Ready for some facts about Roatan Island?
Roatan Island is located in the Western Caribbean, and together with Guanaja and Utila, makes up the Bay Islands archipelago, Roatan being the largest of the three and the most developed.
The island measures approximately 37 miles long and up to 4 miles wide at its widest point, and its terrain is characterized by rolling hills covered with tropical jungle.
The island’s geographic position, 35 miles north off the coast of Honduras, protects Roatan from hurricanes because of its proximity to continental bays.
Originally an English colony, the island has a mixture of English and Spanish-speaking locals who are extremely warm and friendly.
The Lempira is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Year-round temperatures in the 80s and 90s make Roatan an important cruise ship, scuba diving, and eco-tourism destination.
The island is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, making it attractive to divers and tourists worldwide seeking its turquoise blue warm waters, white sand beaches, and outstanding snorkeling. Contact Ale and Jessie for recommendations on local diving as they are certified PADI Open Water Divers.
Water activities include deep-sea fishing, fly fishing on the flats, mangrove tours, swimming with dolphins, ocean kayaking, and jet ski rental.
Land activities include a choice of canopy tours, horseback riding, exploring lush tropical scenery, souvenir shopping, and a wide variety of bars and restaurants.
Regarding Roatan accommodations and available investment opportunities, the island still retains its authentic island charm, so visitors have a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from full-amenity resorts to more rustic selections.
How to get to Roatan?
From the US:
- American Airlines flies daily direct from Miami to Roatan and on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays direct from Dallas to Roatan.
- United flies direct from Houston on Monday, Thursdays, Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays and also flies direct from Denver on Saturdays.
- Delta flies direct from Atlanta to Roatan on Monday, Friday and Saturdays.
- Sun Country flies direct from Minneapolis to Roatan on Fridays.
From Canada:
- Westjet flights Direct several times per week from Toronto from December to June.
- Sunwing flight from Montreal and Quebec on Monday from December to April.
Regional:
There are a number of regional carriers that fly into the Roatan airport with varying schedules. Carriers from mainland Honduras include Sosa Airlines, Lanhsa Airlines, CM Airlines, and Tropic Air from Belize.
Ferry:
There are two daily ferry trips between La Ceiba and Roatan on the Galaxy Wave ferry. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there is service between Roatan and Utila.
Cruise Ships:
Roatan has two cruise ship ports, one in Coxen Hole and the other further west in Mahogany Bay. Both ports operated year-round, and in peak season, many days saw multiple ships arriving into both ports.
Cargo:
There are daily cargo boats between Roatan, Puerto Cortes, and La Ceiba. A weekly cargo boat comes from Miami to Roatan arranged by Hyde Shipping.
Why Invest in Roatan?
- Desirable second home destination
- Ease of accessibility
- Island is largely unspoiled
- Gorgeous white sandy beaches
- Turquoise blue waters
- Second largest coral reef in the world
- Rich island culture, and the people are warm and inviting
- Significant retirement “expat” population
- English is widely spoken on the island
- US dollar is readily accepted
- Cost of living is affordable
- Low property taxes (0.45%)
- “Tercera edad” or senior citizen status for discounts, preferential service
- No property ownership restrictions in most cases
- It’s a Caribbean Island!
