Roatan Honduras Island, 5 Best Reasons to Visit

Roatan Honduras is a Caribbean island located around 65 kilometers (40 miles) off the northern coast of Honduras. It is the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, sandwiched between Utila and Guanaja islands. The island was once known in English as Ruatan and Rattan.

It measures about 77 kilometres (48 miles) long and less than 8 kilometres (5.0 miles) wide at its widest point. The island is divided into two municipalities: José Santos Guardiola in the east and Roatán, which includes the Cayos Cochinos in the west.

Local Vibe of Roatan Honduras

The island has a very “local” vibe to it, and you’re more likely to encounter locals than foreign tourists. Things are changing swiftly, and the number of tourists from outside the diving community is increasing.

Time Zones in Roatan Honduras

The island operates on Central Standard Time (CST) throughout the year and does not observe the daylight savings time adjustments that occur in the United States and other parts of the world.

• Population: 45,000 (2015).
• Languages: English, Spanish.
• Capital: Coxen Hole (10,500).

Where is Roatan Honduras?

Roatan is one of several island archipelagos located ten to forty miles off the northern coast of Honduras. Roatan is located between the Utila and Guanaja islands. These islands are a true jewel in the western Caribbean, encircled by the greatest barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is only second in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Climate in Roatan Honduras

• Average Rain Days: 112
• Average temperature: 70℉ to 80℉.
• Average humidity: 77%.

Roatan Honduras has a tropical climate. The tropical weather in and around Roatan includes sea breezes, which keep annual temperatures between 70F and 80F. The yearly humidity on Roatan is predicted to be 77%. Annual temperatures average around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roatan has two major seasons. The rainy and dry seasons. Despite the fact that it is the dry season, Roatan Honduras remains green all year. If you want to see a dramatic spectacle, go to Roatan during the rainy season, which spans from October to January every year.

Roatan Honduras receives rain on an average of 112 days per year. However, these rains are frequently sporadic showers. The majority of the rainfall falls during the rainy season, which can be steady and last for days on end.

Roatan Honduras sits outside the storm belt and only receives one hurricane every 26 years. Roatan’s weather, along with the fact that it is rarely in the path of a storm, make it a perfect location for home ownership.

History of Roatan Honduras

Both the Spanish and the English fought for colonisation and control of Roatan, but neither group ever settled there permanently. Nonetheless, both the English and the Spanish influenced the culture, language, and heritage that we witness in Roatan today.

Colonization and domination

Roatan Honduras history is rich with stories of colonisation, enslavement, liberation, and, eventually, settlement. According to historical records, the Paya Indians lived in Roatan and traded with mainlanders. The record also shows that Europeans travelled to Roatan Honduras and enslaved many of the locals. Roatan Honduras developed into a semi-nomadic tribe that created ceramic artefacts known as “yoba ding dings.” The advent of Christopher Columbus in 1502 marks the decline and near-extinction of the island indigenous.

Roatan Honduras and the adjacent Bay Islands served as combat areas for the British and Spanish monarchs. A number of buccaneers and pirates sought refuge in Roatan’s natural and well-protected harbours. Over time, these harbour villages served as an ideal site from which to raid passing cargo ships carrying goods, supplies, and even treasures.

According to reports, William Claiborne built the first British settlement around 1638. This hamlet was located on the southeastern shore of Roatan, in what is now Port Royal. By 1642, the settlement had been inhabited by people who engaged in raiding and piracy against Spanish ships. Because of these incursions, Spanish ships replied in 1650, destroying the majority of the Port Royal colony. The Spanish decided not to establish a permanent settlement on Roatan.  

Public Services at Roatan Honduras

• Municipalities
• Santos Guardiola
• Exports & Imports

Local government Roatan Honduras

Roatan Honduras has two municipalities. The municipality of Santos Guardiola includes all on the East End, which is defined as anything east of First Bight, home to the Parrot Tree Plantation. The municipality of Roatan encompasses all west of First Bight. The Santos Guardiola municipal headquarters are in Oak Ridge. Roatan’s municipality is based in Coxen Hole, which is also known as the Bay Islands’ capital.

