Which side of Roatan is better?

Which is better is entirely up to you – if you're looking for more nightlife, stay in West End. If you're looking to relax on the beach all day every day, stay in West Bay. If you're SCUBA diving in Roatan, stay anywhere you'd like!



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West Bay Beach Honduras is world-famous for a reason. It features the longest stretch of beach on the island that's both easy to access and packed full of amenities. If it's your first visit to Roatan, make a beeline for West Bay where you'll find all the action.

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Roatan, on the other hand, relies heavily on tourism and for that reason is incredibly safe. Police presence is highly visible in tourist areas such as West Bay, West End and Sandy Bay. If Roatan is known for any crime at all, it's typically linked to petty thefts and burglaries.

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For the majority of the year, trade winds cross the island from east to west. This makes the Eastern and Southern side of the island very rough. Conversely, the mountainous island impedes the wind resulting in flat calm seas on the Western edge and Northside of the island.

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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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There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Some of these include the areas of Palmetto Bay, Pristine Bay, Turtle Crossing, & Lawson Rock. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols.

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Roatán is an island in the Caribbean, about 65 kilometres off the northern coast of Honduras. It is located between the islands of Utila and Guanaja, and is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras. The island was formerly known in English as Ruatan and Rattan.



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Roatan is situated outside of the Hurricane Zone. The island of Roatan is too far west to be affected by most annual hurricanes. In fact, hurricanes only come across Roatan once every 26 years. So feel free to plan ahead and travel to Roatan even if you're considering traveling to Roatan during hurricane season.

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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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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.

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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.

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Here are the basics: West End Village has a paved road lined with shops and small hotels, while West Bay is a larger area comprised of West Bay Beach – filled with resorts and hotels – and the surrounding neighborhoods offering a multitude of vacation rental properties.

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The West End and West Bay area, in the west of the island, is the hotspot for snorkeling in Roatán. West Bay reef, healthy and easily accessible from the beach, should not be missed. With its corals cascading in crystal blue waters and its wide diversity of colorful fish, it offers amazing snorkeling experiences.

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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.

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Roatan's rainy season starts in October and can run through February. The heaviest rainfall is typically in November and December. This basically matches up with winter in North America and Europe, which is the most popular time of year for all of you to flee the winter and seek some tropical sun.

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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.

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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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A week in Roatan is the perfect amount of time to explore the island without feeling rushed. Most of the tourist traffic comes from cruise ships, but I think 8 hours isn't enough time to get a real taste of the island.

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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.

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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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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 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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