Roatán

• West Bay - is the furthest west area of the island, has some good restaurants and places to stay, and several large resorts have been built on the beach. It's arguably the best stretch of beach in the western portion of the island - powder-white sand that is very well maintained. The reef is a short swim away for excellent snorkeling, especially near the west-most tip, also known as Tabyana Beach. West Bay is also home to some of the best sunsets. It is recommended to spend beach time in the West Bay and bar time in the West End.
• West End - has some good restaurants and places to stay, and it is definitely the most fun town on the island. There are bars, restaurants, and live music, right on the Caribbean.
• Sandy Bay- a mainly residential area that includes a few resorts such as Anthony's Key Resort, Blue Bahia and Tranquil Seas, as well as a hostel, Roatan Backpackers' Hostel. Several tourist attractions are also located in Sandy Bay: the Carambola Botanical Gardens, the dolphins at AKR, and Mayan Jungle canopy zipline. Restaurants include Blue Parrot, Soul Food and the Beach Grill at Blue Bahia. There is a long beach that runs along Sandy Bay, with excellent snorkeling about a 200-meter swim from shore. For those seeking to do volunteer work, there are several non-profit organizations located in Sandy Bay, such as Clinica Esperanza, Care 4 Communities, and Partners in Education Roatan.
• French Harbor - has some good restaurants and resorts, and most tourists do not venture further east than French Harbor, which is at roughly the midpoint of the island. Past this point are a few newer beach resorts, resort communities, and some private towns with beaches and resorts. Many of the resorts, restaurants, and bars on this part of the island were, in the past a secret of the locals and expats - but with the west end becoming more crowded, the secret is out, and more tourist are finding their way to the east end of the island. One point of interest would be Jonesville and the infamous Hole in the Wall restaurant reached by taking a small water taxi from Jonesville to reach it. Another is Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge and the Tasty Tarpon Restaurant, located on Camp Bay Beach, the largest of all the beaches of the Bay Islands, and can be accessed by car or boat.
• Coxen Hole - With a population of just over 5,000, Coxen Hole is the largest town on the island of Roatan. It's where the airport is located, and most of life's necessities can be found here, including stores, restaurants, and banks. The cruise ship pier is located just west of the center of town.
• Oak Ridge-Punta Gorda - shortly after the fork in the road to Oak Ridge, the paved road ends and you can continue to Port Royal, which was founded by English pirates. Past this, there lies a few small villages and a handful of homes, mostly occupied by expatriates.
• Camp Bay - is a further on from Oak Ridge, about 7 km (4.5 miles), and is home to the largest natural beach on all the Bay Islands - Camp Bay Beach, which you can gain free access to at a couple different locations, and has a small beachfront resort and restaurant: Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge. Camp Bay is about the furthest you can go in a car. Past Camp Bay are the mangroves which are quite beautiful when navigated by boat and kayak. There are many tours through the mangroves which can be chartered from various points on the island.

The island is near the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea, and is the second largest reef worldwide, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It has become an important cruise ship and scuba diving destination in Honduras.

Due to its tropical location, Roatan harbors a large population of insects, notably mosquitoes and sand fleas. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, and can carry malaria and dengue fever. Repellent is strongly advised. Sand fleas (no-see-ums) are concentrated in coastal areas and their bites can itch for days or even weeks. It is highly advised to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts, and to apply high-strength bug spray (Picaridin- or DEET-based) when exiting the room, getting out of the water, and several times throughout the day. Sand flea bites are not felt or visible for several hours, so one can easily think the bugs are absent in the vicinity until they feel the bites. Reactions to bites are highly individual, ranging from mild discomfort to oozing sores that take months to heal.

For many years the island was a hidden gem, with some of the most beautiful white beaches and the best snorkel and diving spots in the Caribbean, but it was 'discovered' around 2005 by cruise ships and hotel developers.

Tourists used to be mainly divers, but the islands beaches have attracted additional package tourists and cruise ships. Several cruise ship ports provide an influx of traditional cruise ship tourists to the island. You'll know when the cruise ships are in port because suddenly there are several thousand additional tourists on the beaches and in towns. It is best to avoid buying anything when cruise ships are docked, the prices of food, goods, and services generally double to quadruple to capitalize on the higher expendable incomes of the typical cruise ship passenger.

