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 Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. There is so much that makes Roatn special. Surprised, I responded by blurting out the first thing in my head: Its OK! Roatn has plenty of modern conveniences. Guests descend to a sandy bottom, 60 feet below the surface where they interact with dolphins in a natural setting for 45 minutes. Three months became three years. Trip Advisors list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. The Bay Islands lie along the southern end of the Mesoamerican Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world (Australias Great Barrier Reef comes first in this category) it touches Guatemala, Mexico and Belize, as well as Honduras. Many dive centers offer the opportunity to become certified while enjoying a diving vacation. The heritage of those living on Roatan ranges from expats from Italy, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Cruise ship passenger numbers were even lower: Dropping from 1.4 million in all of 2019 to 180,000 from July to November 2021. Roatan is 40 miles long and at its widest its only 5 miles wide. West Bay Beach on Roatn. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, Whites have the means of production, semi-industrial fishing vessels, investments in tourism, and they bring along a great deal of know-how to business practices. But we really wanted some tourists to share it with.. https://www.facebook.com/groups/roatantravel/files 196 helpful votes. Unlike most Port Royal properties, we also have road access. WebRE/MAX has your Roatan Real Estate experts and has the experience and the know-how to make their savvy, informed clients into successful homeowners, investors and sellers ! From the top of the hills you have the perfect vantage point to gaze upon the slopes that cascade down to the water and lead out to the huge reef that encircles the island. Many of the family names on Roatan are similar or the same as the last names of families living on the Cayman Islands. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? As a Honduran municipality, the main currency used on Roatan is the Lempira. Our lifestyle is quite physical for our golden years, as is that of most of our friends. This thought popped into my head at the end of a night dive, off the southern shore of the Honduran island of Roatn in December. Because of these raids, Spanish ships retaliated in 1650 and destroyed most of the Port Royal settlement. But the property prices on the Virgin Islands were already excessive. First identified on the Mesoamerican Reef in Mexico in 2018, the disease its cause is unknown has slowly spread along the reef to the Bay Islands. 01:00. Accommodation is inexpensive, either hotels or small apartments. These animals have been here for thousands of years, she said. As a travel editor, the virus and its impact on travel has been on the forefront of my mind for nearly two years, and now in late December, half of the Greater New York area seemed to be sick from Omicron and the other half awaiting test results. Roatan is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Honduras. When talking about Roatn, its important to understand the different lifestyles and characteristics of each section, as it changes along its 48 miles of length (its five miles across at its widest). The questions were endless and the judgment unspoken, spoken and internal brutal. The bar at the Reef House Resort. 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. Theres one property for sale down by Lost Isles. Visiting with neighbors and friends at BJs before heading home becomes part of the routine. A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. If you fish, youll be in heaven. Its a haven for scuba divers, with sections of the Meso-American Reef, which is the worlds second largest, just offshore (it surrounds much of the island). !Share this video with your friends..! Hillside homes receive steady sea breezes while waterfront properties enjoy sandy shorelines, beaches, Mangrove Forrest, and or an iron shore. The retirees and other expats who have made it their home (joining the 80,000 or so Hondurans and native islanders there too) have found a great quality of life, with a low cost of living, warm weather year-round, that classic island vibe, and tropical atmosphere, great restaurants, white-sand beaches, modern conveniences like high-speed internet, and, with the opening of a new hospital, good quality medical care. All individuals traveling to and from Honduras must complete the Honduran Customs Declaration These islands are a gem in the western Caribbean, and they are surrounded by the largest barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere. As far as grocery shopping, you have plenty of choices here. There are days in which Roatan experiences the arrival of four ships on the same day. Schools of large fish darted through crystal-clear water. WebUnited States Announces Additional $42.5 Million in Humanitarian Assistance for the People of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; Statements. 