Roatan, Honduras - Visit this Central American Hidden Gem Now

Roatán, Honduras is truly a hidden gem in the Caribbean and an up and coming tourist attraction. Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world – Roatán is the perfect place to explore the waters or relax on the beaches. Add Roatán, Honduras to your bucket list and Visit this Central American Hidden Gem Now!

Roatán is an island in the Caribbean about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras which is considered the heart of Central America. The largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, Roatán sits between Útila and Guanaja.

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How to get to Roatán?

The island does have its own international airpot, Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB). There are direct international flights from Atlanta, Houston, Toronto, Miami and El Salvador. Or if you are planning on visiting the mainland as well, there are regular domestic flights from Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.

Traveling from the mainland?

If you are getting to Roatán from the mainland you will have to take the Roatán ferry, the Galaxy Wave, from La Ceiba. From La Ceiba to Roatán there are two departure times: 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The return times from Roatán are 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Round trip tickets cost $65 and only $75 for first class tickets, which I highly recommend. From my personal experience, the trip to the island was not an easy one for me. Luckily I was in first class. As soon as the ferry takes off from port the assistants walk around and hand out sea sickness bags (which I thought was weird… little did I know). The waves were at least 10 feet on the way there which did not make for a smooth trip. Long story short, I ended up using those bags A LOT and I was very thankful to be in first class with less people and assistants to help me through this rough, rough journey.

Where to stay in Roatán?

A popular spot to stay on the island is on the West Bay. During my visit I stayed at Infinity Bay Resort. It is the perfect location on West Bay Beach, has the most beautiful pool with a bar, restaurant, and offers a variety of packages. The location is steps away from the beach putting you right by some of the best tourist activities.

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What to do in Roatán?

Roatán is full of fun activities to do that will keep you busy and outside all day long. Home of the Roatan Barrier Reef, which is part of the

Along with some of the best snorkeling sights, scuba diving also is a great activity with some amazing views of the reefs. Just off the West Bay Beach from our hotel is part of the reef to snorkel. In my experience, as soon as you walk onto the beach there are many boaters on the shore waiting to take you onto the water. I went in January, but if you go during a more popular time, it may be best to reserve a time.

The island is also known for its wildlife. Head to a local animal sanctuary to feed to sloths, parrots, monkeys, and more.

Other activities around the island are swimming with the dolphins, glass-bottom boat tour, zip lining, fishing, and more!

Track your adventures through Latin America.

Track your adventures through Latin America with the Ultimate Central America Checklist with of all the countries that make up Latin America. Whether it is trekking ancient ruins in Mexico, snorkeling on the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, or making your way through rain forrest, waterfalls, and live volcanoes – Central America is a region to be explored!

Visiting Roatan was my first trip into Latin America or to a Caribbean island. My first experience snorkeling, feeding a parrot, and holding a monkey and sloth. It was truly an enjoyable trip and I can’t wait to visit again. What do you look forward to most about visiting Roatán, Honduras? Leave it in the comments below!