Exports and Imports Roatan Honduras

Petrosun is a locally owned petrol station. Prices on the island are high because most things are imported. Roatan Honduras currently exports certain seafood, including lobster, prawns and red snapper. The island used to export bananas and coconuts. However, the company “Standard Fruit” was destroyed by a hurricane in 1877. Later, the company’s headquarters relocated to the mainland, and the name was changed to “Chiquita Banana,” which is now controlled by two Italian brothers.

Economy of Roatan Honduras

Currency 

Roatan Honduras, a Honduran municipality, uses the Lempira as its primary currency. Nevertheless, the dollar is widely accepted. It is crucial to know that when you pay in dollars, locals have an advantage because they usually do not offer the official exchange rate. The national currency (the Lempira) is named after the Lenca warrior Lempira, who led the opposition to European colonisation operations in the 1530s.

Industries

Fishing was the primary industry of Roatan for many years. It fueled its economy nearly entirely in the beginning. Over time, the scuba diving industry and tourism in general have taken the lead among Roatan’s principal sectors. Roatan now has two cruise ship terminals that accept cruise ships on a weekly basis, often multiple times per week. Roatan also has an international airport, which handles arriving tourists on a daily basis. Incoming flights arrive at various international and domestic airports.

Cruises

Roatan, Honduras a Honduran municipality, uses the Lempira as its primary currency. Nevertheless, the dollar is widely accepted. It is crucial to know that when you pay in dollars, locals have an advantage because they usually do not offer the official exchange rate. The national currency (the Lempira) is named after the Lenca warrior Lempira, who led the opposition to European colonisation operations in the 1530s.

Most Popular

West Bay, not to be confused with West End, is often ranked as one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. West Bay has acquired this reputation for a variety of reasons, the most notable of which is geographical. West Bay faces west. The sunsets are stunningly beautiful.

Beach Overview:

• Water Sports
• Calm, Sheltered Water
• Great Snorkelling

Calm Waters

The beach is likewise located on the northern point of Roatan Honduras, which means it is on the island’s leeward side. The island’s directionality is important since it provides protected waters. The water at West Bay is like glass. It is calm and has only a few (very little) waves. The beach is shallow, making it ideal for youngsters to swim. Snorkelling is also great inside the reef wall, and diving on the other side of the reef wall is also popular. Mary’s Place, a diving spot, is in this vicinity. It is no coincidence that the annual world freediving championships are hosted at West Bay.

Precautions

If we were to name a few negatives to West Bay, they would be:

1. The absence of control and rules by urban developers has resulted in the hotel queue along the whole beach being too close to the water’s edge. This is ideal when the crowd size is small. It is also incredibly intimate, since your hotel or restaurant may be only a few feet away from the gorgeous waters. However, when the masses arrive, whether by cruise ship or on holiday from the island, it is terrible. During spring break, throngs walk knee-deep in the ocean as they travel up and down the beach.
2. There’s minimal “public” nightlife. The West End is only a 5-minute taxi ride away (by water taxi), so this isn’t entirely bad. However, if you are staying in West Bay and decide to go on a walk in search of nightlife or shopping, you may be disappointed. Your choices will be restricted by the activities offered by the various hotels.
3. Shopping is restricted. There is a retail centre within walking distance of most West Bay hotels, but you’ll be done in a matter of minutes. And if you’re staying for a few days, you’ll need to go to the West End.

S.C.U.B.A

(Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus)

Check out Dive

Many dive operators demand a “checkout dive” before bringing scuba divers out into open water. A checkout dive is primarily used to assess an individual diver’s experience. Divemasters and instructors want to know which divers have buoyancy concerns and which are a bit apprehensive in the water. Checkout dives assist divers in matching a dive location to the competence level of the visiting scuba diver.

Water Visibility

The clarity of the sea surrounding the Bay Islands is a key factor in drawing Scuba Divers to ROA™. Roatan Honduras, Guanaja, and Utila all have 100 feet or more of ocean visibility practically year-round. On a poor day, visibility on Roatan Honduras during the rainy season reduces to around 80 feet. The water temperature on Roatan is consistently in the low 80s throughout the summer and the upper 70s during the cold season. Single dives may be done easily in a rash guard or a 1 mm shorty. Wearing a 3 mm Scuba suit allows for repeated dives over the course of several days.

