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Description The beautiful Caribbean island of Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras offers some of the world's best SCUBA diving. The island is surrounded by the world's second largest coral reef, hugging most of the shore. This provides calm, clear beaches for swimm
Destination
Highlights DIVING AND SNORKELING:
One of the most complex ecosystems on the planet and comparable to tropical rainforest diversity is the coral reef. Roatan's location is at the perimeter of the Honduran continental shelf-the evolvement between shallow and deep water habitats.
Approximately 96% of all species of Caribbean marine life, ranging from flecks of fluorescent organisms to the grandeur of the whale shark, the largest undersea inhabitant in the world, have been observed in the waters neighboring Roatan.
Water temperatures vary from 77 degrees F to 82 degrees F through the year allowing a cornucopia of diving adventures, offering the greatest diversity of coral, sponge and invertebrate species in this part of the Caribbean.
Underwater terrain exploration is a spectrum of reefs grooved by angled chutes dropping to the sand. Tunnels, ledges and volcanic mazes extend far into the coral walls forming caverns and cathedrals. Underwater cliffs are draped with kaleidoscope of hard corals and sponges.
Visibility ranges from 65 to 110 feet. Open water currents along the plunging depths of the walls equate to clear visibility. Most Roatan resorts have in-house diving operations and there are numerous dive shops offering dives and instructional courses for all levels and in several languages.
Divers are treated to a dizzying array of reef and pelagic fishes, and because a drop-off is always close, deep water species like dolphins, sharks, manta and eagle rays are prevalent.
The majority of dives are made conveniently from boat moors from a few yards to 140 yards offshore. Luckily some of the best reefs on Roatan are a few fin kicks from the shore. Put on the mask, fins, and snorkel and in a matter of seconds you're in an underwater fantasy.
DEEP SEA FISHING AND SAILING:
Big game hunters take note: Don't come to Roatan in search of prey unless they are under the sea! The crystalline waters encompassing Roatan, fanned by steady trade winds yea round, and inhabited with most of the familiar fish species in the Caribbean, are magnificent for fishing and sailing trips.
Sportfishing includes the shallows near shore where Permit and Bonefish lurk, and Grouper, Snook all types of Snapper and Tarpon during season. Deeper waters have Mackerel (Spanish and King), Blackfin Tuna, Bonits, Dingfish, Wahoo and seasonally trophy Marlin.
Numerous boat owners offer half and full day excursions, snorkel trips, cocktail or sunset cruises, deep-sea or flats fishing or combinations of the former at very reasonable prices.
Several outfits offer cruises to the Cayos Cochinos, a cluster of islets wherethe entire archipelago is a marine reserve with excellent birding and hiking on these postcard perfect Cayes. Trips to neighboring pristine Barbaretta, Morat, Utilla, Guanaja and elsewhere are easily arranged.
Roatan has charter services located in the West End Village, Sandy Bay and West Bay Beach. Prices vary from as little as $10 per hour for a guided excursion to around the $250 per ½ day.
Bonefishing has become increasingly popular on the flats surrounding Roatan and numerous experts can get you within 15 feet of the excellent fighting Permits and Tarpin. Contact can be made locally through many of the resorts and restaurants or you can email us and we can put you in touch with the pros.
HIKING AND TREASURE HUNTING:
LOSE IN VEGAS RECENTLY?? TIRED OF PLAYING THE LOTTERY? What about finding buried treasure? Maybe the odds are the same but you'll have a lot more fun.
The jagged coastal topography, mangrove swamps and shallow reefs blocking the approach to Roatan from the sea, creased minimal early Spanish settlement interest. But remember, one man's heaven is another man's hell. What repelled the Spanish explorers is exactly what attracted pirates and buccaneers.
These pirate vessels easily maneuvered the shallow channels to protective harborage behind the reef and safety from, heavier Spanish ships.
The pirates were drooling at the vision of all the precious gold being mined in the Honduran interior and transported through an isolated and under guarded Trujillo.
By the early 17th century, Roatan was a base for pirate looting. It's rumored that up to 5,000 pirates sheltered in the Bay Islands, including Morgan, Coxen, Morris, Van Horn, and myriad others.
When they weren't raiding Spanish gold, the pirates were hunting, fishing, fixing their boats and hiding their treasured bounties.
Perhaps somewhere on Roatan is undiscovered buried treasure waiting for your liberation!
Before and during the Spanish, Roatan was most likely populated by Paya Indians. Many old dwelling and burial sites have been identified and pieces of pre-Columbian ceramic are still discovered by hikers.
It is believed that the Payan's would sit up on the mountain tops watching the Pirates bury their stash and wait for them to leave before unearthing the treasure and hauling the bounty high to the hills and re-bury it for themselves.
