Why is Roatan important to Honduras?

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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A quieter barrier reef Surrounded by the aquamarine waves of the world's second largest barrier reef, Roatán, located off the coast of Honduras, has attracted backpackers and nature lovers for decades, but new luxury properties are transforming the island's rustic appeal.

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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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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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The Roatan Tourism Bureau ™ characterizes Roatan mainly as being a Sun and Beach destination with a Nature and adventure type of tourism. For the Sun and Beach type of tourism, Roatan offers unbeatable beaches and lush coastal vegetation, coral reefs, dive sites, and seascapes.

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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 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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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.

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

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There are crocodiles, about six species of frogs, and several lizard species on Roatan. There is also a snake species both venomous and nonvenomous.

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Anti-malaria medications You 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.

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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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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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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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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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