1-3 of 3 replies Sorted by. And by boring, I mean it is almost perfect every day. Anyone can read what you share. It all got fixed in the end, though, as these things do. Each of the villages, towns and developments evoke a different feel and lifestyle. Legal action will be taken against those who violate the copyright of the following material presented! Located along the longest coral reef in the western hemisphere, Roatan is best known for scuba diving. We met expats in communities from one end of the island to the other. If you want to try before you buy, two-bedroom homes and condos, walk to the beach or in beachfront communities, are generally $1,000 a month and up. By the late 21st century, Roatan had become an economic interest for expatriates from all over the world. After lunch, explore the island, meet the locals, and observe a Garifuna dance to African drums. The tropical weather in and around Roatan is inclusive of sea breezes which keep the annual temperatures within a range of 70F to 80F. It was a question we had heard several times during our six-month stay at Marios Marina on the Rio Dulce. 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. But the lower cost of living is seen in your everyday expenses, too. Roatan is outside the hurricane corridor and only sees a hurricane at a rate of one every 26 years. Where is the Island of Roatn Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun The beers are $2. Ours was not a direct path from A to B. But on our first morning we hit the water again, paddling one of the resorts two-person kayaks a few miles down the shore, checking out the beaches and waterfront restaurants and boisterous vacationers. 202-966-7702). Later, the companys headquarters was moved to the mainland, and its name was changed to Chiquita Banana, which is now owned by two Italian brothers. That was in the fall of 2006. 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. Roatan Island has two municipalities. Night dives were new to me: The inky darkness was exhilarating, mysterious, alive and more than a little frightening. Youll pay around $800 to $1,000 for something right on the water. The speaking characteristics of their English dialect can be traced to the Western Caribbean. Those interested can find more information at www.roatanclearwater.com. After several months on the move, John showed me an advertisement in the Chisme Vindicator, a Rio Dulce website that we followed. Like other tropical locations, exposure to the sun needs to be monitored and sunscreen is mandatory to reduce the chances of skin problems later. I even saw a Moray eel guarding the entrance to her home. 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. Pineapple Villas, an off water condominium development in French Harbour, has a 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo unit for sale for $179,000, with a distant harbor view. Now, with the reflection gained from the pandemic travel lull, we have a chance, perhaps an obligation, to rethink our own relationships with the places we visit and rebuild them stronger. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. 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. This is a great chance to meet and speak with both locals and ex-pats who have decided to make Roatan home. Everywhere on Roatn runs on island time. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. 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. When you approach Roatn from the mainland by sea or from the air, its a striking sight. Its totally off the grid, she warned. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. 1. 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. Traditionally, the Garfunas built their communities on resources provided by the sea. The Santos Guardiola municipality offices are located in Oak Ridge. There are plenty of activities on the island, as well as many good restaurants, bars and cafs. Roatan is largest island in the Islas de La Baha, or Bay Islands, off the north coast of Honduras. Only In Your State. Enjoy the tournament and take in the land-based activities in the charming seaside town of West End. Also because of limited housing stock, it can be hard to find a rental, especially during the high season. Bed 3 Bath 3 Parking yes for 1 car Sq Ft 1,500 Community Pristine Bay Type Home West End Pristine Bay Palmetto Bay #MyRoatanLife It can take an hour or more to clear processing so bring plenty of patience with you. 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. There is another one, farther up in Port Royal, across from Fort Morgan Cay. Soon after, the British removed approximately 5,000 of their now defeated enemies and sent them to Roatan. We didnt stick around long. You can also work with local school kids doing sports activities or teaching English. The national currency (The Lempira) gets its name from the Lenca warrior, Lempira, who lead the resistance against foreign colonization efforts in the 1530s. Swimming down vertical reef walls and through coral canyons, the reporter spotted green moray eels, nurse sharks, toadfish, puffer fish, schools of blue chromis and invasive lionfish. 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. But the overall scene is still attractive, with the glorious reef waves within view. Try your luck catching the saltwater grand slam species bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Its a vibrant, diverse marine ecosystem, with around 65 coral species, more than 500 types of fish and almost countless other examples of marine life like sea turtles and sponges. Local restaurants offer delicious and filling meals for around $6 a plate. At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. But watersports arent the only thing to do. So, we took to the water. Every two years, the nonprofit issues a report card that assesses the main indicators of reef health: the percentage of live coral cover and that of macroalgae on the 286 monitored sites, as well as the abundance of herbivorous fish (like parrotfish), and grouper and other commercially important species. More than half of the population lives in poverty and per In the