At Roatan Property Management, we have selected vacation rentals and beach
houses available that are each uniquely styled for comfort and attractive environment.
Many of our rentals are private, secluded homes, but Roatan is a small island
so all are convenient to dining, shopping, entertainment and other activities.
For those that are somewhat secluded, we suggest a rental car to get the most
out of your vacation or holiday on Roatan.
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Several grocery stores (West End, Coxen Hole, French Harbor) sell local
and imported food and drinks for home cooking and snacking. |
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In West End, there are several restaurants offering Argentinian, Italian,
Oriental and local cuisine. In French Harbour Gio's is famous for its
seafood, especially the king crab and Romeo's, both by the water. Rick's
American Café in Sandy Bay serves U.S.A steaks, ribs, and burgers. Roatan
is famous for its seafood, with a huge fishing fleet to bring in lobster
and shrimp and other fresh seafood. |
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The island is serviced by two shipping companies from the U.S. importing
American products, meat and poultry, on a weekly basis, so cuisine is
varied and of good quality. |
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Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands located about 60 Km
off the shore of Honduras. The Islands are the tips of undersea mountains
that extend out from the mainland's Omoa Ridge. The islands form the Bonacca
Ridge; 30 miles from the mainland and the steep walls of the ridge are
one of the most rare and beautifully formed reefs in the world. |
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Honduras means " deepwater", and the reef creates natural
breakwaters and ideal conditions for diving, fishing, swimming, and sailing. |
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The Bay Islands cover about 92 sq.miles and include Utila and
Guanaja, the smaller Morat, Barbareta and St. Helena, just east of Roatan. |
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About 40,000 persons inhabit Roatan. The people are friendly,
easy going and approachable. Native Roatanians speak English. |
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The main industries are fishing and boat building but many make
a living on harvesting and drying coconut meat. Tourism is growing very
fast. The island is approximately 30 miles long and 5 miles wide. Waters
are clearest for diving when there is the least rain ( January through
mid July).
Temperatures are in the 80' all year ( 28/30 degree centigrade). The dress
is very casual everywhere on the island. |
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Roatan is not as commercially developed as other islands in the
Caribbean so you may not have some of the conveniences you are used to
but this is part of the charm of this paradise island. |
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Diving, snorkeling, water sports, fishing, and excursions to the neighboring
Cayos are all possible and exciting activities on Roatan. The reefs are easily
reachable in shallow as well as deeper protected waters. Our local attractions
include:
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Tropical Treasures Bird Park in Sandy Bay. |
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Museum on Roatan at RIMS, Anthony's Key Resort ( AKR). |
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Swim or dive with the dolphins at AKR. |
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Carambola Botanical Gardens in Sandy Bay offers a beautiful walk.
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Butterfly Garden in West End. |
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Roatan Wild Cane Historic Village at Bay Island Beach Resort
in Sandy Bay. |
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Spectacular West Bay Beach. |
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Charming French Harbour, Flowers Bay, Oakridge, Punta Gorda (
Garifuna Village). |
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The Marble Hill Farm is operated by an interesting couple who
make their own jam with locally grown fruits. |
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Paya Bay is a secluded place on the far East end of the island. |
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There are many dive operators on Roatan, especially in West End
Village and Sandy Bay. Fun day and night dives, wreck dives, and various
training and certifications are available. |
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Decompression Chamber, Clinic and Medical Facilities: Cornerstone
Decompression Chambers and Clinic is located at Anthony's Key Resort in
Sandy Bay tel. 455 1049 / 445 1003 and is on call 24 hours for emergency
medical service. The chamber and clinic are staffed by a doctor and 2
ETM's. Open 8.00 a.m. to 5p.m. for basic medical service. |
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A second decompression chamber is located at Fantasy Island at
French Key. |
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Woods Medical Center caters to emergency, maternity, intensive
care and surgery. It offers 24 hour service and is located on the main
road in Coxen Hole. Tel. (504) 445-1080. |
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Travel Tips
Getting to Roatan: Roatan ( RTB) has an international airport with
non-stop flights to and from Miami on Sundays and Houston on Saturdays operated
by Taca Airlines. Daily connections via San Pedro Sula to Miami, New Orleans,
and Houston are provided by Taca, Continenal, and American Airlines. Iberia
from Madrid, Spain operates daily flights to San Pedro Sula, and Air Europe
from Milan, Italy flies non-stop weekly to Roatan. From Europe, Lufthansa, KLM,
Air France, British Airways, Alitalia and Swissair operate several flights to
Miami or Houston and from these cities there are daily connections to Roatan
via San Pedro Sula (SAP).
Here
are some travel agents who specialize in good Roatan airfares from the USA:
Tico Travel:
1-800-493-8426 | COJ Travel: 1-800-374-8181
Triton Tours: 1-800-426-0226 | Intra Tours: 1-800-334-8069
ABS Travel
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Honduras Entry Policies: Visitors to Honduras must
present a passport valid for at least three months. No visas are required
for citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom,
the United States, and most western European countries for tourist visits
of up to 30 days. A ticket for return or onward travel is required. Citizens
of other countries are required to obtain a tourist card, which can be purchased
from Honduran consulates. It is possible to obtain a visa extension once you
are in Honduras.
Upon arrival: At the airport immigration desk on arrival,
you will be asked to pay a fee of $ 2.00.
If you have informed us that you wish to be met at the airport, our driver
will meet you with a car or a van. If you have asked us to arrange a rental
car, you will be met by a representative of the rental agent with your keys.
Departure: There is a departure tax of U.S. $25.00
per person payable in cash. Be sure to reconfirm your reservation before departure.
We can arrange your transfer back to the airport once you are here.
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What to Bring:
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Valid Passport. |
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U.S. cash in small denomination bills or Lempiras ( the local
currency, about 16 Lempiras to 1 US dollar). You can change U.S. Dollars
almost anywhere on the island but you may not be able to change other
currency here, so bring U.S. Dollars with you. |
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Credit cards are not accepted everywhere and, where they are
accepted, there is an additional charge of 6% to 7%. |
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Diving certification card, diving or snorkeling gear ( you can
rent them in West End) |
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Bathing suits ( at least 2) and cover ups. Lightweight action
clothing or easy care cotton blends: t-shirts, shorts, blouses; Comfortable
walking shoes, sandals or surf shoes; Lightweight long sleeves top and
slacks; ladies might enjoy summer dresses for dining out; A very light
sweater or jacket; hats with ample brims. |
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Sunglasses |
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Personal items and toiletries, medications. |
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Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, antihistamines, anti itch cream.
You can buy a great island product called" Cactus Juice" which
is both a sunscreen and repellent. |
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Camera, video camera, CDs, favorite videos, lots of film. |
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Reading material. |
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