Roatan is a safe island. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions.
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In general, Roatan is a safe island, however, theft can be an issue, as it is in many tourist areas. Certain parts of the island should be avoided, however, as they are not considered so safe. Understanding your location and proximity to your hotel is important for your safety.
Roatan has been home to a notorious list of major drug intermediaries who launder money by purchasing properties on the island. Members of the “Los Cachiros“ drug trafficking ring were arrested and numerous properties in Roatan were seized several years ago.
Santa Rosa de CopanThe capital of the department of Copan, in Western Honduras is considered by many as the safest city in Honduras. This is the coffee capital of Honduras. It is a great gateway towards the Lenca Route that includes Gracias and La Esperanza.
Avoid displays of money and valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. Roatan is very casual, and by dressing casually, you will not draw attention to yourself.
It is the safest place to visit in Honduras. It's also very close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It's a diving mecca and great for snorkelers. You can swim out to the reef from the beach.
The reality is that Roatan is an island, and almost everything consumed here is imported. Our food, products and supplies had to undergo a much longer journey to make it to our happy island, and therefore that drives up the price of just about everything.
Anti-malaria medicationsYou should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. Malaria is present throughout the year in throughout the country at altitudes below 1,000 m (< 3,281 ft) and in Roatán and other Bay Island; risk exists in the outskirts of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.
Biting bugs give Roatan beaches a bad rap. But with a little foreknowledge and preparation, they don't need to ruin your vacation. The most common pests found on the island beaches, are locally called “jejenes”. In Scotland they are called biting midges, in the USA, no-see-ums or sand flies, but they are the same pest.
The Bay Islands and Roatan are popular destinations today for many vacationers, including some rather famous people. The islands in the area are popular for celebs such as Christopher Lambert, Richard Gere, Michael Douglas, and Cameron Diaz.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding or simply lounging on the beach chairs or cabanas. Mahogany Bay Beach is a perfect place to experience the tropical charm and natural beauty of Roatan.
Like with most places around the world, there is some risk. Nobody can tell you with 100% certainty that you will be safe in Honduras. Anyone who tells you there is no crime in Roatan is lying. But there are absolutely places in Honduras you can and should visit, Roatan and the Bay Islands being some of them.
In general El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have serious problems with violent crime. Nicaragua and Costa Rica are much safer. But, high crime countries are generally safe for tourists, and the low crime countries are not crime-free countries.