For Sailing Charters in Roatan and the Bay Islands contact Mayan Charters
The Bay Islands
Located in the Caribbean approximately 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands. From south, northeastward, the islands are comprised of Utila, Roatan, Helene, Morat, Barbareta, and Guanaja. Including the almost 60 smaller cays (pronounced "keys"), the Bay Islands cover over 92 square miles. A small group of tiny islands located between the mainland and Roatan, the Cayos Cochinos, are the only ones not included in the chain.
Topography
The Caribbean Island of Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, is fringed by the Great Western Barrier Reef and offers brilliantly blue clear water, quiet coastal beaches of white sand, and lush tropical forests.
Far from the throngs and traffic of mass tourist centers, Roatan is noted for its consistently ideal climate during the winter months. Tropical breezes add to the comfortable living environment (average temperature is 81 degrees F), and warm water (78 to 86 degrees F) is guaranteed year round.
Although the beaches of the Island are exquisite, they comprise only a small part of the overall terrain. The gently sloping hills of the Island abound with verdant jungle vegetation and spring-fed water. The inland mountain peaks, which form a spine down the center of the Island, rise as high as 700 feet and are covered with oak, pine, cedar and dense broad leaf undergrowth. The coastal Mangrove jungles, found on the east end, are protected and provide a refuge and feeding ground for young sea life. The coral reefs, which virtually surround most of the Island, form natural breakwaters, creating ideal, calm pools for diving, snorkeling and swimming.
Population and Language
Recalling the diverse history and rich past of the Bay Islands, there is much more than a stretch of water separating the mainland from them. While mainland Hondurans are descendants of Spaniards and Native Americans, and are a Spanish-speaking population, Bay Islanders are descendants of ancient Paya civilizations, Carib Indians, African slaves deported from St. Lucia, notorious swashbuckling pirates, English, Scottish, Spanish, French, and Dutch explorers, traders and colonists, and speak English -- sort of. These friendly and lyrical Islanders are fiercely independent and have managed to keep their musically meshed languages along with their unique, culturally rich Island traditions.
Most of the population of the Bay Island resides on Roatan usually living right on or near, the water, and are Protestant and English-speaking. With the recent increase in tourism presenting opportunities not available on the mainland of Honduras, the Spanish-speaking people of Roatan have become a more significant part of the population, but only the most recent immigrants do not speak English.
Ground Transportation
Over three miles across at its widest point, the Island is served by a meandering paved road which winds along the southern coast and inland (in places) for about 35 miles. The first automobile appeared on the Island around the mid-1960's, the paved road arriving some 20 years later. Rental cars and trucks are available at the airport, West End or through the hotels with prices starting around $45 per day. The hotels and resorts offer shuttle service to and from the airport.
However, once on the island, inexpensive taxis, public bus service, and water taxis can get you to any destination. You will not find a single traffic light on the entire Island!
Snorkeling and Diving
Diving off the coast of Roatan has often been described as a spiritual experience. Topnotch outfitters lead avid divers through the underwater world, with a visibility of 80 to 150 feet, with professionalism and safety. Diving -- whether open water, reef or wall -- is what the Island is most known for, the opportunities being virtually endless. Spectacular snorkeling is within easy swimming distance from the shore. The seemingly endless and truly fantastic dive sites are abundant with the diverse life of fish, corals, sponges, anemones and nudibranches.
A special experience is snorkeling or diving at the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences with one of the Institute's resident dolphins. Or you may prefer to travel to Big Bight and snorkel the remains of the Greek ship "Syng," or one of the other nearby ship wrecks. You might want to return to the water for a night dive, and view many of the animals who remain hidden by day. Certification, however, is a must to dive at Bay Island resorts. But don't worry if you're not certified because you can easily arrange to take courses for PADI, NAUI or SSI at a number of places.
Additional Activities
There are many other things to do, located at various areas of the Island, that can be easily arranged. Tempt yourself with glass-bottom boat viewing of the protected, pristine coral reefs and fish life, wind surfing, fishing, sailing, kayaking, bicycling along the beach, hiking, horseback riding, and beach combing. Or you may prefer to just explore on your own. But it's a must to include the Museum of Roatan (connected to the Institute of Marine Sciences), the Iguana Hideout, a Punta Gorda experience of Garifuna dancing and food, the Carambola Gardens, Exotic Bird Park, or just stroll through the West End which has its own unique Island ambiance. End the day sitting over the water on a wooden deck, enjoying crab, lobster or any of the excellent fresh seafoods just caught that day. Relax while the palm trees sway in the gentle breezes, the sun sets, and the moon rises. For Sailing Charters in Roatan and the Bay Islands contact Mayan Charters
Time
Roatan lies in the Central Time Zone and does not observe daylight-savings.
Electricity
Roatan Electric Company provides 110 volt electricity. A converter is not needed for U.S. appliances, however, you might consider a voltage regulator or surge protector for any delicate electronics.
Currency
The Lempira is the currency of the Bay Islands and presently trades at 15 Lempira to the U.S.$1. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, although the local vendors may give you slightly less than the official exchange rate. Credit cards and traveler's checks can be used at all of the major tourist-oriented businesses, hotels and dive facilities.
Getting There
Direct flights to Roatan from the U.S. are available through TACA International Airlines from Miami and Houston on certain days of the week. TACA also has daily flights from Los Angeles, New Orleans, and San Francisco with connecting flights to Roatan. Both American and Continental airlines have flights to Belize City, Belize and San Pedro Sula, Honduras which then connect by TACA to Roatan. Or you might prefer flying to La Ceiba on the mainland and taking the ferry that leaves every morning for any of the islands.
Customs and Immigration
A valid passport is necessary for U.S. citizens to enter Honduras along with a return air ticket. Visitors can stay for up to 30 days without a visa, and can stay for up to six months by simply renewing their passport stamp monthly at the Island's Immigration Office. Tourists are allowed to carry up to $1000 along with their personal belongings when entering the country. There is a departure tax of $25 when leaving the country for international travelers.
Warm weather clothing that is comfortable and casual is always acceptable on the Island. Long and short pants, tank tops, swim wear and sandals can be worn nearly everywhere.
Remember to pack sunscreen for the tropical sun, and bring insect repellent for mosquitoes, especially after dusk. Sand fleas (no-see-ums) are only a problem if the breeze dies down, but it's wise to be prepared just in case. Do bring your sense of adventure and discovery for exploring this friendly Island with its many things to do. You will find the Islanders will welcome you with open arms and warm smiles.
Weather
Temperatures are generally perfect in the Bay Islands. The yearly average is about 81 degrees F. The summer brings daytime highs between the mid-80's and 90's, with nights in the low 70's. If you like rain, come in October or November, or December when there is intermittent rain. Over half the yearly rainfall comes during these three months. Unless there is a storm in the Caribbean, the average rain fall between January and September is minimal.
hBe thankful for the rain though because it brings forth the heady fragrances of Frangipani, Night-blooming Jasmine and Ladies' Slipper Orchids, and guarantees a night's sleep of tropical dreams and fantasies. January is the coolest month of the year averaging about 78 degrees F., while the warmest is August with an average high of 84. Given the nearly continuous sea breeze, you couldn't have more delightful weather.