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Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands and is located in the
Caribbean Sea, 35 miles off the North Coast of Honduras. Pristine
coral reefs, white sand beaches, developed areas, and an international
airport makes this island the most popular of the Bay Islands
of Honduras. |
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Formation
Formed by the collision of tectonic plates Roatan was virtually
thrust up from the Caribbean itself. The beautiful and exotic
“iron shore” is, indeed the stony residual of
ancient reef, itself, with the many skeletons of the living
coral still visible in its structure. Nowhere else are the
wonders of the reef so close, since, here the reef and the
shore are extensions of each other.
Roatan view from a Dive Boat
Topography
The island is hilly, best described as a “small Jamaica”
with elevations as much as 1600 ft. providing wonderful vistas
and a variety of wooded and “rain forest” habitats.
Language
English is the language of the island, with all the Bay Islands
being a British Crown Colony until 1860 when they ceded to
the nation of Honduras. Being, now part of Honduras, business
and government are now transacted largely in Spanish, adding
an exotic flair to the island vacation.
Roads & Driving
Paved roads came to Roatan fairly recently, and it is common
to share the roads with horses and cattle, as well as the
automobile and moped, and many streets remain unpaved and
very “friendly” to the bare feet.
Airport
A modern airport is located near the town of Coxen Hole, a
short cab ride from the tourist town of West End, and the
Lands End Resort. Direct, jetliner flights from Miami, Houston,
Toronto and Atlanta as well as charters from Europe make Roatan
one of the most easily assessable destinations in the Caribbean.
As a matter of fact, from the Atlanta and Miami airports,
you can be in Roatan quicker then you can be in either Orlando
or Key West.
Money
The “legal tender” of the island is the Lempira,
which varies in value, but is roughly 20 Lempira to the USA
dollar. Dollars, however, as well as Travelers Checks are
readily accepted, and credit cards are becoming more so, though
it is always wise to ask.
Shopping
You will find great bargains in food, entertainment, and shopping
in the quaint West End Village as well as the “metropolitan
areas” of Coxen Hole and French Harbor.
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