A view of the setting sun from the Xbalanque Resort. Roatan Island Roatan Tourism Bureau Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. Three months became three years. But for experts like Mr. Drysdale and Ms. Ochoa, concern now lies with stony coral tissue loss disease, considered by the Heathy Reef Initiative to be the most lethal coral disease known. It can kill off stony corals the major pillar of healthy reefs in a matter of weeks or months. Dive sites are situated on every part of the island, with each one offering a unique experience. Best of all is that there is no industry on Roatn, which minimizes air pollution, traffic, and noise. So you wont find bargain prices on these items. How to Get to Roatn Located about 40 miles (65 km) off of the northern coast of Honduras, Roatan is the largest and most populous of The Bay Islands, a string of tropical Caribbean The exposure to this marine community, however, led me to ponder how important relationships are, both under the sea and above the water, on the shores of Roatn and beyond. 1. Expats get together at local expat hangouts like JavaVine, Bananarama, Sundowners, or BJs. Daily lunch specials, which often include empanadas and fried lobster bites, are listed on the whiteboard. Video: Roatan, An Affordable Caribbean Paradise Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. Roatan manages to stay green year round, even though its dry season. If travelling via San Pedro to Roatan, put Islas de la Bahia and Roatan Islas de la . Women lead these types of economic activity and were mainly engaged in planting rice and cassava. Over time, Caymanians became the largest demographic on Roatan, and they shaped the culture of the island. Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. 1. This is a great chance to meet and speak with both locals and ex-pats who have decided to make Roatan home. Those seeking permanent residency must make an application according to Honduran regulations. Knowledgeable guides will take you fly fishing or spin fishing on the turtle grass flats nearby. Mango Creek Lodge, located in historic Port Royal, on the islands unspoiled east end, offers a unique flats-fishing experience. A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. Its still the principle tourist attraction. Petrosun is a gas station owned by a local. Many homes offer water access too, whether its a community marina or dock, or even a private dock. You'll hear of names like, Jonesville, Oak Ridge, Port Royal, Los Fuertes, La Colonia, and Sandy Bay. I learned the reasons later, from Ian Drysdale, the Honduras coordinator of the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative. The bar at the Reef House Resort. And the laidback feeling isnt just in those areas. Guanaja 2. At this point, I realized that we were not leaving Roatn. [11] Island of Guanaja The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. What if I brought the virus to the island? Roatan's call to fame is its coral reef. More than half of the population lives in poverty and per The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. Are you going to the islands for the winter?. If you are like most and want to continue into the open water certification phase, that usually takes an additional two days and costs about $400 dollars. Most of us head there after the hurricane season.. The underwater scene still delighted when I was in the water, two tuna swam by, a suspicious barracuda checked me out, three remora, sometimes known as suckerfish, may have wanted to stick their heads on my head and that sea turtle grazing on sea grass will never be forgotten but it was clear, even to a nonexpert, that there were fewer fish, fewer corals, less life. The tropical weather in and around Roatan is inclusive of sea breezes which keep the annual temperatures within a range of 70F to 80F. This covers the applicant and a spouse as a dependent. The bar, and dinner, were waiting whenever we got out of the water. Its low-key and a bit rough around the edgeswhich makes it fun (and still perfectly safe). Because of these raids, Spanish ships retaliated in 1650 and destroyed most of the Port Royal settlement. 196 helpful votes. Honduras maintains an embassy in the United States at 1250 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036 (tel. Both Miami and Houston offer direct flights with several carriers but most flights have one stop before landing at Coxen Hole airport on Roatan. The Bay Islands had a prepandemic economy almost entirely based on tourism, an evolution that came after the islands commercial fishing collapsed. Roatan Honduras: Health Insurance, Immigrant/Expat Life About Roatan Honduras | Island House Roatan The farther you go east, theres less development. It fueled its economy almost exclusively in the early days. If you want to be on your own to enjoy the tropical forest and your own patch of private beach and the clear Caribbean, you have your pick. Roatn, the largest of the Bay Islands, is encircled by the Mesoamerican Reef, a vibrant, diverse marine ecosystem with around 65 coral species and more than 500 types of fish. But the overall scene is still attractive, with the glorious reef waves within view. