English is widely spoken on Roatan and was the original language of the Bay Islands. Roatan's cultural roots are both English and Spanish, along with a strong influence from the Garifuna, known historically as the "Black Caribs", who settled here and along the Honduran coast.

Island of Roatan
Click on above map to view enlarged map with key points of Roatan
(distance shown in minutes from Town Center via taxi)

The Port of Roatan is a secure and safe port, adhering to international standards for port security required by the major cruise lines and United States Homeland Security.

Location: Roatan is located in the Caribbean Sea, 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras.

Topography: The island is 40 miles in length with a total land area of 49 square miles. The island has a mountainous backbone and is surrounded by coral reefs, offering superb diving and excellent fishing.

Language: English is so widely spoken in the Island, that some people don't even speak Spanish, despite the fact that this is the official language of Honduras!

Climate: The Island has year-round tropical weather with an average temperature of 80 to 85 Degrees Fahrenheit. During the year, the water temperature varies from 70 degrees minimum to 80 degrees maximum.

Population: About 45,000 people reside on the island and about 7 million in Honduras.

Currency: The Lempira is the official currency of Honduras, but United States dollars are accepted all over the island. This is not the same case for Euros, which are accepted in very few places. It is important to know that the exchange rate for foreign currency may slightly vary from place to place, however, most businesses accept credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club. (1.00 USD = 19.00 Lempiras)

Banks: Banco Ficohsa, a leading Honduran bank, has a branch in the Town Center. Other banks including Bank Credomatic and Bank HSBC have offices in Coxen Hole. Banks are typically open from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. If you plan to travel to the western parts of Roatan, do your banking at the Town Center or in Coxen Hole before, as there are no banks in West End.

Beaches: Roatan is surrounded by the world's second largest barrier reef. The reef hugs most of the island's shore and features amazing biological diversity which is often called "the rain forest of the sea". Public beaches include West Bay Beach, West End Beach & Camp Bay Beach.

Transportation: There is regular bus service available when you arrive at the dock. Taxis are also available at the dock. Typical taxi fares are $5 per person to town and $15 - $20 per person round-trip to the West End.

How to get to town: When you arrive at the Port of Roatan, you are already in town. The Port is the Town Center. The Town Center has a mix of shopping and entertainment options, which will make your stay in Roatan an unforgettable experience. About 1/2 mile from the Roatan Port is the town of Coxen Hole. From Coxen Hole, regular bus services can take you to Sandy Bay or West End, or east to Brick Bay, French Harbour or Oakridge-Punta Gorda. West End is approximately 14 miles from Coxen Hole.

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