Why is Roatan famous?

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.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Roatan is a safe island. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions.

MORE DETAILS

Areas to avoid after dark. Conversely, there are areas or town around Roatan which should be avoided after dark or in which extra precaution is recommended. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

He named the island Isla de los Pinos (Island of Pines) due to the abundance of pine trees on the island. However, the island's name was later changed to Roatán, which is thought to have come from the Paya word Roatán, meaning water of the sun.

MORE DETAILS

A: The foods Roatan is known for is fresh seafood, hearty baleadas (you'll learn what this is later on!), ceviche, fried or jerk chicken, hot sauce, beans and rice and fried plantains.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Roatan is famous in diving circles for the quality of its coral reef, which forms part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. And with over 100 dive sites to explore, Roatan can keep die-hard divers entertained for weeks.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The only crocodile that inhabits the Bay Islands is the crocodile of the species Crocodylus Acutus. Their distribution is limited to the mangroves of Santa Elena, Old and New Port Royal, Camp Bay, as well as at Gibson Bight in Roatan. Female crocodiles construct and deposit their eggs in nests made from natural debris.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS