Sandy Bay, West End, and West Bay are the safest parts of the island. Avoid walking alone at night, or even on the beach with your loved one when darkness descends.
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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.
Many friends or tourists who want to visit and know Roatan, Honduras ask us if it is safe to travel? Our answer is YES. In general, Roatan is a safe island, however, theft can be an issue, as it is in many tourist areas.
Roatán is generally considered safe for solo female travellers. The island is known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, and the crime rate is low. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
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.
Dangers of Roatan and Roatan Crime. Roatan is considered to be very safe for tourists and is possibly the safest place in Honduras. The Roatan crime rate is very low.
Sand fleas are prevalent in the Bay Islands. Sometimes called no-see-ums, you probably won't even notice these guys are around until you start itching. While some people hardly react to their bites, others may find them to be incredibly annoying.
Is the drinking water safe to drink? Tap water is not recommended to drink in Honduras. All good restaurants and hotels will provide purified water or use purified water in food preparation. Purified water can be bought easily throughout the country.
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.
Mosquitos are typically worst around dawn and dusk, so it's best to avoid them during those times. They are active all day, but you probably won't notice them quite as frequently.
West Bay. Probably the most popular area in Roatán – and there's a reason for that. West Bay has literally the nicest beach on the island, with soft white sands and calm blue water, and the famous coral reef just 50 feet away.
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.
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.
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.
Certain areas of the island, such as the East End, are far quieter than the more tourist-centric parts, which often means there's not much reason for criminals or potential thieves to congregate. If you're looking for some personal time, a quieter part of the island might provide you with the desired respite.
Of course, one of the easiest ways to sightsee on Roatan Island is to stroll along the sand! You'll find plenty of great walkable areas on the resort. For a different kind of experience, you can book one of our horseback riding excursions.
The Lempira is the official currency of Honduras but US dollars accepted throughout Roatan and can be used in most parts of the island. Credit Cards can also be used in larger stores and restaurants, but not all. It's a good idea to have smaller denominations in US Dollars for arrival (making getting change easier).
If you don't want to deal with currency exchange or taking money out of an ATM during your Roatan trip, you could theoretically bring all of your cash in USD along with you. For a 7-day trip, I would bring at least $700-1,000 USD, with the assumption that you'll have some left over.