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. If you are planning to spend much of your vacation diving underwater anyway, the rain wont matter much, right? It has been for sale for years. In the tourist town of West End, there is a wide variety of choices at a wide variety of prices. The waters encircling the island of Roatn offer some of the most accessible reef diving anywhere. Still, it gets a fraction of the visitors that you would see in other Caribbean destinations and much of the development is small-scale and manageable. With its beautiful beach, cozy cafs, fun beach bars, and gorgeous homes perched on panoramic hills, the West Bay is perfect for expats who can afford a chic beach lifestyle. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Dreams do come true, however. If youre an expat living on Roatn, you can get the locals discountwith dive tours (boat, divemaster, equipment, and everything included) for $25. Lotus, the poolside bar and restaurant at Xbalanque, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The pandemic laid bare the relationship that many destinations around the world have with tourists. #roatan #roatanhonduras #tip #tipping #laurenhughes #laurenhughesrealtor #lawsonrock #laurenhughesinvestor #roatanlauren #vistingroatan #caribbean #caribbeanlife #realtor #vistingroatan #traveling #traveltips #travel #traveltips #visitingroatan #cruise #visitroatan #westbaybeach #westbayroatanhonduras #whattodoinRoatanhonduras #taxes #tippingpointapp #lawsonrockroatanhonduras #ocean #oceanview #oceanlife #healthcare #insurance #healthinsurance #travel #travelingabroad #health As they say, Overnight Success takes 10 years. We were both boosted and tested negative each of the three days before our flight. But if spoken slow enough, English speakers can come to understand what is being said. The Reef House, awash in charm and hospitality, is on the quieter eastern side of the island. The island, at 48 miles long and 5 miles across (at its widest point), has a variety of towns and regions to choose from, and each appeals to a different type of lifestyle. Rents start at about $500 a month for an apartment or condo within walking distance of the beach. Sandals and shorts are the uniformseven for nice dinners out. Roatan has two main seasons. One point of contention is the infrastructure. These prices are for long-term arrangements generally, where youll sign a lease of three months or more. After a trip home to Canada to get our finances in order, we returned to the island and bought that little piece of paradise in Port Royal, with 2.33 acres and a 90-foot long dock already in place. Roatn Retirement Information Ours was not a direct path from A to B. But we spoke with an expat couple, who live outside of French Harbour in the home they own, who spend less than $1,200 a month. You are taught all this time to not touch corals, thats the golden rule, and now we say not only touch it, but use this syringe, Ms. Ochoa said. By the year 1788, it is reported that the English had completely left Roatan yet again. There is so much that makes Roatn special. Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. You would be on your own up there. Those interested can find more information at www.roatanclearwater.com. Roatan is a beautiful, rolling verdant island with lush green jungles covering peaks and valleys and flowing across hillsides. U.S. Embassy in Honduras Its diving that first brought the worlds attention to Roatn decades ago. Trips take just over an hour and leave multiple times per The roads seem to always be in need of repair, and there can be power outages. It is quieter and isolated out east, with the nearest sizable settlement a 30- to 45-minute drive away. Tarpon, bonefish, snapper, lobster, wahoo, and more are abundant in the surrounding water. WebRoatan is part of a cluster of island archipelagos situated ten to forty miles off the northern coast of Honduras. We saw some amazing things here, said Mr. Byrne, playing dominoes one afternoon at the quiet Reef House bar, which overlooks the ocean and the house reef below. John and I were sitting on the little bench outside BJs Backyard one Friday afternoon. This will be your final destination state and city e.g. From taxi drivers to scuba divers, the reef is important to everyone, said Gabriela Ochoa, a program manager for the Roatn Marine Park, of the local population. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. After the Bay Islands become part of Honduras, the population on Roatan continued to grow. Unfortunately, we are experiencing one of the largest coral die-offs ever, Mr. Drysdale said. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. Jos Santos Guardiola 3. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. Expat communities tend to be small, with homes on the hillside overlooking the water, or on a stretch of virtually private beach. Tourists haul their bags from vans, buses, and taxis and load them into boats leaving from BJs. Or from snorkeling to settling down in a hammock for a nap, lulled by the warm sun. Most of this work was done online, while sitting on Diamond Lil, rocking with the motion of the water below me. Beachfront condosone- and two-bedroomscan be found for under $200,000, while hilltop homes with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-covered hills and Caribbean start from $150,000. Expats on Roatn also give back. The island used to export banana and coconut. Heres an example of a monthly budget for a couple living on Roatn: In International Livings March issue, Roatan was named as one of the best islands to retire to in 2015. Then the lack of tourists during the pandemic led to food insecurity among the Bay Islanders and poaching increased by 150 percent, Ms. Ochoa said. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras. From my beachfront resort on the west end of the island, I simply waded, waist deep, into the gin-clear water and found myself surrounded by large schools of rainbow-infused fish and sprays of purple fan coral clinging to coral heads. We have a good medical clinic in the town of Oak Ridge, where we can see a doctor without an appointment and obtain most drugs without a prescription. We needed deep water for our boat and preferably a dock. Getting to Roatan is no bargainunless of course you happen to find a great airfare deal somewhere. Just for the winter, we thought. If you're looking for a dramatic scene, be sure to visit Roatan during the rainy season, which starts in October and runs through January each year. Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, a topical application of marine epoxy and antibiotics, words from the famed ecologist Baba Dioum. You will start out on the dock with a briefing about the gear, safety rules, and underwater behavior (some instructors/schools will use a pool). Cayos Cochinos is a small archipelago of Honduran islands close to the mainland near La Ceiba, comprised of two main islands, Cayo Grande and Cayo Menor, plus 13 smaller coral keys. You can even snorkel from right off the beach in some spots, including the famed West Bay beach. But some corals are more susceptible than others, and some of these will be lost.. Homes, condos, and ready-to-build lots on Roatn are much more affordable than what you can get on other Caribbean islands. In recent years, an annual lionfish tournament has also been held. Roatan Honduras An international airport, with direct flights every day to multiple destinations in the U.S. and Canada, means getting to and from home (or having visitors come down) is easy. Word gets around. The culture of the people of The Bay Islands (historically known as Bay people) can trace its origins to the English slaves. Its paradise. Go inland and you pay closer to $50,000, or less. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. Theres always something going on here. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. Davey laughed and said no problem, he simply wanted to make sure we were all right. In communities like Sandy Bay on the northern shore, which is mostly residential, as well as those further east you can still find beachfront lots and homes, some with their own dock for your boat. In general, real estate prices are quite affordable compared to other Caribbean destinations. A mirage of buccaneers and pirates found refuge in Roatan natural and well-protected harbors. I even saw a Moray eel guarding the entrance to her home. In the west and central parts of the island you will find the most development. Some have simple Airbnbs, some are privately owned, and some are devoid of anything but white sand beaches. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Cruise ship passenger numbers were even lower: Dropping from 1.4 million in all of 2019 to 180,000 from July to November 2021. Lets start with housing. The speaking characteristics of their English dialect can be traced to the Western Caribbean. Homes on the water, built to North American standards, can be had from $200,000. We continued to live on Diamond Lil while we began the next chapter of our lives building our dream retirement home while remaining ecologically responsible. I know of a couple of properties for sale up in Port Royal, she said. Fishing is also a cultural-economic practice of the Garifuna in the Bay islands. We didnt stick around long. We paid $130,000 for the property in 2014. This group changed the cultural and economic course of Roatan as well. After my first trip to the Virgin Islands, my mind kept leading me back to the idea of investing in a property on the Caribbean Sea. The village of Oakridge sits on the waters edge, with the Reef House Resort a short boat-ride away from Roatn on a separate cay. On the western side of the island, the corals appeared to be smaller, and carried more algae. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. And they also make a point of coming to town to socialize. The record is also clear that Europeans traveled to Roatan and enslaved many of the locals. It offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world, and there are many dive shops where you can rent and buy gear. It was time to buy ourselves a permanent place, but our criteria made it a challenge. WebPart of the country of Honduras, Roatnwhich is 30 miles offshoreis worlds away from the mainland. Roatan has an east-west orientation, and its northern and southern coastlines are both visible from several points on the island. If youre renting short term, rates will generally be higher during the high season (December to April). Honduras International Travel Information - United States Roatan has a tropical climate. The weather in Roatan is boring. Above all, there is a great sense of community here. And full-time residents appreciate the rain and understand its importance. The reef system around Roatan has all three types of coral reefs and in it live countless marine creatures as it is comprised of many marine ecosystems. I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. Roatn sits along the Mesoamerican Reef, and is home to rich corals and lush mangroves, which face threats from the tourism boom. Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. Swim to me, called Davey Byrne, a co-owner of the Reef House, our home for three nights over the Christmas holiday. In high season, during the North American winter, it hosts multiple cruise ships each day. I had major surgery in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Roatn, Honduras: Cost of Living, Retiring & Lifestyle Information Night dives are available for those who wish to observe nocturnal marine life when it is most active. Guide To Roatan: Honduras' Tropical Island Paradise - TheTravel Web187 reviews. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Nobody is in a rush. If, like me, you find the Caribbean Seas aquamarine hues and vibrant sea life irresistible, this article was written with you in mind. Migration has been a constant factor all throughout the history of the peoples of The Bay Islands. Never were there more than four divers on an outing, excluding our dive master, nor another boat at the mooring. Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. Visit Santa Helena and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, caught mere hours before it is served. Historically, these islands have been inhabited by diverse ethnic groups with an identity and life that have a close link with the natural environment that surrounds them. About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. Visiting with neighbors and friends at BJs before heading home becomes part of the routine. BJs is an icon on the east end of the island, serving as a hub for both residents and east end resort owners picking up guests from the airport. Any unauthorized reproduction, redistribution or re-upload is strictly prohibited of this material. Its relatively easy to purchase property. Cristiana assisted us with our residence application, for which she charged us $2,750. While no separate safety or crime statistics are kept for Roatan, an abundance of evidence strongly suggests that Roatan is a world apart from its mainland connection to Honduras. It is, in fact, much safer than mainland Honduras and feels infinitely safer than the U.S., if for no other reason than the total absence of a gun culture. We planned and built our dream retirement home, using various ecologically sound methods. Others, like West Bay and West End, are packed with people, with resorts, condos, beach bars, and vendors abundant, with a soundtrack of Latin music and reggae. About 38 miles long, and 5 miles wide at its widest, it takes a couple of hours to get from one end to the other thanks to roads that wind around its hilly and mountainous interior. The west side of the island, including communities like West End and West Bay, is the most developed and most frequented by tourists. Usually, these classes provide a four-hour session under the close, direct supervision of a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified instructor. But neither Aaren nor I had underlying conditions. Get Your Free Report on Roatn. Fishing was the main industry for many years on Roatan. The initiative has treated 3,000 corals so far its a small number when you think about the reef itself, Ms. Ochoa warned and the treatment, she said, has been found pretty effective, 60 to 70 percent, for some species. She tries to be optimistic. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. WebCentral America Honduras Bay Islands Roatan Things to Do in Roatan Nature & parks in Roatan Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Roatan, Honduras Nature & Parks in Roatan Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. The water is warm and crystal-clear without dangerous currents to complicate things. to Travel to Roatan, Honduras The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. Nearby West Bay, reached by road or water taxi for $5 from West End, is more of an active beach, the water lined with eateries, souvenir shops, hotels, and small resorts. Many are actively involved in volunteer organizations such as the Humane Society, Rotary Club, or baseball leagues. The worlds second-largest reef system lies just offshore and slipping beneath the surface is like immersing yourself into an immense tropical aquarium. Like other tropical locations, exposure to the sun needs to be monitored and sunscreen is mandatory to reduce the chances of skin problems later. Even the names of local flora and fauna reflect this heritage. The large influx of tourist makes for good business, and it keeps the island vibrant. At our east end, a nice meal with a couple of drinks costs under $50. I worked in the web printing industry and was laid off from Transcontinental Printing when my plant closed in 2004. For the early part of the pandemic, the local population was under strict curfew. Some expats enjoy their beach time, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America and has one of the world's highest murder rates. As the sun set, four of us had waded into the dark waters that lay only yards from the Reef House Resort, and swam down the side of a steep underwater cliff, holding flashlights to illuminate trumpet fish, lobsters, brain coral, sea fans and the other marine life that call this part of the nearly 700-mile Mesoamerican