What is special about Roatan?

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.



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Roatan sits on the lower section of the world's second largest barrier reef system, called the Mesoamerican Reef. This natural wonder stretches nearly 700 miles from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands. West Bay Beach on Roatan is one of the best beaches in the world.

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For the Sun and Beach type of tourism, Roatan offers unbeatable beaches and lush coastal vegetation, coral reefs, dive sites, and seascapes. These all come together to provide an attractive (and different) aquatic experience.

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Roatan sits on the lower section of the world's second largest barrier reef system, called the Mesoamerican Reef. This natural wonder stretches nearly 700 miles from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands. West Bay Beach on Roatan is one of the best beaches in the world.

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Most areas around Roatan are safe. Roatan offers several residential living options as well, some safer than others.

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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.

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In the past 12 months there were 18 murders on Roatan, one foreigner, (the cruise ship employee) and 17 Honduran citizens.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Abbotsford resident Tim Vallee was shot and killed after visiting the La Cueva bar (above) in a rough part of town on the Honduran island of Roatan.

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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.

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Roatan is in a third world country, and as such, it is not unusual to find cattle, horses, erratic taxi drivers, large trucks, and other unsafe motorists.

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Map of Roatan Roatan's West Bay Beach is located on the island of Roatan's western- (and southern-) most tip, and has been described as the ultimate Caribbean beach vacation destination: pristine, white sand beaches, perfectly clean, clear, and warm tropical waters.

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West Bay Beach is known as being Roatan's finest beach, primarily for its ample diving and snorkeling opportunities—more on that later—but what many people often overlook, is that West Bay Beach is a world-class beach for so many other reasons.

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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.

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There are numerous species that live in or around the reef system that are endangered or under some degree of protection, including the following: sea turtles (green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, leatherback turtle, and the hawksbill turtle), the queen conch, the West Indian manatee, the splendid toadfish, the ...

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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.

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The weather in Roatan is usually great and only varies by 8 degrees. May and September are probably the best months to visit Roatan since the weather is great and the island is not overcrowded with fellow tourists.

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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.

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The East End of Roatan is a very popular area for expats. Quiet, more rural, and a true taste of island life await you in the East End. Part of the Santos Guardiola Municipality, the East End is a term to describe the many different neighborhoods and communities that vaguely encompass everything East of French Harbour.

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