Roatan

The Bay Islands of Honduras offer a very different world from that of mainland Honduras. The Islands history, which includes many disputes between the Spaniards and the British during colonial times, with the British actually controlling the islands most of time, has given the islands a unique heritage. There are several islands within the department, with three larger ones being the most popular with tourists: Utila, Roatan and Guanaja. English is so widely spoken in the Islands, that some people don't even speak Spanish, despite the fact that this is the official language of Honduras!

Getting to the islands is an easy task these days: Isleña Airlines, Sosa Airlines and Atlantic Airlines have service to all three major islands on a regular basis, in addition, Roatan has ferry service provided on the M.V. Galaxy Wave, and Utila also has service provided by the Utila Princess Ferry, both of these from La Ceiba. For schedules you can check our section in the transportation section at the front of this guide. Of the three islands, the largest, and most developed for tourism is Roatan. Roatan is a long island, measuring almost 40 miles in length and with a total landmass of 49 Square miles. The island has a mountainous backbone and is totally surrounded by coral reefs, offering superb diving as well as excellent fishing.

Utila, the smallest of the Islands is also the flattest and closest to the mainland, and is famous world wide as one of the most affordable places in the world to get certified as a diver.

Guanaja, with the highest altitude in the islands is a gem yet to be discovered. Guanaja is a unique island, as it does not have any roads, and the largest community, known as Bonaca is not even on the island itself, but on a small cay a short distance from Guanaja. Guanaja has a paved runway as an airport, and is forested with the unique Caribbean pine that distinguishes it very much from its sister islands.

Christopher Columbus is reputed to have landed here on his fourth and last voyage to the "Indies" and actually encountered canoes with Paya Indians. He also mentioned the excellent quality of the fresh water that he found on the Island, saying "he had never tasted sweeter water of better quality".

The Bay Islands offer a unique experience, and the most interesting facet is that each of the three islands is so very different from the other two. Don't even think that if you've been to one you've seen it all, nothing could be further from the truth. Take your time to visit and discover each of these jewels that are reputed to be some of the last true paradise islands in the Western Caribbean.

Of the islands, the most developed is Roatan. It is very easy to get to Roatan. The ferry, M.V. Galaxy Wave, offers two round trip voyages per day between La Ceiba and Roatan. Departures from La Ceiba are from the Muelle de Cabotaje. As a general rule, the sea is always calmer in the morning than in the afternoon, making the morning trip a more comfortable smoother ride. The trip, which takes a short one and a half hours, is comfortable, with air/conditioning, video movies and snack service all being part of the trip. The Ferry dock and passenger terminal is located about halfway between Coxen Hole and French Harbour at Dixons Cove. The facility is a new modern building providing first class service including an in house cafeteria, air conditioning and spacious clean toilet facilities. Taxis are always readily available during the Galaxy Wave scheduled arrival times, so getting to your destination will be very easy. Another alternative is the air service. There are several airlines doing service to Roatan from La Ceiba, and with connections to the rest of the country. Islena Airlines, Sosa Airlines and Atlantic Airlines all serve Roatan. In addition, TACA International Airlines offers direct non stop jet service to Roatan from Miami and Houston, Continental Airlines is providing non stop flights to Roatan from Houston twice a week! Finally, Delta Airlines now offers non stop service from Atlanta to Roatan once a week on Saturdays.

Roatan has a paved road that connects the most important communities of the Island. Starting from the Western End of the Island, at the community of West End, the roads leads through the communities of Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, Brick Bay, Mount Pleasant, French Harbour and Oakridge - Punta Gorda. From here, the road becomes a dirt road and continues east for a distance, to the area of Paya Bay, Camp Bay, Port Royal, and other communities. Roatan offers outstanding real estate investment opportunities. There are several world-class developments under way that can be a convenenient way of purchasing a piece of paradise. Parrot Tree Plantation and Lawson Rock are probably the most impressive development sites, however, others such as Marbella Beach, Keyhole Bay, Infinity Bay and Mayan Princess are also outstanding.

