About Roatan
The island of Roatán is the largest of the archipelago of the Bay Islands, and is part of the Mesoamerican Reef Barrier. The island, 45 kilometers long, is geographically formed by hills covered with lush vegetation, and is located 30 miles from the Honduran coast. Its natural wealth and rich history with the presence of the Mayas and Payas, the Spanish and English occupation, and piracy during and after the colony, has generated the development of the island to make it one of the most visited tourist places in Honduras, and pride of our country to be recognized as one of the world’s tourist destinations.
The western Caribbean island of Roatan is approximately 37 miles off the northern coast of Honduras. It’s the largest of the Bay Islands and neighbor to Utila to the west and Guanaja to the east, with several smaller islands in between named Morat and Barbareta. Many other cays or keys (little islands) can be found off the coast as well, such as the Little French Key and Pigeon Cay. Travelers seeking to explore some of these remote Caribbean locations find a new meaning for paradise.
Roatan is not a very large island, but it has many small towns and villages scattered throughout its coastline. Here we will mainly describe the popular areas visited by locals and travelers alike. As you will see, most if not all towns and villages have English names, a sign of the British colonization of Roatan. Many of the most popular “things to do in Roatan” can be found in these towns and villages.
Currency
Lempira/U.S. Dlr
Language
English, Spanish
Long gone are the days where traveling to Roatan seemed like a lifetime. Major airlines now have connecting flights or direct flights from several US cities to the Roatan International Airport. Roatan is popular with Canadiens and Europeans as well, with direct flights from Toronto and Milan. Below is a short list of airlines (or partners) with service to the Roatan International Airport.
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- Avianca Airline at Roatan Airport
If you are traveling to Roatan on a cruise ship, your port of call will be the Port of Roatan (Town Center) in Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay (Mahogany Bay Cruise Center) in Dixon’s Cove. Both cruise ports are approximately 3 miles apart from each other, with the Port of Roatan being more westward.
Roatan is not a very large island, but it has many small towns and villages scattered throughout its coastline. Here we will mainly describe the popular areas visited by locals and travelers alike. As you will see, most if not all towns and villages have English names, a sign of the British colonization of Roatan. Many of the most popular “things to do in Roatan” can be found in these towns and villages.
| Coxen Hole | French Harbour, | Jonesville, | Oak Ridge |
| Punta Gorda | Sandy Bay | West Bay | West End |
Christopher Columbus discovered the Bay Islands between 1502-1504, during his fourth voyage. Visiting the neighboring island of Guanaja, he claimed the Bay Islands for Spain.
Furthermore, Roatan sits on the second largest barrier reef system on the planet and largest in the western hemisphere. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches from the country of Belize to Roatan for over 700 miles. The reef’s close proximity to shore and protected Caribbean waters gives an advantage to many water-sport enthusiasts like scuba divers. Roatan has become a world-class destination for big game fishing, boaters, divers, snorkelers, etc..
Roatan’s weather is consistent year round with a 10 degree variation in temperature. The months of September through January are considered the rainy season, with sporadic down pour of rain and sunshine. On an average, Roatan receives approximately 99 inches of rain a year.
You can organize a tour of the islands through a Roatan Tours, or hire a taxi driver to bring you around. For private drivers, expect to pay around L2200–L3000 for a full day tour or L1430–L1650 for a half day. Canopy tours are a fun way to see the island’s geography from a fantastic viewpoint, and all of Roatán’s operators have good safety records.
8 Hours
The Wildlife Encounter and Snorkel Excursion is the perfect experience if you’re a nature fan wanting to experience Roatán’s most exciting wildlife, as well as its world-renowned...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
6 Hours
This unforgettable tour begins with a horseback ride to visit to the ironshore – coral reef that emerged from the ocean centuries ago, which supports...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
8 Hours
If you’re an animal lover this is the tour for you!! Mayan Jungle “Monkey & Sloth Hangout” has a great variety of exotic animals for...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
6 Hours
The Wildlife Encounter and Snorkel Excursion is the perfect experience if you’re a nature fan wanting to experience Roatán’s most exciting wildlife, as well as...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
8 Hours
If you’re an animal lover this is the tour for you!! Mayan Jungle “Monkey & Sloth Hangout” has a great variety of exotic animals for...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
8 Hours
If you’re an animal lover this is the tour for you!! Mayan Jungle “Monkey & Sloth Hangout” has a great variety of exotic animals for...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
8 Hours
This unforgettable tour begins with a horseback ride to visit to the ironshore – coral reef that emerged from the ocean centuries ago, which supports...
$150
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
8 Hours
This unforgettable tour begins with a horseback ride to visit to the ironshore – coral reef that emerged from the ocean centuries ago, which supports...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
8 Hours
If you’re an animal lover this is the tour for you!! Mayan Jungle “Monkey & Sloth Hangout” has a great variety of exotic animals for...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
Roatan forest, Roatan Land
6 Hours
If you’re an animal lover this is the tour for you!! Mayan Jungle “Monkey & Sloth Hangout” has a great variety of exotic animals for...
Next Departure
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Available through out the year:
Protecting our Diverse Wildlife
About twelve mammal species inhabit the islands. A third of these are bat species, additionally Agoutis, two varieties of rats, possum and white-tailed deer, which now are very rare, are found. Historical reports state that manatee and monk seals where also found in the area but now are extinct.
Restauranta in Roatan
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8 Hours
$0
The Wildlife Encounter and Snorkel Excursion is the perfect experience if you’re a nature fan wanting to experience Roatán’s most exciting wildlife,...
6 Hours
$0
This unforgettable tour begins with a horseback ride to visit to the ironshore – coral reef that emerged from the...
8 Hours
$0
If you’re an animal lover this is the tour for you!! Mayan Jungle “Monkey & Sloth Hangout” has a great...