There are three types of traveling experiences in Roatán. First would be the typical Caribbean resort-oriented beach vacation experience which can be found at any number of islands in the region. This type of vacationing is still developing on Roatán, however, in the past few years it has become a bit more common, and the island offers many resorts and activities that would appeal to those who prefer this type of setting. Roatán can still be experienced through the back door, and more rustic accommodations are abundant. If you are looking to sleep under a mosquito net with little to no view of any other human, you can certainly experience this on Roatán. The final type of traveling experience on Roatán is the cruise ship, these visitors are generally in town for short bursts of time and come in huge numbers, it's not unusual for you to wake up and have West Bay suddenly be covered with several thousand cruise ship passengers, rubbing shoulders to find a small patch of available beach to soak up the sun in. Several cruise ships have ports in Roatán, but some dock only in the exclusive private towns and beaches owned by the resort, and you will hardly notice them except for the large ships on the horizon.

Luckily there are still parts of the island that harken to past times when Roatán was more of a remote destination. Although development is spreading to all parts of the island, one can still find more rustic settings and establishments east of French Harbor. Traveling to the far eastern end of the island can take time due to road conditions. Those staying around the West End of the island should expect at least an hour of travel time to reach Camp Bay in a car.

Roatán has a system of paved roads connecting the most important communities of the Island. From the Western End of the Island, at the community of West Bay, the road leads through West End, Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, Brick Bay, Mount Pleasant, French Harbour and Oakridge - Punta Gorda after which it becomes a dirt road and continues east for a distance, to the area of Paya Bay, Camp Bay, Port Royal, and other eastern communities.

English, Spanish, Garifuna.

English is widely spoken, especially in the West End and West Bay communities, and is the native language of Roatánians of British and African descent (except for the Garifuna). Spanish is spoken natively by all residents who have come from mainland Honduras, and is the second language of many of the native English speakers. Spanish is the official language of Honduras, and as such is the primary language of the school system. Garifuna is spoken by the Garifuna people, who are descendants of the Kalipuna peoples of St. Vincent. There is also 'Island Talk' spoken by the native Caribbean people.

Most individuals living on Roatán are bilingual (English/Spanish).

• Stone Castle Cameo Factory, Coxen Hole, ☏ +504 995-7421. Offers tours 
• Roatán Butterfly Garden. Su-F 09:00-17:00. They normally have 15-20 butterfly species in a 3000 sq ft enclosure. US$7 adult, $5 child. 
• Roatan Brewery, ☏ +504 3328 0890, roatanbrewery@yahoo.com. Only local Roatan brewery 
• Carambola Gardens
• Caves of Helen, explore the caves.
• Dolphin show, at Anthony's Key Resort.
• East end, if you are up for an adventure, visit the east end of the island past Oak Ridge to Camp Bay Beach the largest of all the Bay Island beaches. The road changes from pavement to a dirt/gravel mix and continues on to Punta Blanca and Camp Bay. A 4x4 vehicle is not required for the journey, and you'll see many driving compact cars and scooters. This end of the island is home to many locals and some expats, as well as a few resorts - one that needs to be mentioned is Camp Bay Beach Beach Adventure Lodge which is the only resort on Camp Bay Beach. It is also the home of the Tasty Tarpon restaurant, and a place to gain free access to the beach with free parking, and a depot for your east end adventure from snorkeling or diving, to flyfishing and Mangrove Forest boat or kayak tours. There are a few other interesting stops along the way, such as Marble Hill Farms, where wonderful local jams & jellies are made. Asylum bar & grill is on a palapa literally over the calm waters in Camp Bay, which can sometimes feel like the restaurant at the end of the universe after the long journey of getting there. Luckily these places always have beer on ice and grilled food which makes the trip worth it. If you're looking to get off the beaten path and out of the tourist ridden West End, this is it.
• Garifuna Village Tour, in Punta Gorda
• Iguana Farm, near French Harbor.
• Mangrove Forest Kayak tour, at Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge
• Marine Science Museum, at Anthony's Key Resort.
• Oak Ridge, is a small village on the eastern end of the island. On arrival, you'll be offered water-taxi tours to the Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant, neighbouring communities, and around the harbour, but it's also pleasant to walk through the village, which has many brightly colored wooden houses on stilts along the shore.
• Pigeon Cayes, visit the deserted islands.
• Punta Gorda, renting a scooter and driving to Punta Gorda takes about 1 hour each way, and goes through some beautiful countryside. It can be nice to get away from the touristy areas and get back into places that look and feel like Honduras. The town of Punta Gorda is friendly and you may run into a beach party if you are lucky.
• Whites Beach, is supposed to be beautiful.
• Spanish Lessons, West End (Main Street), ☏ +504 97269133. Spanish and English lessons with certified teachers, wonderful time and extra activities in the Islands, spanishroatan@yahoo.com. 

