Why is Roatan popular in Honduras?

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.



People Also Ask

Roatan is home to the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef, giving the perfect opportunity for snorkelers and divers to explore an underwater garden. This reef stretches 700 miles all the way from the Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

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

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.

MORE DETAILS

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

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

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

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

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

Best Place to Stay in Roatan Two main areas appeal in Roatan - West End and West Bay - and this is where the majority of island visitors will stay. A third area, Sandy Bay, is worth mentioning, as it's well-liked by ex-pats, but hasn't become a hotspot for tourists - although this may soon change.

MORE DETAILS

Currency in Roatan The Lempira is the official currency of Honduras but US dollars accepted throughout Roatan and can be used in most parts of the island. Credit Cards can also be used in larger stores and restaurants, but not all.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You might initially be thinking of drinks such as margaritas, pina coladas or daiquiris. But when you're on the island of Roatan, a small island off the north coast of the Central American country, Honduras, that fruity tropical drink is known by locals and tourists as the Monkey Lala.

MORE DETAILS

Roatan Travel Planning U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport. Please make sure your passport does not expire for a minimum of 6 MONTHS beyond your return travel date. Residents of all other countries should check with the Honduran Embassy/Consulate before leaving for specific entry requirements.

MORE DETAILS

It is true. At the hostel, all over Roatan, Honduras and Central America, toilet paper is normally discarded in the garbage can after you've wiped, not down the toilet. Most places are plumbed with septic systems, not advanced sewage systems, so nothing can go down them except human waste.

MORE DETAILS