Roatan

Travel Guide Central America Honduras Islas de la Bahía Roatan

Introduction

Incomplete dock in Sandy Bay, Roatan

Roatan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The biggest draw are the amazing reefs in crystal clear water making for great diving. In recent years some mega resorts have started to open up bringing in a higher class of tourist. Another fascinating thing to explore is the local Caracole population. Decedents of runaway slaves, freed slaves and Europeans looking for refuge in the 19th century this population is still alive and strong, even with the recent influx of immigrants from the mainland.

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Towns

Coxen Hole is the capital and largest town on the island. It is also the location of the airport.
French Harbour
West End
Oak Ridge

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Sights and Activities

Half Moon Bay beach, West End, Roatan

Diving in the reefs around the island is the main draw for most tourists.
Beeches are always fun and these ones are especially nice.

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

Although Roatan is a great place to enjoy the beaches and watersports, the weather is not always that nice. October to February is rainy season, with a smaller rainy season in June and July. Temperatures are between 25 °C and 30 °C most of the year, but some nights can be cool with temperatures dropping to around 15 °C in January.

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Getting There

By Plane

Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (IATA: RTB, ICAO:MHRO) is also known as the Roatan International Airport. This airport has regular service to La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Belize City, San Salvador, Miami, Houston and Atlanta. There is also seasonal service to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Newark. There are direct flights with Blue Panorama Airlines to/from Milan.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

There is regular ferry service to and from the mainland. Safeway Maritime’s new Galaxy Wave catamaran ferry provides fast, comfortable services between Roatán and La Ceiba (economy/first class US$21/26.50, 1¼ hours). There are daily departures from La Ceiba to Roatán at 9:30am and 4:30pm, and from Roatán to La Ceiba at 7:00am and 2:00pm.

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Getting Around

By Car

Car rentals as well as motorcylces are available on Roatan, starting at around US$50 per day.

By Public Transport

Water taxis are used on the island to get to different spots. They are useful for getting between West End and West Bay.
On Roatan minibuses are available, costing around US$1-2 per ride.

By Foot

By Bike

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Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

Budget

Property	Address	Type	Popularity
Roatan Bed and Breakfast	West End	Guesthouse	85
Villagio Verde B&B	Villagio Verde West End Gibson Bight Calle Principal	Hotel	100
Westbay Bed and Breakfast	Westbay beach, Roatan Island, Honduras	Guesthouse	94
Oak Ridge Key	Roatan Honduras Bay Islands	Hotel	-
Roatan Backpackers' Hostel	Sandy Bay	Hostel	80
Buena Onda Hostel	Next to the Petrol Station, West End	Hostel	83