ROATAN, HONDURAS
Roatan is the largest and most developed of 8 islands that are
collectively known as Las Islas de la Bahia. Roatan is located 40 miles
northeast of mainland Honduras in Central America. It's also the
Caribbean's best kept secret. If you're looking for lush rainforests,
pristine beaches, world-class diving and warm, friendly people, you'll
find it all and more here. The year-round climate is usually in the warm
'80's.
The island is a mere 28 miles long and less than four miles wide at its
widest point. The island contains only one major paved road, so its
impossible to get lost. The world's second largest barrier reef lies just
100 yards offshore, making diving and snorkeling the top of the list for
activities.
LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
Spanish is the official language of Roatan, though English is more
widely spoken also. Both U.S. dollars and the lempira are widely
accepted as currency.
THE DOCK
Most ships dock at Coxen Hole, the capital of the Bay Islands. Coxen
Hole offers a variety of banks, restaurants, and tourist shops.
SHOPPING
The best shopping can be found in the lively crafts market set up
directly in front on the port facility and at West End Village.
SAFETY TIPS
Safety is not an issue on Roatan, but invisible sand fleas and flies can
be terrible. Apply bugspray before stepping off the ship.
ROATAN HIGHLIGHTS
WEST END VILLAGE
West End is the most tourist-centered part of the island. Here you'll find
the best selection of shops, restaurants and bars. West End does not
have a bank so remember to bank in Coxen Hole. Catch a cab from the
dock to West End, but negotiate a rate beforehand. Expect a
hair-raising taxi ride, especially if the roads are wet.
WEST BAY BEACH
The island's most beautiful white sand beaches are located at West
Bay Beach. To get there, catch a taxi from the port or a water taxi from
West End Village. Good snorkeling is possible right offshore since the
living coral reef is located a short swimming distance from the beach.
FOSTER'S BEACH RESORT-WEST BAY BEACH
Foster's Beach Resort, located on West Bay Beach, offers day-passes
to cruise ship passengers for a reasonable $25-$35 per person,
including transportation to and from the ship. This rate also includes
use of a regular motel room or cabana for the day.
www.fostersroatan.com
SANDY BAY
Sandy Bay is the center of Roatan's cultural activities. This area
contains the Roatan Museum, the Institute of Marine Sciences, the
Carambola Gardens, and marinas.
DIVING AND SNORKELING
Roatan's barrier reef is home to endless marine life, including tropical
fish, coral, sponges, dolphins and whale sharks. In the event of a
decompression emergency, Roatan has a decompression chamber at
the Episcopal Medical Center in Coxen Hold.
ADDITIONAL WESTERN CARIBBEAN PORT REVIEWS
Belize
Cozumel
Grand Cayman
Roatan is the largest and most developed of 8 islands that are
collectively known as Las Islas de la Bahia. Roatan is located 40 miles
northeast of mainland Honduras in Central America. It's also the
Caribbean's best kept secret. If you're looking for lush rainforests,
pristine beaches, world-class diving and warm, friendly people, you'll
find it all and more here. The year-round climate is usually in the warm
'80's.
The island is a mere 28 miles long and less than four miles wide at its
widest point. The island contains only one major paved road, so its
impossible to get lost. The world's second largest barrier reef lies just
100 yards offshore, making diving and snorkeling the top of the list for
activities.
LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
Spanish is the official language of Roatan, though English is more
widely spoken also. Both U.S. dollars and the lempira are widely
accepted as currency.
THE DOCK
Most ships dock at Coxen Hole, the capital of the Bay Islands. Coxen
Hole offers a variety of banks, restaurants, and tourist shops.
SHOPPING
The best shopping can be found in the lively crafts market set up
directly in front on the port facility and at West End Village.
SAFETY TIPS
Safety is not an issue on Roatan, but invisible sand fleas and flies can
be terrible. Apply bugspray before stepping off the ship.
ROATAN HIGHLIGHTS
WEST END VILLAGE
West End is the most tourist-centered part of the island. Here you'll find
the best selection of shops, restaurants and bars. West End does not
have a bank so remember to bank in Coxen Hole. Catch a cab from the
dock to West End, but negotiate a rate beforehand. Expect a
hair-raising taxi ride, especially if the roads are wet.
WEST BAY BEACH
The island's most beautiful white sand beaches are located at West
Bay Beach. To get there, catch a taxi from the port or a water taxi from
West End Village. Good snorkeling is possible right offshore since the
living coral reef is located a short swimming distance from the beach.
FOSTER'S BEACH RESORT-WEST BAY BEACH
Foster's Beach Resort, located on West Bay Beach, offers day-passes
to cruise ship passengers for a reasonable $25-$35 per person,
including transportation to and from the ship. This rate also includes
use of a regular motel room or cabana for the day.
www.fostersroatan.com
SANDY BAY
Sandy Bay is the center of Roatan's cultural activities. This area
contains the Roatan Museum, the Institute of Marine Sciences, the
Carambola Gardens, and marinas.
DIVING AND SNORKELING
Roatan's barrier reef is home to endless marine life, including tropical
fish, coral, sponges, dolphins and whale sharks. In the event of a
decompression emergency, Roatan has a decompression chamber at
the Episcopal Medical Center in Coxen Hold.
ADDITIONAL WESTERN CARIBBEAN PORT REVIEWS
Belize
Cozumel
Grand Cayman
CRUISE-INFORMATION.COM
ROATAN
ROATAN
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