Roatán

Roatán, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, is a true paradise for beach lovers, divers, and adventure seekers. With its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, lush jungles, and friendly local culture, Roatán offers a mix of relaxation and excitement. So pack your sunhat, bring a sense of adventure, and get ready to enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer.

Basic information about Roatán

Roatán is one of the Honduras Bay Islands – a group of islands and islets located in the Caribbean, off the northern coast of mainland Honduras. Examples of other islands in this group are Utila (the westernmost island) and Guanaja (the easternmost island). Roatán is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands and has the most developed tourist sector.

Roatán, which is found roughly 60 km from the Honduran mainland, is roughly 77 km long and less than 8 km wide at its widest point. At one point in history, the island was an English colony, before it became a part of Honduras.

The western side of Roatán is more populated and this is also where most tourists stay. The eastern side has fewer residents and is generally less developed when it comes to tourism services, including accommodation. You can find rustic and affordable accommodation here.

The three main languages spoken on the island are English, Spanish, and Garifuna. For many residents, English is their first language – especially among Roatanians of mixed English and African descent. Spanish is the official language of Honduras and many people on Roatán speak it as a first, second or third language. Spanish is the official language in the Honduran school system. Garifuna (Karif) is typically the first language for members of the Garifuna population. It belongs to the Arawakan language family and thus related to several indigenous languages spoken in the northern part of the South American continent.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Roatán is famous for its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a long tropical reef which provides world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities. Known for its biodiversity, the reef is home to numerous species of fish, corals, sponges, and other marine life. Divers can encounter sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels, and, during certain months, even whale sharks and hammerheads.

Popular dive sites include Mary’s Place, the Odyssey Wreck, and the Hole in the Wall. These three sites are suitable even for beginners and offer a chance to see everything from vibrant coral gardens to shipwrecks and wall dives.

There are many dive shops on Roatán where you can take scuba diving classes, rent scuba diving equipment, and sign up for scuba diving excursions to various dive sites.

Things to do and places to visit during your stay on Roatán

Roatán has a lot to offer, from pristine beaches and underwater adventures to cultural experiences and wildlife encounters.

West Bay Beach

West Bay Beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. It’s ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and is dotted with beach bars, restaurants, and resorts. Try local seafood dishes at beachfront restaurants, or enjoy a tropical cocktail with a view of the sunset.

Just steps from the shore, you’ll find the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest reef system. This makes West Bay Beach perfect for snorkeling, where you can spot colorful fish, corals, and sometimes even sea turtles.

In May each year, an international freediving competition takes place in West Bay Beach, attracting competitors and spectators from all corners of the world. In May, the ocean off West Bay Beach is usually calm and offers excellent visibility, which is beneficial for free divers.

West End Village

West End is a lively village filled with dive shops, restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a great spot for budget-friendly accommodations, and the laid-back vibe makes it a favorite among backpackers and scuba enthusiasts. West End is known as a hub for divers, with numerous dive shops offering courses, certifications, and tours to nearby dive sites. After a day of exploring, you can enjoy West End’s vibrant nightlife, with beachfront bars offering live music and local cocktails like the famous “Monkey La La.”

Little French Key

Little French Key is a private island resort located off Roatán’s coast. It is perfect for a day of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. There’s also an animal sanctuary on the island, where you can interact with rescued animals. Day passes include meals, drinks, and access to various activities, making it a convenient spot for an all-in-one beach day.

Gumbalimba Park

Gumbalimba Park is a nature reserve and adventure park that’s great for families and nature enthusiasts. Here, you can experience Roatán’s tropical wildlife and lush landscape. This park is home to many animals, including capuchin monkeys, parrots, and iguanas, and visitors can learn more about the island’s native wildlife. For thrill-seekers, the park offers ziplining through the jungle, providing an exciting way to enjoy the island’s scenic views.

Sandy Bay and the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences

Located near Sandy Bay, the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) offers educational experiences focused on marine life. RIMS has a renowned dolphin encounter program, where you can learn about these intelligent marine mammals. RIMS also offers educational tours and programs on marine conservation, making it a great stop for eco-conscious travelers.

When to visit Roatán

Roatán has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round.

Compared to many other parts of Central America, there isn´t really any distinct dry season on the island, as there is always some chance of rain.

The warmest part of the year runs from mid-July through early October. During this period, the average temperature is in the high 80s F. Early september is known to be especially hot.

The “cold season” is cold by Roatán standards, but still warm and tropical. It starts in mid-November and lasts until mid-February, when temperatures begin to climb up again. The coldest part of the year is the time around Christmas, where the average high temperature is just 80-85 degrees F. It is unusual for temperatures to drop below 73 degrees F even during this “cold spell”.

Hurricane season

The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June through November, with August, September and October being the most risky months of the season. Even when Roatán is not directly hit by a hurricane, a hurricane in the Caribbean can drop large amounts of rain on the island.

