Most of our 2020 travel plans were dashed due to restrictions provoked by the pandemic. However, this has had the effect of creating a pent up desire to explore the places on our bucket lists before it’s too late to do so. So, in an effort to remain positive as we await the return of free flowing travel, we’ve put together a list of the top reasons to visit Roatan, Honduras.
Warm Weather All Year Round
Roatan is a favorite among those who have to deal with cold, harsh winters. North Americans and Europeans are the island’s most common visitors, but people from all over the world come to Roatan to escape their local climates. Roatan has an average year round temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) making it a great escape from winter no matter which hemisphere you live in.
Snorkeling And Diving
Roatan’s location on the edge of the the second largest barrier reef system in the world makes it a globally renowned destination for snorkelers and divers. Dive sites exist a few meters offshore in certain areas, making them easily accessible to both snorkelers and scuba divers. There are more than 50 dive sites in the West End alone. If you account for the whole island you’ll have access to over 300 unique dive sites. There are several offshore wrecks to explore and it’s one of the best places in the world to swim with the majestic whale shark. Honduras is also rated as one of the most economical places in the world to dive which makes it popular among beginners.
World Class Beaches
When you envision crisp and clean, white sand beaches, you’re unwittingly picturing Roatan. West Bay Beach’s mile long stretch of powdery white sand regularly sees itself perched on top beaches in the world lists. If you’re looking for a little more privacy, the island’s East End features miles and miles of absolutely deserted sandy beaches.
Cuisine
Being an island in the Caribbean, Roatan gets far more than its fair share of fresh seafood. But there’s also something for every taste and budget on Roatan. Fine dining experiences, casual meals complete with musical entertainment, typical fast foods and local delicacies such as baleadas (tortillas filled with beans, cheese and more,) pinchos (skewered meat and vegetables,) and the national dish of Platos Tipicos (meat, beans, plantain, marinated cabbage and cream) are widely available.
Vacation Home Rentals
The prevalence of vacation home rentals in Roatan allows the tourist to become transformed into a traveler. Rather than cooping up in a hotel or an all inclusive resort, vacation homes allow the visitor to become more closely immersed in local culture. The rhythms of everyday life become more evident which allows the guest to better understand how the locals actually live. Vacation home rentals also afford more privacy while allowing for more flexibility – very often at a relatively cheaper price.
Culture
The world is a diverse and fascinating place full of different experiences and cultures. Though each of these cultures have something to learn from, they are not all created equal. In some cultures the highest ideal is to love your neighbor, while in some the highest ideal is to eat your neighbor. As cultures go, the island culture of Roatan could be typified as friendly, open, accepting, and inclusive. Here, “foreigners” are definitely welcome.