roatan's other water activities include deep sea fishing,
fly-fishing on the flats and mangroves, swimming with the dolphins,
and ocean kayaking. Land activities include riding horses, exploring
lush tropical scenery, shopping for island crafts, eating at wonderful
restaurants, and viewing the butterfly and floral gardens.
Activities on site or nearby and places to visit:
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Jet skiing
- Swimming
- Dolphin and Shark encounters
- Biking
- Wildlife park
- Horseback riding
- Island tours by road and by boat
- Mayan ruins tours
- Carambola Botanical Gardens
- Iguana Farm
- Butterfly Farm
- Garifuna Native Village
- The Roatan Museum of Marine Science
- Coral Reef Explorer Glass bottom boats
- Submarine Adventure
- Nightlife in West End town, (5 minutes by inexpensive water
taxi from West Bay docks)
Scuba Diving/Snorkelling
There are several dive shops on the island.
Fishing
There are several good fishing operators located in and around
West Bay. The best thing to do is start asking around and get
a good deal for a whole day or a few hours based on what you want
to do!
Sea Kayaking
In West bay and West End there is a good selection of sea kayaks
available for rental.
Canopy tour
Located on the road into West Bay Beach, the canopy tour is an
exciting way to see the tropical plants and trees of Roatan.
Restaurants/Bars
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Las Rocas: Located
at the end of West Bay Beach, Las Rocas is a small intimate
restaurant offering outstanding lunch and dinners. Enjoy delicious
lobster and other seafood specialties a short walk down the
beach.
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Bite on the Beach: Located
next to Las Rocas, Bite on the Beach has beautiful sunset views
from their open air seating deck.
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Fosters on the Beach:
Near the end of West Bay Beach, this casual open air bar has
great happy hours and good food served throughout the day.
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Dian's Garden of Eat’
in: Located in West End town, this restaurant is located
just off the main road, look for the sign and walk back away
from the water.
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Pura Vida: Also located
in West End, Pura Vida has good lunches and dinners at reasonable
prices and has one of the larger seating capacities on the strip.
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Rudy's: The best breakfast
on Roatan! Famous for banana pancakes and tropical smoothies,
Rudy's is the perfect laid back spot to enjoy a "typical"
breakfast at very reasonable prices.
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Pinocchio’s
is a charming restaurant with Italian and international flair.
In West End.
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Brick Oven Pizza:
This is the hardest to find restaurant in West End but well
worth the adventure. Look for the signs on the main road and
start walking up the hill, past Pinocchio’s. Follow the
road around to the right, back to the left and keep going! They
serve delicious pizza and show movies on a regular basis. Bring
your bug spray or ask the bartender for some!
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Argentinean Grill:
Good steaks and seafood, right next to Woody's grocery store
in West End.
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Twisted Toucan Bar: Friday
and Saturday nights in West End starts here.
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Sunset Bar: This is
the latest attraction and a great meeting place in West End.
Shopping
the best grocery store is Eldon’s located in French Harbour.
Modern and well stocked you can buy everything you need for your
vacation. There are also smaller shops such as Woody's in West
End. You can get basics at several other stores in West End.
Rental Cars
Although not absolutely necessary, we do recommend you consider
a rental car for at least some of your stay in Roatan. With a
rental car, you can explore the island at your pace and shop at
larger grocery stores. Toyota Rental Car directly across from
the airport has good cars as does Roatan Rentals in West End.
Search the internet for rates or contact your travel agent. Although
driving on Roatan is easy and relaxed, please watch the taxi drivers,
who are known to stop suddenly and drive erratically.
Water Taxis
From the beach on West Bay, you can catch a water taxi to the
town of West End for around $1.50 per person. The ride is 10 minutes
and is a great and fun way to get to and from West End.
What to Bring
