The Caribbean island you didn’t know you needed.
Where is Roatan, anyway?
When you tell your family and friends you are going to Honduras they give you some weird looks (sorry mom). A country in the top 3 continuously for murders has some amazingly nice people, there is no doubt. The people of Roatan refer to Honduras as the ‘mainland’ and admit it’s a different world. They say Roatan is little America, affectionately. This is ironic because their clientele are all Canadians. We didn’t meet a single other American there except the guy who quit his job to run a distillery on the beach (#goals).
The beach is stunning, the people are the friendliest, the seafood is good and the prices are low. What a beautiful island.
To keep this review short and sweet, let’s get to the tips:
The airport is SLOW. It can take 3-4 hours to get through immigration if you are not the first plane in. Might be worth scheduling that early morning flight.
West end is where the action is. Albeit I didn’t explore the other side, but I’ve heard that the east side is a quiet divers’ haven. Myself, I like the hopping beach bar vibe.
West End vs West Bay:
It took me four full days to learn the difference. West bay is the furthest west neighborhood on the island with sandy beaches, resort beach clubs, big fancy houses and hotels. West end is just north of west bay and has all the party bars, shops, local restaurants and a marina vibe.
They are both “touristy” but west end has much more to do after 10pm. West bay, however, has the beautiful sandy beach.
So, what to make of all the west-this, west-that stuff!?
We spent the day at the beach in west bay and the nights on west end. It was the perfect combination and I highly recommend.
How did we get between the two?
Ah! The water taxi. It was a beautiful ride at sunset to take a water taxi for $5 per person or $15 for a private ride. You can just walk up to a guy at a boat on the beach and request one.
If you want to take a land taxi, or, ya know…. A cab…. Here is what you need to know.
Find out the price before you ride. Either ask upfront or ask a local what that distance will cost. West end to west bay is $20 at absolute most. Do not pay more. A local told us (on the last night of course) that the trick is to hand them the assumed amount at the end of the ride. Do not ask at the end what you owe. We got duped by this. Don’t do it! They will make up some insane number if you say “what do I owe you?”.
From west bay to the airport is $35.
A few other housekeeping things:
Everywhere accepts the USD as long as it’s not ripped.
The resorts take cards but bring plenty of cash.
Tipping norms are between 10-20% but everyone was SO appreciative no matter the amount.
I didn’t get catcalled once. When I say the people are friendly, I mean it.
There are armed security on the beaches. I don’t think it’s needed but if you question your safety, don’t.
Don’t count on walking everywhere. There are not sidewalks or safe pedestrian areas outside of the beach.
US sports are easy to find! I went during March madness and it was on most places with TVs.
The sunsets are dreamy, the logistics are uncomplicated and the people are some of the nicest in the Caribbean. Roatan belongs on any beach lovers’ list.
Happy travels!
