Roatan and the Bay islands are part of the Bonacca ridge line, a volcanic remnant that still has snaps and cracks, often heard underwater, at a usual epicenter some 30 miles to the North.
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Roatan's call to fame is its coral reef. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is world-renowned. It is the largest of its kind in the northern hemisphere and second largest worldwide. Only the Great Barrier Reef is larger in scope and size that is the reef in the waters around Roatan Island.
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.
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.
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.
Roatan is a beautiful island with an idyllic tropical climate and lower cost of living, so it's a fantastic place to retire. From the palm-fringed beaches of West Bay to the bustling village of Coxen Hole on the other side, there are plenty of places to live and enjoy your retirement in the sunshine.
Secondly, Roatan has a low cost of living compared to North America. Housing, food, and transportation are all significantly cheaper on the island. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in popular expat communities can cost as little as $500 per month and the cost to buy a home or property is still a bargain.
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.
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.
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.
While a retirement visa on Roatan requires you have at least $1500 each month, a couple could live off of $1,200 a month here, per the Global Retirement Index for cost of living.
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.