Roatan – Travel Guide
Thirty-five miles north of Honduras, on the Caribbean coast lies the submerged Sierra de Omoa mountain range, fountainhead to the verdant jungle islands of Roatan, Guanaja, Utila and a jeweled patchwork of smaller islands known as The Bay Islands of Honduras. They are tucked away from the mainstream, and remain today as some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful, pristine and tranquil islands. Roatan is such an unique place because it has a modern public forum which is managed by community members who live on Roatan.
All about Roatan
Getting Around Roatan
By Bus
The buses in Roatan are 16-passenger vans that run regular routes between Coxen Hole and West End, and between Coxen Hole and French Harbour. The cost is typically around $1 – $2 depending on how far you travel.
By Car
There are several rental options for car rentals in Roatan, including some international companies based at the airport and many local companies who will offer to drive the vehicle to you for extra convenience.
Where you stay while in Roatan will determine whether or not you need a rental vehicle during your vacation. If you decide you need a vehicle during your stay, be sure to check what type of vehicle will be necessary for your neighborhood. Some vacation rentals require 4-wheel-drive vehicles because of hilly or unpaved roads leading to them.
By Taxi
Taxis can be privado or collectivecollective, you might pick up or drop off other passengers along your route. These taxis are a cheaper option and run set routes much like a bus. It’s a great way to chat with local residents. Prices for taxis are relatively high, compared with the mainland. After 6pm, when the buses stop running, fares go up.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
Roatan FAQ
Where is Roatan located in Honduras and what is it known for?
Roatan is one of the Bay Islands, located 40 miles in front of the Caribbean coast of Honduras. It’s the largest island in the Bay Islands, a chain of tropical islands that run along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
Roatan is known for its world-class diving and snorkeling. The island is near the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea, and the second-largest reef worldwide.The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches over 700 miles from Belize to Roatan. It’s also known for its many beaches, including Camp Bay Beach and West Bay Beach. Roatan is home to lush jungles, verdant forests, and warm, clear Caribbean waters.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options. Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. Negotiate fares beforehand. If you are planning on exploring the island at your own pace, car rentals are available.
How do I get around Roatan?
During daylight hours, minibuses go back and forth from one of the island to the other on Roatan’s one main road fro a fare of around L20 to L40 ($1 – $1) per person, depending on how far you travel. Most buses will travel only east or west, form Coxen Hole to one end of the island.
Taxis stands are located in every major tourist center, and waiting taxis sit outside most of the island’s largest resorts. Prices are relatively high, compared with the mainland.
Water taxis service daily from 9 am to 9 pm. This is a convenient way to go between West End and West Bay. Just flag down a passing boat at any dock and one should stop.
You can rent motorized scooters at stands across the island.
If you are staying outside of West Bay, West End, or Sandy Bay, you may want to rent a car to be able to get around and explore rather than relying on a taxi. Taxis become less reliable and harder to come by the farther you get from West End, not to mention expensive.
Read More
More About Roatan
What is the legal drinking age?
The legal drinking age in Honduras is 18 years old.
What is the weather like?
The climate of Roatan is tropical, hot and humid, though constant sea breezes keep the islands average temperature between 70°F and 90°F. The yearly average temperature is 82°F. The rainiest months in Roatan are October through January and the average rain fall is 87 inches.
I don’t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?
The official language of Honduras and Roatan is Spanish. Most local residents throughout Roatan and the Bay Islands speak some English and Spanish. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.
Is Roatan a safe place to visit?
Roatan is a safe vacation destination, though basic travel common sense is required. Be careful where you walk at night, do not carry or show a lot of valuable items, do not leave unattended items on the beach, etc.
Is it safe to drink water?
No, tap water is not recommended to drink in Honduras. All good restaurants and hotels typically provide purified water or use purified water in food preparation. Purified water can be purchased easily throughout the country.
What is the local time zone?
Roatan is in the Central Time zone and does not observe daylight saving time. Honduras and Roatan is 6 hours behind Greenwich mean time (GMT).
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency in Roatan is the Honduran Lempira. However, the US Dollar is widely accepted most everywhere in Roatan. We suggest to bring small bills to Roatan, $20 and under are best. The reason for this is that banks in Honduras, including Roatan, will not accept large bills. That means that the businesses will not accept them either. while some businesses will take larger bills, you don’t want to be caught in a situation where a business won’t accept them. Business will give you change in dollars and in some cases Lempiras.
It is not recommended to use an ATM in Roatan because some are compromised. If you must use an ATM, there is one at Eldon’s supermarket that is most likely your safest bet.
What are the shopping options in Roatan?
Roatan is home to a wide variety of shopping options, from t-shirt and souvenir stores to art galleries and local craft stores. There is a shopping mall near French harbor which features a variety of department-style stores.
Supermarkets can be found in Coxen Hole and French Harbour while smaller style grocery stores can be found in West End, Sandy Bay, Oak Ridge, and Punta Gorda.
What is the food like in Roatan?
Roatan offers a wide variety of food options. You’ll find several restaurants offering everything Italian, Indian, Thai, Argentinian, Mexican, and local beef and seafood. Most restaurants mix international style dishes with fresh Honduran products to produce unique dishes. you will also find local Honduran restaurants that offer some of the local coastal and mainland specialty dishes. There are also fast-food restaurants such as Pizza Inn and Bojangles. The mall in French Harbour will also offer a food court with fast-food restaurants.
What is the diving like in Roatan?
The diving on Roatan is fabulous! Visitors come from all over the world, not only for the reasonable diving and dive training prices but also because of the beautiful reef and ideal water conditions year-round.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
The general emergency number in Honduras is: 911
Hospital Cemesa Roatan (French Harbour), 2nd Floor, Mall Megaplaza, French Harbour, +504 9828-8166 or 305-744-2365.
Wood Medical Center (Coxen Hole), 9360 Main Street, Coxen Hole, +504 9828-8166 or +1 305-744-236.
Unimed Urgen Care (West End) offers 24/7 urgent care, located at Cocunut Tree Plaza, West End, +504 9446-0097.
Top Attractions
West Bay Beach
Stunning white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Daniel Johnson’s Sloth Hangout
Popular sanctuary where visitors can interact with sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Maya Key
A private island offering animal encounters, Mayan ruins replicas, snorkeling, and a small beach.
Roatan Butterfly Garden
Such a tranquil enclosure filled with colorful butterflies, tropical plants, and hummingbirds.
Unique Experiences
Dive the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Roatán is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, making it a diver’s paradise. You can explore vibrant coral walls, shipwrecks, and marine life like sea turtles and eagle rays.
Swim with Dolphins at Anthony’s Key Resort.
This ethical dolphin encounter lets you swim, snorkel, or interact from a platform with trained bottlenose dolphins. It’s a magical, educational experience ideal for families and animal lovers.
What to expect while traveling