west and central parts of the island you will find the most development. Youll have to do without some favorite items from the U.S., but a lot of the time these can be substituted with domestic brands. The Honduras Bay Islands, a fellow boater said. It has a totally different feel, more reminiscent of Roatan country living, before cruise ship tourists regularly flooded the island. Little Roatn has its share of visitors. The Reef House is far from Roatns more established tourist infrastructure, which you encounter in West Bay. Hi - There is a facebook group called Roatan Travel Support which has step by step instructions. So what exactly makes this island so special? The Department of Bay Islands is composed of three islands (Guanaja, Utila, & Roatan) and several cays and islets. The reef is a few minutes offshore, teeming with sea life. Expats on Roatn also give back. Baha - Bay Islands Municipio que visita Destination City. By the year 1788, it is reported that the English had completely left Roatan yet again. Roatan is considered one of the best sportfishing destinations in the Caribbean. Go to the middle of the island and you have larger towns like French Harbour and Coxen Hole. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? The roads seem to always be in need of repair, and there can be power outages. In addition to environmental wealth, these islands possess an abundant cultural wealth, thanks to the different populations that inhabit the islands. A view of the setting sun from the Xbalanque Resort. The Port of Roatan is located near downtown Coxen Hole. I am not a facebooker but was able to go on site and print out instructions. It seemed too good to be true. Take a boat a few minutes from the shore and see dozens of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral in a rainbow of colors, and more underwater wonders. Roatan offers an amazing international vide and its readily seen during large gatherings in places like West End, Punta Gorda, and West Bay. Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. This is an island where its best to have a car to get around. However, the company Standard Fruit was destroyed due to a hurricane in 1877. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Honduras Telephone + (504) 2236-9320 or + (504) 2238-5114 Emergency + (504) 2238-5114 or + (504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 Fax + (504) 2238-4357 Email Its a busy place. The area is abundant in natural wealth and resources in regards to both its marine and terrestrial attributes. And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. Sandals and shorts are the uniformseven for nice dinners out. They were the planners, those who carefully studied various Caribbean retirement options and settled on 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 We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. Watching sunset with a cold beer in hand and surrounded by friends old and new is practically mandatory. !Please subscribe if you enjoyed this video..! If youre renting short term, rates will generally be higher during the high season (December to April). On the western side of the island, the corals appeared to be smaller, and carried more algae. Roatan's highest point is 900 ft above sea level. I was less keen on spending time tied to a dock than he was. 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. Women lead these types of economic activity and were mainly engaged in planting rice and cassava. Explore the scenic fishing villages of Jonesville and Oak Ridge. 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. The pandemic laid bare the relationship that many destinations around the world have with tourists. Weather in Roatn In the pre-Columbian phase, according to the archaeological record, in the Bay Islands, there is evidence of material culture (sites, traits, and vestiges) which are manifestations of the Paya or Pech culture that resided in these sectors. The reporter heard, but did not meet, the avian pet. The worlds second-largest reef system lies just offshore and slipping beneath the surface is like immersing yourself into an immense tropical aquarium. Browse through a variety of homes for sale in Roatn, Islas de la Baha, Honduras and choose the perfect one for you. And if youd rather get a lock-and-leave condo in a resort-style community on something like popular West Bay beach, you can get a one-bedroom unit for well under $200,000. 1 year ago. Before we knew it, we counted many more friends on the island than the number we had left behind in Canada. They come and go from town in their boats. We are only making a three-month commitment, John assured me as we fastened our lines to the dock at Oak Ridge Point. 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. Roatan is part of a cluster of island archipelagos situated ten to forty miles off the northern coast of Honduras. Currency The official currency in Roatan is the Honduras Lempira which is valued at 1 Tourism started on the island when the scuba community and the hardy found the Bay Islands archipelago in the 1970s. More information Most of the established families and residents of today came later through a strong migration from the Cayman Islands. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Long-term monthly rents start at $600 a month. First, we added a cat to the family. Getting to Roatan is no bargainunless of course you happen to find a great airfare deal somewhere. During these months, cruise ships come on five or six times each week. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras. If you prefer to relax in the shade, with your toes in the sand, there are dozens of beaches to enjoy. Some might have one little beach restaurant. Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. In high season, during the North American winter, it hosts multiple cruise ships each day. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. There are no servicesno electricity, no mains water, and no garbage pickup. For expats who want convenience, everything is within easy reach here. 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. One point of contention is the infrastructure. I bet you could get it at a good price.. Swim to me, called Davey Byrne, a co-owner of the Reef House, our home for three nights over the Christmas holiday. When you fly in youll see volunteers, mostly retirees, helping confused tourists get through the customs and immigration area of the airport. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, English is also widely used thanks to its historical link to England (it was once a British colony). Next, a trip along the famous Rio Dulce in Guatemala, another dream of ours, came true. Roatan is a beautiful, rolling verdant island with lush green jungles covering peaks and valleys and flowing across hillsides. After the Colonial period, the process of settlement and settlement in the Bay Islands is marked by the arrival of diverse cultures, that to date, make up a cultural mosaic that characterizes the towns as being multiethnic, multilingual and multicultural. Davey laughed and said no problem, he simply wanted to make sure we were all right. However, much of the local people (taxi drivers, household staff, and government officials) all are primarily Spanish speakers. The water is warm and crystal-clear without dangerous currents to complicate things. The Bay Islands had a prepandemic economy almost entirely based on tourism, an evolution that came after the islands commercial fishing collapsed. All of which can trace their heritage to the early visitors to Roatan. It is difficult to find all these requirements in one property. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. Roatn Retirement Information 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. French Harbour is a good size town with several nearby developments, high-end grocery stores, and the islands only shopping mall, the Mega Plaza. Once on Roatan, you can immediately feel the island vibe soothing your soul as the fresh, salt air cleanses away the stress of the mainland life you left behind. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. The Port of Roatan opened in 2007 and it partially owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Normally, a roundtrip flight from any of the major hubs will run from $750 to $1,100. While Spanish is the official language, English is spoken universally. They all reflect the Spanish, British, Carib, and mestizo heritage of the Roatan Community. 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. Roatan may arguably enjoy the best weather in the Caribbean as it lies just south and west of the major hurricane highway. 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. Verdant jungle-covered mountains and rolling hills rise from the spine of the island. And full-time residents appreciate the rain and understand its importance. Roatan and the surrounding Bay Islands where contest grounds for battles between the British and the Spanish crowns. And the fisherman might be your neighbor! Still more, there are many residents from various Latin American countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Nicaragua to mention just a few. Tarpon, bonefish, snapper, lobster, wahoo, and more are abundant in the surrounding water. A small portion of these settled in what is now Punta Gorda and home of the Garifuna People. WebDestination state: ISLAS DE LA BAHIA Destination city: ROATAN 2) Honduras Customs Declaration Starting, March 27, 2023 Complete one (1) form per family traveling or one (1) form per person traveling alone. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. Most people take the time to stop for a cold drink before making the last leg of their trip home. In fact, statistically, Roatan has only been impacted by hurricanes about once every 25 to 26 years. 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. You can even snorkel from right off the beach in some spots, including the famed West Bay beach. In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. Currently, Roatan exports certain seafood such as lobster, shrimp, red snapper, etc. 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. The culture of the people of The Bay Islands (historically known as Bay people) can trace its origins to the English slaves. In fact, I met some folks whose normal attire is a swimsuit every day. A large percentage of expats settle in the northwest villages of West Bay and West End and other northern beach communities. Some expats enjoy their beach time, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. The rest of these settled on the mainland of Honduras, in Trujillo. Then, we decided we needed a dog. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. This area is less developed, wilder, and has maintained its natural habitat. These ethnic groups in the area are the Garifuna, the Afro-British, the Ladinos, the Mestizos, the British Whites, and others foreigners. Although by networking on the ground, you can find even better deals. If youre an expat living on Roatn, you can get the locals discountwith dive tours (boat, divemaster, equipment, and everything included) for $25.
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