For the purpose of our description of Roatan, we have broken up the island into seven different areas, which are the following:

Coxen Hole

The largest city and capital of the department of the Bay Islands, Coxen hole is the most important city from the point of view of politics. Although there are not many tourism attractions as such, the rich afro antillean influence lend a unique atmosphere to this community. It is also the main gateway to Roatan: The airport is located just east of Coxen Hole and the Cruise Ship dock is located on the western part of town. In addition, many of the better souvenir shops are located here. There is regular bus and van service leading both, east towards French Harbour and Oakridge, as well as west towards Sandy Bay and West End.

Banco HSBC, Banco BAC-Bamer and Banco Atlantida all have offices in Coxen Hole with services that include cash advances on your Visa card. If you are headed west, bare in mind that there is no bank in West End, and you must therefore, do your banking here! (There are several ATM machines in West End & West Bay) Bank schedules are 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday Through Friday, Saturdays open only during the morning. Banco BAC- Bamer has an ATM machine next to their office that allows cash withdrawals from your credit card. The Cay View Hotel, located downtown, and the Bellavista Hotel, located on the old road to West End are your best bets as far as hotels on the city. There are several souvenir shops located in Coxen Hole, the most outstanding in terms of originality and quality is Yaba Ding Ding. I suggest that you visit them.

French Harbour

Perhaps the most bustling community on the island, French Harbour is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the Western Caribbean and is the economic motor of the Island, with many of the banks in the island located precisely here. HSBC, Lafise & Banco Atlantida all have offices here. HSBC and Banco Atlantida offer cash advances on your Visa Card. In French Harbour you can find many hotels, of which the following are worth mentioning: Fantasy Island, Casa Romeo's, & El Faro. For those looking for a condo option, the new Pineapple Villas offers condo rentals in a very nice pleasant setting.

Nearby is H2O, one of the disco's on the island, which is open from Thursday to Sundays.

Continuing east bound, and only a short distance away are the Fantasy Island Beach Resort and Marina and the Coco View Resort. These two are amongst the most exclusive in the island. The Marina at the Fantasy Island offers various water sports, which include deep-sea fishing, sailing and wave runners.

Palmetto Bay Resort, located on the opposite side of the island from French Harbour offers outstanding accommodations that include finely appointed rooms, extremely well groomed, extensive gardens and a lovely Caribbean beach to enjoy. They have already become a favorite for those looking for first class accommodations in a private, secluded environment away from the crowds.

On the outskirts of French Harbour, a local islander has set up his own Iguana reserve. According to the owner, Arch, there are over 2,800 iguanas of four different species living on his property in French Key. Getting there is easy, take the road leading east from French Harbour towards the Fantasy Island Hotel, you will see a clearly marked sign showing the detour towards the farm, follow the signs an you will arrive at the farm. Although there are really no facilities to speak of, you will marvel at the sight of these reptiles, which are quite docile, despite their prehistoric appearance. The entrance fee to the farm is $1.00 USA dollar per person. There are good photo opportunities, as well as some souvenirs. Arch has this Iguana sanctuary out of his personal appreciation for the animals and your visit will help him continue his conservatin efforts.

A new attraction in the area is the Jungle Canopy tour, located on the road towards Palmetto Bay Plantation. This outfit is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m except Sundays when open only till noon. Friendly staff will guide you through the 20 different platforms where you will enjoy some of the local nature and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the group. Cost of the tour is $45.00 USA per person. There is a nice jungle bar at the end of the canopy, where you will be able to quench your thirst or calm your nerves, before going back to your hotel. For reservations or information, call 9991 0161.

Parrot Tree Plantation

A residential – tourism development that is well under way just east of French Harbour and West of Jonesville and Punta Gorda. This area is without doubt the best planned development in Roatan, possibly even in Honduras and for that matter, Central America. Plans include the development of a Hotel, condominiums, private homes, marina and a recreational area that is great for snorkeling or just laying around soaking up the tropical sunrays. Visitors are welcome! The hotel operation using the luxury condominios is expected to start operations by the end of 2008!

Spa/Retreats

If you are looking to loose yourself in total pampering and tranquility, a visit to the first and only spa in Roatan is in place! The Sante Wellness Center, located at Parrot Tree Plantation, just minutes from French Harbour, offers professional, full service spa and massage therapies. Owned and operated by a certified US nurse and therapist, Sante offers high quality services in a serene and tranquil location. You will enjoy the private beach and pool, as well as the luxury amenities.

