Where is Roatan?
Roatan, in the Bay Islands of Honduras, is a Western Caribbean island
about 35 to 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras in Central America.
How do I get there?
Direct flights between Honduras and North America are provided by TACA,
Delta, American Airlines, and Continental Airlines. Direct flights to
Roatan’s new International Airport from Miami and Houston, are provided
by TACA and Continental weekly. Delta offers direct flights from Atlanta
on Saturdays and West Jet offers seasonal charter flights direct from
Toronto on Saturdays. Domestic air service is provided by Atlantic Airlines,
SOSA, And Isleña.
What are the necessary travel documents?
A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it and $27.00 for
departure tax.
Where can I stay?
There are several fine resorts and hotels on the island. Some suggestions
are: Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Pura Vida, CoCo View Resort, Anthony’s
Key Resort, Executive Inn, and Bananarama. Paradise Beach Villas on West
Bay Beach and Palmetto Bay Plantation are also recommended.
How do I get around once I am there?
The island is easy to navigate by car, but please always drive a road
in the daylight before you try it at night. One paved main road runs east-west
from Oak Ridge to West Bay Beach with dirt or gravel side roads. Driving
is on the right side of the road. There are several car rental companies
on the island. I recommend Alamo/National Car Rental, phone 504 445-1169
, Toyota Rent-A-Car, phone 504 445-1166, and AVIS, phone 504-445-0122.
Drivers are required to show a valid drivers license and a major credit
card or a cash deposit. Of course, there are taxis and buses. You should
always negotiate the price before you hire the taxi, possibly comparing
with another taxi.
Can I use U.S. dollars?
Yes, but 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. I suggest you exchange your money at the nearest
bank. There is a 12% sales tax and tipping 10-15% is customary.
What about sailing or yachting into Roatan?
There are various marinas: Fantasy Island, Roatan Yacht Club, Romeo’s,
and Brick Bay Marina. You can provision near the Roatan Yacht Club and
there dry docks in French Harbour for repairs.
What’s the weather like? What should I wear? Are there any bugs?
The climate is warm, usually in the 80’s or low 90’s. The dress for
the entire island is casual. Comfortable cool clothing, shorts and lightweight
pants, are recommended. Even for the evening, the dress is casual at the
better restaurants. There are mosquitoes and sand flies, but if you use
repellent, you shouldn’t be bothered. Hurricanes are few and far between.
Honduras is not in the main path of the hurricanes. They typically turn
north to the United States. Roatan enjoys tradewinds the majority of the
year to make the warm climate even more comfortable.
Do I pay any duty on the things I bring into the country?
No, all personal belongings can be brought in duty free if you are just
visiting. If you wish to leave any personal items, you are allowed up
to $1,000 per family on your incoming flight.
What can I do while I am visiting Roatan?
Hobbies that are supported here on the island are scuba diving, snorkeling,
sea kayaking, swimming, charter boats, deep sea fishing and bonefishing
, water skiing, horseback riding, sailing, salt water fly fishing, and
an extensive night life, to only name a few.
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