Ahoy matey… put on your tracking cap and retrace those cunning pirate trails into Roatan's interior nook and crannies for at the least, verdant trail walking or for the most, old world treasure meant for a king.
HORSEBACK RIDING:
Imagine a pathway with azure waters lapping at the shoreline on one side and swaying coconut, seagrape, and tropical almond trees on the other side. This is horseback riding in Roatan. And depending o your level of expertise, you can ride step to step or fly upon your mounted steed along the sandy beach. You can transition from a casual walk, to a comfortable trot, to a upswing cantor, to a full throttle gallop in a matter of seconds.
But balance the heart pounding adventure of a sprint with the mesmerizing tropical scenery that surrounds the rider. And of course you can always elect to take a lush forest trail ride where the nature of the terrain and the slope insures a tamer experience with your steed.
On Roatan let the horse do the walking (or running) and enjoy a sport that mankind has experienced for millenniums in the past.
SIGHTSEEING:
There is so much to see on Roatan.
Carambola Botanical Reserve offers trailways winding through forests of fruit trees, palms, ferns, orchids, spices and mahogany. Visit Iguana Wall, a sheer cliffside section that offers a protective breeding area for iguanas and parrots.
A 20 minute walk to the top of Carambloa peak rewards you with panoramic views of Roatan's western and northern reefs, and Utilla.
We have a wonderful photo gallery to wet your apetite for Roatan and feel it's virtual beauty.
Local
Weather The climate is warm, usually in the '80s. The dress for the entire island is very casual. Comfortable cool clothing, shorts, and lightweight pants are recommended. Even in the evening at better restaurants, the dress remains casual. There are mosquitoes and sand flies, but, if you use repellant, you should not be bothered. Hurricanes are few and far between, and Honduras is generally not in the path of large storms. Roatan enjoys tradewinds the majority of the year, which make the climate even more comfortable.
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Destinations
Description Roatan Island Honduras is an unspoiled adventure traveler's vacation paradise in the Caribbean. Roatan has blue skies, sun drenched clear turquoise water, and year round temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. Imagine stepping back in time to the 1950s. Roatan Island lies 30 miles off the coast of Honduras and is 33 miles long and 4 miles wide. You won't find four star high-rise hotels, golf courses, shopping malls, or fancy stores. Roatan Island offers first class scuba diving, scuba certification and outstanding snorkeling. Roatan water activities include deep sea fishing, fly-fishing on the flats and mangroves, swimming with the dolphins, and ocean kayaking. Land activities include riding horses, exploring lush tropical scenery, shopping for island crafts, eating at some of the best restaurants in Honduras, and viewing the butterfly and floral gardens.
Local Information Roatán, located between the islands of Utila and Guanaja, is the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands.
The capital and most populated town is Coxen Hole, located in the Southwest of the island. Other important towns include French Harbour and Oak Ridge.
Located near the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea (second largest worldwide after Australia's Great Barrier Reef), it has become an important cruising and diving destination in Honduras. Tourism is its most important economic sector, though fishing is also an important source of income for islanders.
Most establishments will accept US currency as payment while you are on Roatan or in Honduras. However, the Honduran currency is the Lempira. You can receive a better exchange rate if you convert your dollars into Lempiras and pay for your purchases in Lempiras. There is also a 7% sales tax and tipping 10-15% is customary.
The climate is warm, usually in the '80s. The dress for the entire island is very casual. Comfortable cool clothing, shorts, and lightweight pants are recommended. Even in the evening at better restaurants, the dress remains casual. There are mosquitoes and sand flies, but, if you use repellant, you should not be bothered. Hurricanes are few and far between, and Honduras is generally not in the path of large storms. Roatan enjoys tradewinds the majority of the year, which make the climate even more comfortable.
Airport
Information Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan, the Bay Islands, served by the international cariers AeroHonduras, TACAm American and Continental, as well as a charter flight from Milan on Lauda Air.
Roatan is part of an archipelago that makes up the island province known as the Bay Islands in the Honduran Caribbean. The island is easily accessible by air and by sea.
The flight to Honduras from the major gateway cities of the southern United States is just two hours. There are also several direct flights to other cities throughout Central America on TACA Airlines, COPA Airlines and AeroHonduras.
US citizens need a valid passport and return ticket. A tourist card will be issued on arrival. There is a ($32.00 -- fee subject to change without notice) departure fee payable at the airport. Please contact the Honduran consultant for more information. NO health cards or shots are required for entry. Most guests do not get any special shots or take any special pills. However, this is the tropics; and if you are concerned, check with your doctor.