With that said, Roatán is not in “hurricane alley” and the risk of encountering a hurricane on Roatán is fairly low, even if you visit during peak hurricane season. The advice is to keep up with the weather report and be prepared to act if a hurricane is approaching.

Tourist seasons

The high season for tourism on Roatán runs from early or mid November to May. For visits during this season, it is more important to book accomodations and tours well in advance.

During the rest of the year, Roatán is visited by fewer tourists, which is positive for travellers who like to keep away from the crowds. It can also be easier to find good deals on accommodation and tours. With that said, some establishments still get booked up fairly early by families who wish to travel when the kids have the summer off from school, and university students can also take advantage June and July to do their travelling.

Note: The lowest of the low-season is September, October and sometimes the early part of November. Sometimes, a business on the island will take the opportunity to close down during this period to have repairs done and give staff time off. It is therefore important to check if your favourite spots will actually be open if you plan on visiting during this part of the year.

Local cuisine

Roatán’s cuisine is a mix of Caribbean flavors, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Honduran dishes. Here are some examples of must-try foods.

• Baleadas: A popular Honduran dish, baleadas are thick flour tortillas filled with refried beans, cheese, and sometimes eggs or avocado. They’re perfect for a quick snack or breakfast.
• Seafood Specialties: Fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch are commonly served in local restaurants. Try ceviche, grilled fish, or coconut shrimp for a taste of Roatán’s Caribbean flavors.
• Tapado Soup: This coconut-based seafood soup, packed with fish, shrimp, and vegetables, is a traditional dish that highlights the region’s tropical ingredients.

Examples of restaurants on Roatán

• Sundowners Beach Bar (West End): Known for its relaxed beach vibe and sunset views, Sundowners is a great spot for casual drinks and delicious bar food.
• Creole’s Rotisserie Chicken (West End): This small restaurant is popular for its flavorful rotisserie chicken, served with traditional sides like rice, beans, and plantains.
• Roatán Oasis (West End): For a more upscale dining experience, Roatán Oasis serves Caribbean-inspired dishes in a beautiful, open-air setting.

Tipping is common in Roatán, and 10-15% is standard for good service in restaurants, bars, and for tour guides.

Airport

The international airport on Roatán is called Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Manuel Gálvez)

IATA: RTB
ICAO: MHRO

Getting around on Roatán

Roatán is a small island, and getting around is relatively easy, though roads can be narrow and winding. Here are some of the common transportation options.

• Taxi: Taxis are widely available and are often used by tourists to get around. Rates are usually negotiated upfront, so it’s best to ask locals or your accommodation staff about standard fares.
• Scooter and Car Rentals: If you want more freedom, consider renting a scooter or car. Just be cautious on the island’s sometimes bumpy roads. Make sure you have proper insurance.
• Water Taxis: Between West End and West Bay, water taxis are a popular option, offering scenic rides along the coast.

Health tips

Travel insurance

Make sure your have good travel insurance. If anything serious happens to you during your stay on Roatán, you may need to be evacuated to the mainland and it can be costly.

Check the fine print to know if/how you are covered during scuba diving, zip lining, and other adventurous activities.

Check the fine print to find out about your coverage in the event of hurricanes / natural disasters.

Water

Drink bottled water, and avoid ice if you’re unsure of its source.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes kan transmit malaria, dengue, chikungunya and zika. Use proper clothing, mosquitoe repellant and mosquitoe nets as necessary.

Sun and high temperatures

The sun is strong in Roatán. Protect yourself, e.g. with suitable clothing, by staying the shade and by applying sunscrean. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks, especially during outdoor activities.

Vaccines and profylaxis

Consult a health specialist well in advance to obtain recommendations that takes your particular health status and travel plans into consideration.

• Generally speaking, it is a good idea to make sure you have all the basic program vaccinations recommended in your country (such as tetanus and diptheria).
• For visits to Honduras, vaccinations against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be advisable, partly depending on the traveler´s age. Typhoid vaccine can also be considered.
• The rabies vaccine can be considered for those with an elevated risk of exposure, e.g. because they will be in contact with animals. Blood sucking bats, which can transmit rabies, exist in parts of Honduras.
• Taking a profylaxis (a prescription medicine) against malaria is recommended for certain areas of Honduras.
• Important: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is present, you will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination before entering Honduras. There is an exception for airport transits shorter than 12 hours.

Responsible travel in Roatán

Roatán’s natural beauty is its greatest asset, and many locals and visitors are committed to protecting the island’s environment and marine life. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Support Eco-Friendly Tours. Choose tour operators and dive shops that prioritize sustainable practices and conservation.
• When diving or snorkeling, avoid touching the reef or any marine animals. The corals are fragile and easily damaged. Use reef-safe sunscreen.