Why is Roatan special?

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

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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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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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Caymanian slave-owners brought their slaves and seafaring culture to Roatan, forming a majority of the island's permanent population. The Bay Islands were briefly declared a colony by Britain in the 1850's, though the territory was ceded to Honduras in the following decade.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Drinking Water It's best not to drink tap water that hasn't been boiled or otherwise purified. Bottled water is your safest bet. Any water or ice given to you by restaurants or bars will be safe to consume.

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