Roatán
Roatan is the largest and most developed of the Islas de la Bahía. There are three developed islands located 30 miles off the coast of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea. The main road runs along the length of the island. Small communities can be reached by taking smaller, usually less developed roads “down” towards the sea. I
Getting to Roatan Isla is easy from the United states with daily direct flights departing Houston, Miami and Atlanta. In Canada, direct flights are available from Toronto. Flights land on the island at Roatan’s International Airport.
If you are in the mood to party on the beach, the West End has everything you could desire. Bars, night clubs, live music and plenty of restaurants line the streets. The streets are unpaved and clogged with people , especially when there are cruise ships in port. You will also find all sorts of water sports including wind surfing, stand up paddle boards, snorkeling, diving and much more. If you are into people watching (beach attire) this is the place to be!
Close by is West Bay. West Bay has the largest beach and some of the most luxurious resorts on the island. West Bay Roatan Honduras is perfect for people who are looking for a low key tropical vacation complete with coconut trees and the most beautiful reef in the Caribbean.
Sandy Bay is larger in size than the West End but still feels quaint and safe. Sandy Bay, Roatan Honduras is mostly an area of quiet resorts and shade trees close to the water. Excluding the new resort and housing, most of the homes here are weather beaten and the majority of them are built on stilts.
Coxen Hole is the capital of Roatan and is also the largest town on the Island. Cruise ships doc in Coxen Hole and t is also home to the Roatan International Airport. Coxen hole is a busy, bustling town and traffic can be quite congested. Underway is a new road that will help free some of the congestion by allowing travelers to avoid the down town area.
Moving from West to East is French Harbour. Known for one of the largest fishing fleets in the Caribbean, it also has many restaurants and hotels. Shoppers can find the most complete grocery store (American Style) on the island. Close by you will find a market selling wholesale chicken and a nice selection of fresh fish and meats. Most expats and visitors consider this the center of the island because of the shopping that is available.
In recent years the main road has been extended and improved to make access to Jonesville and Oak Ridge easily accessible by car. Both Jonesville and Oakridge are small communities where you can find food, hardware, liquor, banking and most things you may need in daily life. Here you will also find a large fishing fleet. Telephone and electric service are available here. In Oakridge there is a large Taxi stand where drivers are ready to take you anywhere on the island by either car or boat. Known as the Venice of the Caribbean, the small dories pass by all day long. It is very entertaining to see school children, resort workers and even the trash collectors putting past. The main road and the pavement end in Oakridge.
Accessible only by boat and 4 wheel drive vehicles is the extreme east end where Old Port Royal is located. Nestled among the beautiful shoreline you find weather beaten homes, bars and restaurants that provide truly a unique experience that is only accessible by boat. and mostly untouched.