Reef home. Follow Me on Social MediaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/SoldbyLaurenHughes/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenhughesrealtorandinvestor/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenschneidewind/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenhughesrealtorWebsite https://www.luxurycoloradolifestyle.com/ Check out more videos you may like: Buying A House In Roatan Honduras - Due Diligencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPnw4yhHFi4 Buying a home in Roatan Honduras - Extended Versionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w41zwIMZ1U8 Living in Roatan Honduras: The FAQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaFds69rf-o Roatan Healthcare: My Healthcare Experience in Roatan Hondurashttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qok8wEpFbug Builder Contracts, What To Watch Out Forhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmCWjXvPYjQ*** ANTI-PIRACY WARNING ***This content is Copyright to \"Lauren Hughes Realtor and Investor\". Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Coxen Hole is home of Roatan's municipality, and it is also considered the capital of the Bay Islands. The Dolphin Snorkel, in addition to the initial 25 minutes with one dolphin, offers an additional 30 minutes of snorkeling time with a dozen or more dolphins. The reporter heard, but did not meet, the avian pet. The community of Roatn, for better or for worse, relies on its reef, and now certified divers can give back: Researchers have determined that a topical application of marine epoxy and antibiotics can hamper the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease among some species of hard corals. Some homes are even boat access onlythe ultimate in privacy. By the year 1642, the colony was settled by residents that dabbled in raiding and pirating Spanish vessels. In fact, statistically, Roatan has only been impacted by hurricanes about once every 25 to 26 years. From perfect white-sand beaches, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, to beach bars where you can enjoy a cold beverage and watch the glittering sea. The Dolphin Dive, which requires visitors to present a certification card to participate, begins with a 5-minute boat ride to the reef wall. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Naturally, such dense vegetation could not exist without sufficient rain. The popular Dolphin Encounter, which is held in waist-high, crystal clear water, is a 25-minute personal petting session with one of the friendly mammals. In 1742 another British settlement came about to rebuild the fort at Port Royal. Roatan and the surrounding Bay Islands where contest grounds for battles between the British and the Spanish crowns. 1-3 of 3 replies Sorted by. As an island, its no surprise that life on Roatn revolves around the beach and the Caribbean. WebWhat state and city go in the immigration form for Roatan. I cannot seem to find it based on the names listed. With temperatures ranging from about 75 F in the winter months and climbing into the low 90s F in the heat of the summer, your need for clothing is minimal. One morning, as I sipped coffee there feet dipped in the water a troop of white-faced capuchin monkeys fed in the trees. There are domestic flights from mainland Honduras and even some direct flights from the United States. And although it is a marine park, the following chapter will include socioeconomic characteristics of the populations that inhabit the islands and that interact directly with this protected area. This town centers around an industrial harbor where fishing, shipping, and shrimp boats dock. Then, we decided we needed a dog. However, the company Standard Fruit was destroyed due to a hurricane in 1877. One other important note in History, in 1797 the British defeated the Black Carib on St. Vincent Island. The Afro-English ethnic group was established in the Bay Islands at the end of the colonial period. There are plenty of activities on the island, as well as many good restaurants, bars and cafs. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is only second in size to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Currency The official currency in Roatan is the Honduras Lempira which is valued at 1 A residence visa for retirees, known as the pensionado, requires only $1,500 in income for life from Social Security, a pension, or some other similar guaranteed source. We dropped our hook in French Harbour, Jonesville, West End, and Port Royal. Most of these travelers visit the West Bay and West End areas. The project in Honduras is spearheaded by the Roatn Marine Park; working with local dive shops, the nonprofit has organized orientation and training sessions for certified divers to help the reefs, either with syringes, collecting data or tagging corals for future evaluation. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Most of the islanders are bilingual. A large percentage of expats settle in the northwest villages of West Bay and West End and other northern beach communities. You do not need to speak Spanish to live and get around Roatan. Go inland a bit, but still a quick walk to the water, and you could pay half that. WebHealth insurance was one of the tougher items for me to figure out when I decided to move out of the United States and move to Roatan Honduras back in 2009.
