Roatan, Honduras Port

Overview

Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, sits just off the coastline of Honduras and extends into the Caribbean Sea. It’s a popular island that is only 37 miles long, but despite its diminutive size it packs a punch as a tourist destination. With jungle-skimming zip lines, deep sea diving and dune buggy trips to enjoy, not to mention its impressive golf courses, spa retreats and long stretches of sandy beach, this little island is a gem in the Caribbean Sea.

Sightseeing in Roatan

Getting around Roatan thankfully doesn’t take very long, so whatever you choose to do on this exciting island it’ll be easy to get to. The island’s history is dotted with tales of pirates, sunken treasure and coconut plantations, but modern day attractions include the Marine Park which takes advantage of the island’s excellent diving conditions and unique aquatic creatures. No matter what your taste for adventure is like, there is plenty to do not far from the port of Roatan:

Glass Bottom Boats: Leaving from the harbour more than once a day these glass bottom boat excursions are the perfect opportunity to do some underwater sightseeing without getting wet. The marine park was created to help preserve the fragile reef system around the island, and tourists on board one of these boats get the chance to see the colourful coral and unusual fish species up close.

Kayaking: Close to shore, the Caribbean Sea around Roatan is relatively shallow and perfect for exploring by kayak. Rentals can be found at the harbour and they give you the freedom to discover isolated bays and sheltered beaches as part of your own island adventure.

Swim with Dolphins: Resident bottlenose dolphins are looked after by naturalists at Bailey’s Key where they live in their natural environment in the Caribbean Sea. Encounters are offered as packages here, including the chance to swim with these fascinating creatures. It’s an adventure that’s always popular with families.

Shopping in Roatan

The island has worked hard to make the most of its tourist-friendly status and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping. The port boasts an area known as Town Center, where visitors can explore a boardwalk style shopping mall filled with boutique shops and cafes. Souvenir shops can be found here in abundance, as well as a local pharmacy and various fashion outlets. It also boasts a large number of high-end jewellery stores, and fashion brands like Harley Davidson Apparel maintain a presence here.

For something very local, head to Wave Gallery located right on the beach. It’s a treasure trove of pieces by local artists and craftsmen, and the ideal place to pick up an original gift from the Honduras.

Eating Out in Roatan

Roatan boasts an excellent selection of restaurants and cafes, from the boardwalk location by the port to the centre of Roatan town. With such a cosmopolitan air for a small island like this, many of the eateries offer an international menu to enjoy. Popular dishes usually centre on fresh seafood, but there are Italian pasta dishes and plenty of steakhouses here too. If you plan on disembarking at the port of Roatan for dinner, try the local dish of Tapao. It’s a fragrant seafood stew made with conch, crab, lobster, shrimp and a selection of fish, and is dressed with coconut and plantain.