by Here is the ultimate guide to paradise found in Roatán, Honduras… or should I say, just off the coast! This breathtaking island is an introverts paradise. If you’re planning a trip to Roatán this guide is for you. Located about 65 kilometres (40 mi) off the northern coast of Honduras. Roatán is widely known for having some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. 🙂 The indigenous people of the Bay Islands are believed to have been related to either the Paya, the Maya, the Lenca or the Tolupan, which were the tribes present on the mainland.
Observing the Caribbean’s marine life in its natural habitat is hands down one of the best activities in Roatan, Honduras
There are three main Bay Islands, Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja. And Roatán is the largest of the three. There are several smaller islands and cays that form a small archipelago alongside the second largest reef in the world. Roatán is a coral island. Situated atop an exposed ancient coral reef, it rises to about 270 m (890 ft) above sea level.
The easternmost quarter of the island is separated by a 15-meter-wide channel through the mangrove forest. Most of the infrastructure is on the western half of the island. The most populous town of the island is Coxen Hole, capital of Roatán municipality, located in the southwest.
This Caribbean destination in Central America is regarded as one of the safest places in Honduras and a popular tourist destination. It offers a secure and welcoming environment for travelers seeking sun, sand, and adventure.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the number of serious crime cases in Roatan is relatively low compared to other parts of mainland Honduras. In fact, the island has consistently been recognized as one of the safest destinations in the country and has continuously decreased its crime over the years.
In addition to governmental measures, Roatan also takes the safety of its visitors seriously, and this safe island has implemented robust security measures to ensure a worry-free vacation experience.
In fact, back in June 2012, the government agreed to increase police presence in areas frequented by tourists, such as the Copan Mayan ruins and Roatan. The government also established special tourist police forces in Copan and Roatan.
I found the Galaxy Wave which is the ferry that provides a convenient way to travel to and from the Bay Islands and the mainland. They offer two daily departures for La Ceiba 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and two from Roatan 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This is a great way to get to other destinations throughout mainland Honduras, as well as neighboring islands.
Lastly, the best part about traveling via ferry is it only costs $26USD for a one-way ticket! 🙂 The price includes your luggage of up to three bags (50lb and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each) are allowed per passenger. There are two types of class you can purchase, first class or regular. It’s cost-effective and just made my travels so convenient!
Anyway, I stayed on the island for about 6 days before making my way back to the mainland of Honduras to catch my flight to my next destination. I decided to take a ferry to La Cieba, a cute Caribbean port city in northern Honduras. It is also the gateway to the Bay Islands of Roatán, Útila and Guanaja.
1. Roatán Sloth Excursion
Firstly, this was one of my favorite things I’ve ever done! After all these years, holding a sloth still makes me smile!
Visit the Sloth and Monkey Sanctuary to make your trip a memorable one! If you’re an animal lover like me, this will be the closest thing to heaven! So many exotic animals to see and learn about, and the best part is you’ll get to hold them!!
By the way, the monkeys were interesting because they absolutely couldn’t sit still… one of them just sat on my head and moved around so much I couldn’t get a decent photo! Definitely still worth it!
This tour includes a pick up/drop off to and from your accommodations, the Roatán Chocolate factory, sightseeing views and attractions the island has to offer and so much more! Total cost $60USD.
Not to mention, this is also a great way to go souvenir shopping! My guide was very patient and I was free to take my time as we both enjoyed spending the day traveling around the island together!
The Ultimate Guide to Paradise of Roatán, Honduras ❤
2. Little French Key
Little French Key is a private, secured paradise island that’s filled with fun and adventure for the whole family! 😉
Once you arrive at Frenchy’s 44, you will board a deck boat that will take you to this stunning island.
Uniquely, this island is a 3-5 minute boat ride from Roatán that offers swimming with mini pigs, horses and more! There are plenty of restaurants and places to sit along beachside while you enjoy a cocktail or indulge in the many water activities too!
Booking your trip with Roatán Five Stars also allows you to explore this island with a local expert who can take all the planning, driving and more off your hands! Not to mention, your guide will provide insight on the history of Roatán as well. 🙂
The prices from as low as $69USD depending on the package you choose such as transportation, meals or adding an additional tour like horseback riding.
3. The Roatán Chocolate Factory
Enjoy a trip around the West End of the island as you make your way to the Chocolate Factory. I have to say, this was one of my favorites because of the fresh made body butter, and of course delicious chocolates all made from cacao!!
The body butter just melts, leaving my skin silky smooth. Anything natural like the product you see below is always a go-to for me!
Every time a bar of chocolate is purchased, part of the proceeds go back to the rainforest area in The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve in La Mosquitia. How cool is that?
The Paya people inhabited Roatan, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, during the Maya reign in Central America. You’ll dive deep into the history of Roatán and its people while learning how to make authentic chocolates that’re sweet to perfection.
Fun Fact
The cacao comes from The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve in La Mosquitia and also the western region of Honduras!
You can now purchase things directly from their website! Anything from dark chocolate with chile to soaps, oils and more are available for purchase! And the best part is that The Roatán Chocolate Factory covers the packaging and national handling expenses, cutting the fees which can be costly. 🙂
In conclusion, I highly recommend this tour, especially because I got to learn about The Mayan who were the most powerful indigenous people in Honduras until the 9th century CE.
Foods of Honduras
Roatán’s cuisine features a delightful mix of Honduran staples, fresh seafood and more. You’ll also find dishes like baleadas (a tasty, traditional Honduran street food consisting of a flour tortilla filled with refried beans, cream, and cheese), fried fish, conch soup, and plantains, along with more adventurous options like tapado (a delicious seafood soup made with coconut milk) , and so much more.
Best time to visit
March to August is dry season when you’ll have the best weather, but prices will be higher. October through January is wet season which makes this time of year the slow season, but also cost-effective!
Where to stay
With Roatán’s vast selection of hotels, apartments, budget hotels and hostels to choose from, the possibilities are endless! It all depends on your preferences, location on the island and budget.
One thing about me is, I have to travel with at least a couple books because reading is life! And this one, I just couldn’t put down.
I stayed at Barefoot Cay Hotel a lovely piece of paradise that offers tranquility and peace. Barefoot Cay is just one pearl in a necklace of cays just off the south shore of Roatan between French Harbour and Brick Bay. It’s tucked away, a private islet which sits a mere 85 feet from the main island, yet it’s a world entirely apart. And all I needed was a book to read!
Just take a look at the photos below that exude serenity. I was blessed to stay in the two bedroom suite that also had a balcony with a view of the water. It’s currently $293USD per night however, I paid a fraction of that! After all, this was pre-covid.
Roatán is truly a magical island, on it’s own and filled with solitude & tranquility. ❤
