About Roatan

Where is Roatan? Roatan is situated 65 kilometers off the northern coast of Honduras in Central America and is part of the Bay Islands and located between the two other major islands Utila, and Guanaja. Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands and in the past was known as Ruatan or Rattan. Roatan Geography Roatan’s geography is remarkably diverse, considering how small of an island it is. The island is approx 50 km (or 32 mi) long and less […]

As one of the major islands of the Bay Islands, Roatan has a rich and colorful historical background that contributed to its unique culture and atmosphere that many tourists and investors have fallen in love with. First Inhabitants The island’s first inhabitants were known as the Paya Indians, a seminomadic group that many believe has roamed the islands since the year 600 AD. Many of their artifacts, called “yaba ding dings,” are still on display today. The Struggle for Power […]

Located between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, Roatan enjoys a tropical climate. The annual temperature average is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average humidity level is 77%. Although it can be hot and humid on the island, the steady breeze wafting from the Caribbean Sea helps cool the temperatures to a more comfortable level. Here, you can expect one sunny day after the other, with the warmest temperatures often experienced only from April to July. As a […]

Since its discovery in 1502 by the explorer Christopher Columbus and its later colonization by the British, Roatan’s population has steadily grown over the centuries, with most locals in Roatan descending from a unique mix of Europeans and Afro-Caribbeans. Its population increased even further once the industry of tourism boomed in the late 1980s to the early 1990s, turning the once-sleepy fishing island into a hub for tourists looking for a fantastic scuba diving spot. These figures increased even more […]

Roatan is also near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, considered one of the most extensive barrier reefs worldwide. This barrier reef hosts a complex marine ecosystem, including various sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and moray eels. In fact, it is estimated that visitors can observe up to 95% of the fish and coral species in the Caribbean in Roatan. Because of this, Roatan’s marine ecosystems are considered among the most diverse in the world. Some of the most notable fish species near […]

Aside from the diverse and lush plant life in Roatan, the island is also the native habitat to a diverse pool of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. In fact, there are over 120 species of birds found in Roatan, although only around 40 of them consider the island as their native habitat; the rest are simply migratory birds in search of more resources and the ideal nesting locations. The Yellow-Naped Parrot is among these 120 […]

Aside from its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, the island of Roatan is also known for its robust biodiversity, with its warm and tropical climate offering an environment conducive to the growth and preservation of numerous ecosystems and plant life. In fact, the variety of flora and fauna found both on land and underwater is one of the island’s defining characteristics, further emphasizing its status as a tropical paradise in the Caribbean. Plant Life in Roatan The island of Roatan […]

West Bay Situated at the western tip of Roatan’s southern coast, West Bay is home to the island’s best and most popular beach, West Bay Beach. This area is well-known for offering world-class activities and accommodations to visitors and locals alike. It’s also one of the areas that offer direct access to the Mesoamerican Reef right from the shoreline, making it the ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Moreover, despite its immense popularity among tourists and locals, West Bay […]