The US dollar is generally accepted all over the island, however, your change is mostly given in Honduran lempiras. This method of money exchange is not recommended generally but if you're only stopping for the day from a cruise ship, it's an easier option to changing money that you may not spend.

Prices of everything skyrocket when cruise ships are in town, if you are looking to purchase anything, including food, it is best to wait until they have left port.

Local handicrafts abound and can be had for very little money. Look for Central American arts and crafts, brightly-painted pottery, wood carvings, costume jewelry, tee-shirts, cigars and clothing. Remember that the initial price should be considered the start for some haggling. It's expected and if you have the stomach for it, you'll likely end up with a final price somewhere around 40-50% lower.

The restaurants you will find along the West End beach are slightly more expensive than similar restaurants on the mainland, but the food is of a very high standard. Seafood abounds, and you can find a top quality lobster dinner for around US$10. Argentinian steaks are also popular.

There is a small food caravan located on the main road hosted by an ex-pat Aussie. The food is cheap, and he is open late, which is perfect for when you return home from one of the West Ends night spots.

• 🌍 Asylum (Location is approximate), Camp Bay Beach (Far northeastern end of the island past the main paved road), ☏ +504 3320-6004, jimmyasylum@hotmail.com. 09:00-21:00 or whenever the drinking stops. A Beach Bar on the end of a 40-ft dock stretching into the waters. Offers fishing trips on the Cayuca boat. Reef snorkel a few hundred meters from the dock, bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent a package for US$5 a day. Camp on the beaches of Asylum for free with your own equipment, or rent a camping package for $5 a night. Local residents of Roatán can utilize the camping packages for free. Asylum's Mermaid Grill will cook any fish you catch and prepare a meal for you. moderate. 
• 🌍 The Beach Club San Simon, West Bay (Between La Sirenas Resort + Mayan Princess), ☏ +504 445 5140. 10:00-22:00. Lounge style feel with changing rooms, showers, and beach beds. Free Wi-Fi. Moderate. 
• Gio's, French Harbor. One of the nicer dining experiences on the island. It's a longtime mainstay for expats and islanders who can afford to dine out. Seafood is the specialty of course.
• Hole in the Wall, via Jonestown (You must take a small water taxi from Jonestown). All-you-can-eat lobster and steak on Sunday and Wednesday. This restaurant is a hidden gem on the island. It is very popular with the people who own vacation homes on the island. It is low-key, and has some of the best food offered on the island. 
• Ooloonthoo Restaurant, Mangrove Bight (Main road outside West End), ☏ +504 9936-5223, reservations@ooloonthoo.com. 18:00-21:00. The only Indian restaurant in Honduras. Progressive Indian cuisine. Air-com dining and year round sunset views. Reservations required. $40. 
• 🌍 Rendezvous Sushi Grill (Roatán Sushi), Main Road, West Bay, ☏ +504 9978-6955. 06:30-22:00. Sushi. Quiet, romantic and away from the 'boom, boom, boom' of the beach. Reservations required. 
• Smugglers Beach Bar & Grill, West Bay (Lighthouse Point), ☏ +504 9861-0826. 09:00-22:00. Serves Monster Nachos with choice of chicken, steak or lobster. Also lobster burger & fresh quesadillas. US$1-20. 
• 🌍 The Thirsty Turtle Beach Bar & Grill (West Bay at Bananarama) (At the very heart of West Bay beach between to Bananarama Dive and Paradise Beach Villas), ☏ +504 2445-5005. As early as 10:00, as late as midnight. On the beach with plenty of room at the covered bar as well as at outdoor tables, large flat-screen TV, cold and blended drinks, and island-style fresh fast food. Activities almost every night include karaoke, crab races, fire dancers, live music, trivia. inexpensive to moderate. 
• Hot Dog Hut, West End (Between Nova and W.E. Cigar Bar), ☏ +504 9712-4305. 11:00-20:00. Serves hotdogs, chili dogs, chicken salad sandwiches and daily specials. Offers a variety of toppings such as tequilla caramalised onions, Habanero aioli and sauerkraut. US$1-5. 
• Pizza Mira Bella Napoli, Sandy Bay (sea side, main road). Brick oven fired Napoli style pizza available with a variety of toppings including gorgonzola & broccoli. 