Oakridge /Punta Gorda

Continuing on the road towards the east, you will arrive at Oakridge, located on the southern end of the island. Oakridge is a small and very picturesque community with a strong afro antillean influence. Up until recently, access to this part of the Island was somewhat limited, and therefore, Oakridge has not changed much with the passing of time. On the south side of the island you can find a variety of communities, fringing the coast, starting with Jonesville, Oakridge and Calabash Cay. All three are very picturesque and interconnected by a series of canals through mangrove forests. Fishing here is outstanding. Although services to tourists are scarce, the Reef House Resort, located on a small key, just across from the main dock at Oakridge offers first class accommodations and restaurant service. Also the Blue Bayou Hotel is located here. At Calabash Bight you will find the Tropical Beach Resort, a small, intimate 5 cabin establishment offering fishing and great off shore diving. Also, Roatan Ridge Ranch is located in this neighborhood and offers horseback riding tours in the area between Calabash Bight and Paya Bay. The tour includes an English speaking guide and good horses and is rapidly becoming popular.

On the opposite side of the Island (The North Coast) is the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda, the only true Garifuna community on Roatan. Punta Gorda was actually the first Garifuna settlement in Central America. The Black Caribs or Garifunas where marooned in Roatan by the British in 1796 and first settled in Punta Gorda. To conmemorate their arrival to Roatan, the Garifunas at this community have a carnival every year on the 12 of April. If you happen to be in the Island on this date, it is well worth your while to visit and enjoy the carnival. A new cultural attraction in this part of the island is YUBU, where you will have the opportunity of meeting Garifuna people, experience their exotic dances and culture and even purchase a nice souvenir hand made by them. YUBU is open only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Entrance fee is $5.00 USA per person. This interesting cultural attraction is located in a very nice thatched building located 20 minutes east of French Harbour, just before the entrance to Punta Gorda.

A visit to the east side of the island is not complete if you do not make a stop here! The Oak Bay diving resort offers some of the most affordable diving packages on the island. The resort is located on the westernmost part of Oakridge, and offers a nice view of Jonesville. Jonesville, a picturesque fishing community has one of the more popular bars in the island, the Hole in the Wall. Access to the bar is only by water, so you will have to hire one of the dory’s that operate as water taxis to take you there. The Hole in the Wall offers a very popular Sunday BBQ starting at 1:00 p.m. which is recommended. The area around here is probably the least dived and therefore more natural reefs in the island. Although this is not even close to the end of the island, it is the end of the paved road. A dirt road leads further west towards Camp Bay, Port Royal, Old Port Royal and other communities. These however, are totally lacking in infrastructure of any kind and therefore appropriate only for the adventuresome tourist. The reward, however, can be lovely beaches and scenery without having to run into other tourists. There is now a Bank open in the area, The Banco de Los Trabajadores is located at the gas station building just past the detour to Oakridge and Punta Gorda, on the dirt road that leads towards Camp Bay.

Paya Bay

Perhaps one of the last frontiers in Roatan, but easily accessible by car via the dirt road that continues east beyond Oakridge, Paya Bay is a small hotel and restaurant located on a lovely cove on the northern coast of the island. It is the ultimate hideaway, where you will find that you can be pampered with exquisite food, good rooms and a unique setting. Tours are offered to the neighboring islands of Helene, Morat and Barbareta, and can be arranged easily from the resort. In addition, one of the most beautiful beaches in Roatan can be found just east of here. If you are looking to get a feel of how Roatan used to be, this is certainly and adventure you should not miss.

Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is the cultural center of Roatan. It is here where the Institute of Marine Sciences, The Roatan Museum, the Carambola Gardens and Marine Reserve are located. This small community, located, as its name appropriately states, on a sandy bay offers a lot to do, and whether you are planning to spend your vacation on Roatan in this part of the Island or not, you should definitely plan on visiting the area and its attractions. The famous Anthony's Key Resort is located in the area. The Roatan Museum is open from Thursday to Tuesday. There is an entrance fee for everyone not a guest at the Anthony's Key Resort. Entrance fee is $5 US dollars. The Institute of Marine Sciences has dolphin encounter shows regularly. The show is daily at 4:00 p.m. except on Wednesdays, when there is no show. The only windsurf school in Honduras is located on Sandy Bay. The steady tradewinds, calm, reef protected waters and easy access make of this a great area to learn and practice this exciting sport.