Scuba Resorts

Many of the island’s most prominent scuba resorts have thrived because to a continuous supply of scuba divers that visit Roatan Honduras throughout the year. The majority of our island’s diving centres are PADI certified. There are a couple excellent dive resorts connected with SSI.

Scuba centres in Roatan Honduras

Roatan Honduras scuba diving centres provide full gear rentals. It’s usually a good idea to phone beforehand or check the Scuba shop’s website. However, most diving businesses rent out enriched air (Nitrox), as well as dive computers and equipment. Scuba divers dive at their own risk. As a result, they travel with their equipment and rely on the diving centre for air tanks. However, qualified divers frequently visit the island on cruises or for short periods of time, preferring to travel light. In such instances, people rely on the diving centre for equipment rental.

Top destination of Roatan Honduras

Scuba diving on our island may be a fantastic experience. Our island’s diving is without a doubt world-class. Roatan has always been a popular scuba diving location. Divers have been visiting the island for years, long before cruise ships arrived with non-diving tourists.

Roatan Honduras Culture

Roatan Honduras is undoubtedly Honduras’ most diversified community. Roatan’s population includes expats from Italy, Europe, Canada, and the United States. There are also mestizo Indians that are native to both the island and the mainland. There is also a significant Black Carib community known as the Garifuna. Furthermore, there are numerous inhabitants from many Latin American nations, like Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Nicaragua, to name a few.

Look no farther than the most popular last names in Roatan, as well as the names of streets, buildings, and towns. They all represent Roatan’s Spanish, British, Carib, and mestizo ancestry. Even the names of local plants and animals reflect this tradition. You’ll hear names like Jonesville, Oak Ridge, Port Royal, Los Fuertes, La Colonia, and Sandy Bay. All may trace their roots back to Roatan’s early guests. Roatan has a great worldwide video scene, which is frequently seen at major gatherings in locations like West End, Punta Gorda, and West Bay.

Language in Roatan Honduras

Language is undoubtedly an intriguing cultural experience and component on Roatan. Although Spanish is the official language, English is spoken everywhere. Roatan Honduras Islanders speak Creole English. This broken English has origins in French, English, and Spanish, as well as a few terms exclusive to the Garifuna culture. However, if spoken slowly enough, English people can begin to grasp what is being said.

Socioeconomic Characterization

Afro-English

Ethnic Groups.

The Afro-English ethnic group emerged in the Bay Islands around the conclusion of the colonial period. They are known as creoles, or blacks who speak English. They name themselves thus due to their ethnicity and international adaption. The culture of the inhabitants of the Bay Islands (historically known as the Bay people) may be traced back to English slaves. The speaking qualities of their English dialect may be traced back to the Western Caribbean. They are Christian-evangelicals who identify with current Caribbean Anglo-American culture.

Ladino Natives

Mestizos

The Ladinos are a significant group in the lives and history of the Bay Islands. The Ladinos moved to the region to work in the fishing and tourist industries; they now dominate some modern economic sectors such as cab transportation, street selling, and rubbish collection. Throughout the history of the Bay Islands, migration has been a continual feature.  However, due to the magnificent scenery and vacation residences, there has been an increase in the number of Europeans and Americans moving to the islands in recent years. Tourism and economic opportunities are equally attractive to prospective expats from throughout the world.

English Speaking Whites

Influential Group.

English-speaking whites are among the most powerful groups. Whites have the means of production, including semi-industrial fishing vessels and tourism assets, as well as a wealth of commercial experience.

Garifuna

Afro-British

Because of its historical legacy, the population of Bay Islands is made up of a diverse range of cultures, identities, and lifestyles that define these islands. The ethnic groups in the area include the Garifuna, Afro-British, Ladinos, Mestizos, British Whites, and other immigrants.The Garífuna Community, also known as the black Caribs and Garinagu, was founded in San Vicente shortly after the conquest of Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles. Carib, Arawaka, and black African descendants settled on the island to escape slavery. The Garífunas have always relied on maritime resources to build their villages. The Garifuna were likewise devoted to agriculture.

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