Roatán boasts a wide array of experiences for night life, depending on your taste. Since the arrival of cruise ships, prices have risen somewhat, and restaurants and bars cater to cruise passengers as well as North American and European tourists. These types of establishments are relatively easy to find, as they are mostly located in and around the West End. Prices here are generally higher than in most other places on the island.

The best part about drinking in the west end is the pub crawl that occurs almost every night. Its virtually mandatory to start at Sundowners and enjoy drinks whilst watching the sun go down over the beautiful bay in front. When Sundowners shuts at 22:00 the whole bar shifts about 50 m down the street to kick on at the Purple Turtle where you can enjoy live music out the back. The Purple Turtle closes at midnight and from here most people continue on to the Nova Bar, (or the Twisted Toucan's) which will be the joint to party at and where you will meet most of the locals in the region, this being a favorite haunt. Most people go home from here, but if you really are feeling like an adventure grab a group of friends and head down the beach to FuBar.

• 🌍 JavaVine Cafe & Wine Bar (Internet Cafe, Wine Bar & Lounge), West Bay Beach Mall (formerly Cool Beans Coffee House), ☏ +504 2445-5048. 07:30-22:00. Serves coffee and cold beer. Pastries, sandwiches, pizza and tapas in a relaxed atmosphere with soothing tunes. Fully licensed, with a large selection of wine and spirits. Free WiFi. A 2-minute walk from West Bay Beach. US$1-20. 
• La Sirena, Camp Bay Beach (In Asylum). Sunday barbecue with cold beer. A palapa bar/restaurant built over the water, good if you are on the less populated east end of the island. 
• FuBar (formerly Black Pearl and before that Loafers). Until late. 
• Foster's. Until late. DJ. Good on Fridays. 
• Nova Bar. Until late. Haunt of locals who stay out late. 
• Purple Turtle. Until midnight. Look out the back for live music. 
• 🌍 Sundowners. Until 22:00. Good place to start the night. 
• Booty Bar (across from Eagle Ray's). Until late. Caribbean Pirate themed bar. Mix of locals, expats and tourists. Great sunsets. Happy Hour 17:00-21:00 every day. Good for dancing after 21:00. 
• 🌍 Turtle Shack Cafe (Turtlegrass), Calabash Bight (east of Oak Ridge), ☏ +504 8950-7588. A water access only restaurant on the largest bay on Roatán. Seafood gumbo to cheeseburgers, cold Honduran beer and fruity island drinks. Boat transportation provided from Oak Ridge. Also a great stop for those on the mangrove tour. Meals US$6-8. 
• Sunken Fish Restaurant & Bar, Sandy Bay, ☏ +504 99584719. Rustic Honduran surroundings, spacious tables and the best ocean views, sunset drinks, food menu also available. 

There are excellent accommodations ranging from US$4-400 per night. Condos are available as are beach cabanas. Note the quoted prices usually do not include 19% tax, so plan accordingly.

• Bay Islands are in the Caribbean Sea, venture forth from Roatán and visit the 2 other larger islands in the group
• La Ceiba
• Guanaja
• San Pedro Sula
• Tegucigalpa
• Útila