Roatan 101 . .

When to Visit

High Season: December - April & July - August
Low Season: May - June & September -November
Rainy Season: November to February
**Although the Bay Islands is an excellent destination year-round, it is quieter and less expensive at times other than major holidays.

Holidays & Events

January 1 (New Year)
April (Easter), April 22 (Bay Islands Day)

June (Shrimp Fest)

August (Caribe Fest)
September 15 (Independence Day)

December 25 (Christmas Day)

Getting Here

Ferry: La Ceiba ($16)

Domestic Flight: La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa on Atlantic, Sosa or Islena Airlines

International Flights:         FROM Central America via TACA Airlines

                                         FROM USA via American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, TACA, United

                                         FROM Milan, Italy via charter

                                         FROM Canada - Charter from Calgary/Toronto

Cruises: Norwegian (NCL),  Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean

Roatan Currency

1 US$ = 19 Lempiras. The local currency is the Lempira. You will receive a better exchange rate if you convert your dollars to Lempira and pay for purchases. Banks and some resorts exchange money. There is 12% Sales tax and a 4% Hotel tax. Tipping of 10-15% is customary, although frequently included in your bill as a service charge. Lempiras and United States Dollars are accepted all over the island. This is not the case for Euros, which are received in very few places. Most businesses except credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Most Travelers Cheques are also accepted. Be aware of connection that can be on and off on the island, so cash is the preferred was to pay for services and products.

Prices

Airport Tax                                       US $34

Hotel                                                US $35 - $200

Coffee                                              US $1

Beer in a bar                                    US $1.20

Pizza                                                US $7

Breakfast                                          US $3-5

Lobster dinner                                  US $14

Gasoline                                           US $4.60/Gallon

Airport Taxi                                       US $10

Roatan Climate and Weather

The climate is tropical with a rainy season from mid-November to February.

Roatan’s temperature is 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, its waters are equally warm. Almost-constant trade winds cool the island year-round. The island’s exotic trees and plants are kept healthy by ample annual rainfall. Honduras is not in the main path of the hurricanes. They typically turn north to the United States. During the year the water temperature to practice scuba-diving varies from 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit maximum.

Language

English, Spanish and Garifuna

Religion

90% Roman Catholic, Christian

Population and People

Several different cultures are evident among the estimated 65,000 residents of Roatan, including English, Spanish, Honduran, Italian, Payan Indian, Garifuna, and Antillean. The islanders primarily speak English flavored with Creole. About 7,000 North American and European expatriates also call Roatan home.

Roatan Topography

Roatan beach beautiful Roatan has gentle, lush hills and offers clear turquoise waters and spectacular beaches and harbors. The island’s highest point is approximately 900 feet above sea level. Roatan is rimmed by the world’s second largest reef, creating an underwater environment for spectacular scuba diving and other water sports. There are three white sand beaches on Roatan: West Bay, Palmetto Bay, and Camp Bay. Plantations are the primary use of the land. Numerous areas of the island and its surrounding sea have been designated as wildlife refuges and marine reserves by the Honduran government.

Are there Medical Facilities

There are several clinics, two hospitals and a decompression chamber for divers. One of the hospitals is private and designed for the foreigner communities. Modern state-of-the-art equipment and well trained doctors are on call 24 hours/day. Ambulance service is also now available on Roatan. Larger medical centers are available on the mainland.

Travel Documents

A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it and $34.00 for departure tax.

Where Can I Stay?

There are several fine resorts and hotels on the Island. See our directory

How Do I Get Around

The island is easy to navigate by car.

One paved main road runs east-west from Oak Ridge to West Bay Beach with dirt, paved or gravel side roads. Driving is on the right side of the road. Rentals on Island There are several car and scooter rental companies on the island. Drivers are required to show a valid drivers license and a major credit card or a cash deposit. Of course, there are taxis, buses and water taxis. You should always negotiate the price before you hire the taxi, possibly comparing with another taxi. There are group tour packages available from many resorts and places you stay while here in Roatan.

Water taxis (about 50 Lps) are available in the West End, they offer one way trips, round trips, collective trips or exclusive trips. Usually priced per person, the experience is fun and a great chance to see the island and its landscapes.

Roatan Technology and Public Services

Modern telecommunications systems on Roatan allow reliable telephone, fax, and online access - there is a high speed internet cafe located at the REMAX location on the corner of French Harbour. There you'll find 4 fast computers available for email and web surfing while you're here. There are other "cyber cafes" on the island including West Bay beach. In addition 24-hour electricity, paved roads, and good medical facilities exist. Roatan has electic energy service, provided by RECO with 110v - 60hz, telephone, television and cable services. We use standard outlets like those found in the USA.  CELL PHONES work here -check with your USA or CANADIAN service provider before your trip to set up ROAMING.

Apparel and Bugs

Dress for the islands is casual. Comfortable cool clothing is recommended. A light jacket might be handy for some December through March evenings. To protect the reef from damaging runoff, major spraying programs are not permitted. Therefore, there are sand flies on the beach. Use repellent or Avon Skin So Soft and you shouldn't be bothered.

Do I Pay Any Duty on Items Brought 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.