Roatan: Honduras’ must-see island

Roatan is one of the gems of the Western Caribbean. This sleepy island is Honduras’ top attraction, a laidback place where relaxation is top of the agenda. The sun’s hot, the sea’s warm and there are a whole host of activities to do both on land and on the water. This is Honduras’ must-see island, the most developed of the Bay Islands. To help with your trip planning, we’ve put together a brief guide – here’s what you need to know.

Why you should visit

Visitors are attracted to this part of Central America for its warm welcome and pretty scenery. If you’re looking for a place to sip a cocktail in the shade of a coconut palm while crystal clear waters lap a sandy beach, this Caribbean cliché won’t disappoint. The regular influx of travellers from North America ensures that there’s a plentiful supply of organised activities, lots of decent restaurants and abundant, good quality accommodation. Oh, and we forgot to mention: the sunsets are exquisite.

What not to miss while you’re there

The beaches are a big draw, as you’d expect, so allow some time to wriggle your toes into the sand at West End, or take to the water for a spot of stand up paddle boarding, sea kayaking or windsurfing. Mahogany Bay is also a crowd favourite, particularly among the snorkelers and scuba divers who flock here to take advantage of its coral reef teeming with colourful tropical fish. There are several ziplines on Roatan if you’re looking for a thrill and myriad birdlife if you’re more content with quieter pursuits. In the east of the island, there’s far less development and by switching the touristy east for this more rural setting, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the local Garífuna communities.

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When to visit

As with the rest of the Caribbean, this is an ideal destination to visit during the northern hemisphere winter. Temperatures hold steady around 28 or 29°C, while a gentle onshore breeze makes things even more pleasant. Evenings are warm, perfect for al-fresco dining by the water’s edge or sitting on the jetty as the sun slips below the horizon. Things ramp up a notch during the US spring break season. If you’re here for the peace and quiet it’s also wise to check cruise ship schedules and plan accordingly. Book well ahead if you plan to stay at one of the upscale boutique hotels such as The Beach House as rooms sell out fast.

How to get there and away

Many visitors first come to Roatan as part of a Caribbean cruise, but once you’ve had a taste for this laidback paradise, you’ll want to come back for more. Direct flights serve Roatan from the US, so look for a connecting flight through a hub such as Houston, Miami or Atlanta. The island’s relatively small, and if you’re based close to the main town you can probably do without a rental car. There’s most going on in West Bay, and from there you’ll have no trouble if you want to flag down a taxi and tour the island in air conditioned comfort. Alternatively, try a reputable local tour operator such as Cleve’s Adventure Tours for day excursions.

How about we help you turn your Honduran dream into a Roatan reality? Give us a call with your needs and we can help you shape a paradise vacation in this lush corner of the Caribbean.