Information and History of Roatan

The Bay Islands, lying just off the Caribbean coast, is an archipelago that consists of three major islands, Roatan, Guanaja and Utila, and numerous smaller islands. The coral reef surrounding Roatan and Guanaja is renowned for it's excellent scuba diving, while the many cayes around Utila are a snorkelers paradise.

Hitory has it that the Paya indians inhabited the islands as far back as AD 400. Europeans first arrived on the scene in the 1500's. In 1502, Christopher Columbus on his fourth journey to "the New World", landed on Guanaja.

From the 1500s into the late 1700s the islands served as a hideout and home for pirates, Spanish Conquistadors and English Soldiers. Many foreign settlements were started and either destroyed or abondaned.

In 1798 the Garifuna (5,000 black Caribs being forceably removed from St. Vincent) were marooned on Roatan. They settled the village of Punta Gorda and even still today many of it's inhabitants still speak an African dialect.

Immigration still continuses today. Many Europeans and Amerians have become residents and a large number of Hondurans have moved to the islands in search of better paying jobs. Fishing and shrimping, the main industry for years, is being replaced by tourism. Resorts, hotels, dive shops, restaurants and bars are popping up everywhere to attract divers, snorkelers, ecotourists and cruise ship passengers. Outside the resorts though, you won't find the crowds, beachside peddlers, rows of duty frees shops, casinos, high-rises or other signs of modern life that plagues many other Caribbean getaways. What you will find are friends gathering in tiny beach bars, small rustic shops with handmade crafts and a rustic relaxed lifestyle that's sure to appeal to most.

Roatan is 25 miles long and 1.8 miles across at it's widest part. The tallest peak is 771 feet. The climate varies between seasons. Springtime temperatures are in the 80's while summertime temps are in the 90's with humidity increasing into September. Light rain showers and occasional evening thunderstorms keep temperatures pleasant. Water temperatures range from 80-84 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year, dropping to between 74 and 76 degrees in the winter.

Roatan's accomodations range from large dive resorts to a hammock on the beach. While there are a variety of restaurants for every taste and budget. Once considered a destination for divers, the island now offers plenty to do for the land based tourist.

The unique thing about Roatan is that outside the resorts you won't find the crowds, beachside peddlers, casinos, high-rises, or other signs of modern life now changing many Caribbean getaways. What you will find are locals socializing in tiny beach bars, rustic shops with handmade crafts, and an easy going island pace.

Listed below are some links we hope you will find helpful.

Places to Stay:
Mayan Princess Beach Resort
Parrot Tree Rentals

Dive Operations & Resorts:
CoCo View
Bay Islands Beach Resort
Oak Bay Resort
Inn of Last Resort
Las Rocas Resort
Anthony's Key Resort
Tropical Beach Resort

Airlines:
Sol Air
Continetal Airlines
American Airlines