Why Roatan Honduras is a Wonderful Beach Getaway Destination
Looking for a beautiful, lesser-traveled beach vacation? Roatan, Honduras might be the perfect spot for you! Join us this week where Madison Krigbaum joins us to share all the details on visiting this tropical paradise.
Where is Roatan and how do I get there?
Roatan is a small island 35 miles off the coast of Honduras.
There are several direct flights from various cities in the U.S. that fly directly to the island.
When is the best time to visit the island?
January-April is a great time if you want to avoid the rainy season and the summer heat.
However, the summer does have a good breeze which helps with the heat, so it’s not too bad!
Rainy season is usually November-December.
Is Honduras safe to visit?
Roatan is very safe and a great tourist destination. This is the most touristy area of the country.
There are some parts of mainland Honduras that you might want to avoid in terms of safety, but there are also lots of safe areas!
What should I do during my visit?
The most popular thing to do is scuba diving! It is a great way to see the beautiful marine life and spend time in the ocean.
If you don’t want to be so deep under water, snorkeling is also a great option! There are lots of great tours you can take.
For a relaxing evening on the ocean, take a sunset catamaran!
The beaches are wonderful, making for the perfect opportunity to relax on the sand and read a good book or sip on a pina colada.
Visit the Garifuna Cultural Center. This is a great place to see traditional dances and have indigenous meals prepared for you!
Check out the Roatan Brewing Company for a local beer, or the Roatan Chocolate Factory for a delicious treat!
There are some awesome deep sea fishing tours if you enjoy fishing.
Take a boat ride to Cayos Cochinos, a group of small islands 1.5 hours away from Roatan. You will likely see dolphins on the boat ride and there is great scuba diving in the area.
Visit the Roatan Craft Market. This is a great place to see homemade jewelry, candles, soaps, etc.
Tour the mangrove forests on the East End of the island.
What is the food like?
Madison’s #1 recommendation for food is the baleadas which is a large, thick homemade tortilla filled with red refried beans and cotija cheese. You can also add lots of add-ins!
The food is very typical for central America. You’ll probably eat a lot of coconut rice with beans and fried plantains.
As Roatan is an island, there are lots of great seafood options. Just be aware that not all seafood is responsibly sold. The Roatan Marine Park has a good guide about what types of seafood you should or shouldn’t consume. Try to look up this information before you go.
What are accommodations like?
There is a wide range of options to choose from. The island has everything from large inclusive resorts to smaller hostels.
West Bay is the luxurious part of the island, where a lot of honeymooners and families tend to stay. It consists primarily of large resorts.
If you want something a little less fancy or more local, West End is a great option! This area is very walkable and filled with local restaurants. Madison’s favorite hotel in this area is the Brisas Del Mar. Rather than resorts, this area has lots of cute local hotels.
What else should I know before my trip to Roatan?
There is almost a “secret schedule” to events around the island. For example, there is live music almost every night at a bar somewhere on the island, but it’s different everyday. Before your trip, be sure to do a little research to see what local things are happening during your visit.
Most places will accept USD but only if they are not crumpled or torn.
Please wear REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN!
Can I add mainland Honduras onto my vacation?
Yes! Madison describes Honduras as “Costa Rica but ⅕ the price with no people”. It’s a very underrated country!
All you have to do is take a 1.5 hour ferry from Roatan to La Ceiba. The ride does get bumpy, so take dramamine if you get seasick.
When you arrive, you’ll find the Omega Tours Eco Lodge nearby. This is a great option if you’re wanting to stay a couple of nights on the mainland! The Lodge is in the National Park and is surrounded by waterfalls, white water rafting, and hiking.
Follow along with Madison!