TOURS
Pirates, Birds & Monkeys
of the Caribbean...
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Roatan is the largest and most developed of fifty islands and cays that are collectively known as the Bay Islands. These islands rest upon the Bonacca Ridge about 40 miles off the northeast coast of Honduras. About 33 miles long and 2.5 miles wide at its widest point, Roatan has a richly jungled mountainous backbone, lush hills, and is rimmed by the world's second largest reef, creating an underwater environment for spectacular scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Along the coast are diverse ecosystems that range from intricate mangroves to beautiful sandy beaches. Numerous areas of the island and its surrounding sea have been designated as wildlife refuges and marine reserves by the Honduran government.
HISTORY AND PEOPLE:
During the Maya reign in Central America (between the 4th and 10th centuries), the Paya Indians populated the Bay Islands. The Payas were a smaller and less advanced group than the Mayans. Payan artifacts (pottery, jade, and shells) are often found in Island burial and ceremonial sites and are referred to by the locals as "yaba ding dings." It is said that Christopher Columbus discovered the Islands and the Payans in 1502 while on his fourth voyage.
The jagged coastal topography, mangrove swamps and shallow reefs blocking the approach to Roatan from the sea, created minimal early Spanish settlement interest. But what repelled the Spanish explorers is exactly what attracted pirates and buccaneers in the 17th century. These pirate vessels easily maneuvered the shallow channels to protective harborage behind the reef and safety from, heavier Spanish ships.
By the early 17th century, Roatan was a base for pirate looting. It's rumored that up to 5,000 pirates sheltered in the Bay Islands, including Morgan, Coxen, Morris, Van Horn, and myriad others. When they weren't raiding Spanish gold, the pirates were hunting, fishing, fixing their boats and hiding their treasured bounties. It is believed that the Payans would sit up on the mountain tops watching the Pirates bury their stash and wait for them to leave before unearthing the treasure and hauling the bounty high to the hills and re-bury it for themselves.
For almost 200 years Spanish conquistadors and British pirates battled for control of the Bay Islands, ignoring the Indians for the most part. During this period, the Islands were used for food and wood supplies, safe harbor, and slave trading. Remains of old British forts and towns named after famous pirates remain as their legacy. One group of slaves was "parked" here during this time during the heat of a battle. When the winners came to collect them, the slaves refused to go. These are the Garifunas who populate much of the Bay Islands to this date, still maintaining their own African cultural identity and language. Punta Gorda on Roatán is one of many villages where they still make their homes.
The Creoles arrived from Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Great Britain starting in 1600. An influx of Europeans began in 1638 who were mostly descendants of pirates hailing from Spain, England, France, Holland, and the U.S. Several of these families founded commercial fishing businesses which are the financial mainstay of the Bay Islands today. In the early to mid 1800's, strong immigration occurred from Grand Cayman and England to the Bay Islands. And finally, the Latino culture from the mainland of Honduras started emigrating to the islands in the 1800s completing the melting pot that describes today's society.
Honduras achieved independence from Spain in 1821, and it became a colony of the British Commonwealth in the 1850's. In the early 1960's control of the Islands was officially returned to Honduras. The islanders primarily speak Spanish and English flavored with Creole.
UNDERWATER ROATAN:
One of the most complex ecosystems on the planet and comparable to tropical rainforest diversity is the coral reef. Roatan's location is at the perimeter of the Honduran continental shelf--the evolvement between shallow and deep water habitats. Approximately 96% of all species of Caribbean marine life, ranging from flecks of fluorescent organisms to pelagic fishes to the grandeur of the whale shark have been observed in the waters neighboring Roatan. Tunnels, ledges and volcanic mazes extend far into the coral walls forming caverns and cathedrals. Underwater cliffs are draped with a kaleidoscope of hard corals and sponges. Visibility ranges from 65 to 110 feet. Because a drop-off is always close, deep water species like dolphins, sharks, manta and eagle rays are prevalent. The majority of dives are made conveniently from boat moors from a few yards to 140 yards offshore. Luckily some of the best reefs on Roatan are a few fin kicks from the shore. Put on the mask, fins, and snorkel and in a matter of seconds you're in an underwater fantasy.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER:
The climate is tropical with a rainy season usuallly from mid-October to late November. Average temperatures range from a high close to 100 degrees in August and September in the noon day sun to a low of 68 degrees in the middle of a December night. Roatan's median temperature is 80 degrees and its waters are equally warm. Almost-constant trade winds cool the island year-round, keeping the tropical humidity and heat under control. The island's indiginous exotic trees, plants and flowers are kept healthy by ample annual rainfall, approaching 80 inches a year.
Dress is casual. Comfortable cool clothing is recommended. A light jacket might be handy for some December through March evenings. To protect the reef from damaging runoff, major spraying programs are not permitted. Therefore, there are sand flies on the beach. Use repellent and you shouldn't be bothered.
CURRENCY:
Local currency is the Lempira. You will receive a better exchange rate if you convert your dollars to Lempira. Banks and some resorts exchange money. There is 12% sales tax. Tipping of 10-15% is customary, although frequently included in your bill as a service charge. West End has no bank and most places do not take credit cards. So bring money or travelers checks or make a trip to one of the banks in Coxen Hole.
GETTING AROUND ROATAN:
Roatan has a paved road that connects the most important communities of the Island, with dirt or gravel side roads. Starting from the Western End of the Island, at the community of West End, the paved road leads through the communities of Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, Brick Bay, Mount Pleasant, French Harbour and Oakridge-Punta Gorda. From here, the road becomes a dirt road and continues east for a distance, to the area of Paya Bay, Camp Bay, Port Royal, and other communities. Driving is on the right side of the road. There are several car rental companies on the island. Of course, there are taxis, water taxis and buses. You should always negotiate the price before you hire the taxi, possibly comparing with another taxi.
GETTING TO ROATAN:
Roatan is accessible by non-stop commercial jet from Houston and Miami (through Aerohonduras, Continental and TACA). Flight time from the US is approximately 2 hours, making it one of the closest islands of the Caribbean. Flights by Continental, American, and other airlines arrive daily in San Pedro Sula with connections to Roatan. From mainland Honduras, the ferry, M.V. Galaxy, departs from the Muelle de Cabotaje in La Ceiba with daily service to the island. The trip takes less than two hours.
Passports and $30 departure tax required (make sure you've got it in cash). Visitors may stay up to three months without a visa. If you extend your time, you can go to the Municipality once per month and have your passport stamped. Or leave Honduras for at least 48 hours, re-enter, and restart the three month process.
HEALTH:
No health cards or shots are required for entry or stay in Roatan. There are several clinics, two hospitals on the island and two decompression chambers. Medivac ambulance service is also available on Roatan. Larger medical facilities with many US trained doctors are available in San Pedro Sula and La Cieba (both on the mainland).
TECHNOLOGY AND UTILITIES:
Modern telecommunications systems on Roatan allow reliable telephone, fax, and online access. There are high speed internet cafes scattered across the island, in French Harbour, Coxen Hole, West End, the cruise ship dock and the airport.
Water supply is from sub surface wells and rain cisterns. Since the Bay Islands receive over 90 inches of rain per year, with proper conservation techniques, water is not a significant problem. 24-hour electricity is supplied to Roatan by the Roatan Electric Company. Sewage is primarily handled by private septic systems.
SCHOOLS:
There are several bi-lingual schools on the island and every town has its own public school through high school. Some students use tutors or correspondence courses that are accredited in the US, and some families send their children to the US or the mainland for their education. College education is usually completed in the US or Honduras.
ABOUT ROATAN
