About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. Take a boat a few minutes from the shore and see dozens of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral in a rainbow of colors, and more underwater wonders. But some retirees enjoy living here and frequent their own hangouts. Roatn, the largest of the Bay Islands, is encircled by the Mesoamerican Reef, a vibrant, diverse marine ecosystem with around 65 coral species and more than 500 types of fish. The local Rotary Club holds their weekly meetings on-site. But the property prices on the Virgin Islands were already excessive. Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. Some had come to be certified to scuba dive and never left. Swimming down vertical reef walls and through coral canyons, we spotted green moray eels, nurse sharks, toadfish, puffer fish, schools of blue chromis and invasive lionfish. 01:00. Then we added a second dog, a rescue. They value their privacy and enjoy living on remote bays or bight. However, the company Standard Fruit was destroyed due to a hurricane in 1877. Trip Advisors list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. While no separate safety or crime statistics are kept for Roatan, an abundance of evidence strongly suggests that Roatan is a world apart from its mainland connection to Honduras. It is, in fact, much safer than mainland Honduras and feels infinitely safer than the U.S., if for no other reason than the total absence of a gun culture. I did find two tickets on one site for about $550 but the routing was painful. What if I tested positive and fell ill? Three months became three years. We were both boosted and tested negative each of the three days before our flight. Local resorts and dive centers normally offer introductory lessons and the prices are hard to beat. The port became operational in late 2008 and it is located in the Town Center of Coxen Hole, the capital of Roatan, or what locals call el pueblo (the town). Port of Roatan is home to the Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships visiting Honduras. Port Expansion Sea Life Encounter Wild Life Encounter Lazy River & More Expect to pay U.S. prices for staples at the grocery store. 10 Things to Do in Roatan, Honduras The Reef House, awash in charm and hospitality, is on the quieter eastern side of the island. Unlike most Port Royal properties, we also have road access. So after that first trip, in the 1980s, I began researching more affordable alternatives. Roatan's call to fame is its coral reef. The culture of the people of The Bay Islands (historically known as Bay people) can trace its origins to the English slaves. There are countless events, and we receive more invitations to outings than we can accept. The pandemic laid bare the relationship that many destinations around the world have with tourists. The Roatan Marine Park and the surrounding area known as the Bay Islands Marine Park (Parque National Marino de las Islas de la Bahia "PNMIB"), is comprised of 12 nautical miles around these islands. The island used to export banana and coconut. Its relatively easy to purchase property. The local people in Roatan, Honduras, are made up of a unique blend of cultures from different ethnic backgrounds, but the largest population of locals are of Indian and Spanish decent. And while Spanish is the national language in Honduras, many locals also speak good English and some are even predominantly English speaking, which makes communicating in Roatan easy for North American expats. Also, top quality fresh fruits and vegetables (at least what isnt growing on your property), though cheap at local markets, are more difficult to come by. Night dives were new to me: The inky darkness was exhilarating, mysterious, alive and more than a little frightening. Theres always something going on here. Picture white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, surrounded by a sea of azure, impossibly clear water. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. Expect to see parrotfish, rays, sharks, lobster, tangs, puffers, jacks, eels, conch, damselfish, just to name a few species. Luxury homes and condos run $400,000 and up. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Some expats enjoy their beach time, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. For the surgery, one night in the hospital, prescription drugs, and accommodation and meals for 12 days while I recovered, the total cost was $5,000. Tourism started on the island when the scuba community and the hardy found the Bay Islands archipelago in the 1970s. So, we took to the water. Homestwo or three bedroomswith views or close to the beach will run you $1,000 and up. 1. Roatan has a tropical climate. As the sun set, four of us had waded into the dark waters that lay only yards from the Reef House Resort, and swam down the side of a steep underwater cliff, holding flashlights to illuminate trumpet fish, lobsters, brain coral, sea fans and the other marine life that call this part of the nearly 700-mile Mesoamerican Reef home. The first property was tucked in behind some mangroves and was hot, still, and buggy. Roatan has two main seasons. We explored the neighboring islands of Utila and Guanaja. Now, with the reflection gained from the pandemic travel lull, we have a chance, perhaps an obligation, to rethink our own relationships with the places we visit and rebuild them stronger. If you are visiting Roatan from mainland Honduras, you can opt to take the Galaxy Wave ferry with two daily trips between La Cieba and Roatan. An annual fishing tournament coincides with Honduran Independence Day on Sept 15th. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. For expats who want convenience, everything is within easy reach here. It had 141 feet of clean, sandy beach, and an artesian well with a cistern. They come and go from town in their boats. We needed deep water for our boat and preferably a dock. Symbiotic relationships are common in the natural world. But the lower cost of living is seen in your everyday expenses, too. Cayos Cochinos is a small archipelago of Honduran islands close to the mainland near La Ceiba, comprised of two main islands, Cayo Grande and Cayo Menor, plus 13 smaller coral keys. Its totally off the grid, she warned. Daily lunch specials, which often include empanadas and fried lobster bites, are listed on the whiteboard. The cost of living is low. We had become part of a large and thriving community of expats. Nearby West Bay, reached by road or water taxi for $5 from West End, is more of an active beach, the water lined with eateries, souvenir shops, hotels, and small resorts. Next, a trip along the famous Rio Dulce in Guatemala, another dream of ours, came true. Roatn Retirement Information Boats to Roatan leave from the mainland city of La Ceiba. Half Moon Bay, is calm and quiet. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. Its a haven for scuba divers, with sections of the Meso-American Reef, which is the worlds second largest, just offshore (it surrounds much of the island). For about $110, most dive centers offer some type of introductory class. Women lead these types of economic activity and were mainly engaged in planting rice and cassava. I cannot seem to find it based on the names listed. Explore the scenic fishing villages of Jonesville and Oak Ridge. Over time, Caymanians became the largest demographic on Roatan, and they shaped the culture of the island. Fishing is also a cultural-economic practice of the Garifuna in the Bay islands. The initiative has treated 3,000 corals so far its a small number when you think about the reef itself, Ms. Ochoa warned and the treatment, she said, has been found pretty effective, 60 to 70 percent, for some species. She tries to be optimistic. And although it is a marine park, the following chapter will include socioeconomic characteristics of the populations that inhabit the islands and that interact directly with this protected area. So, instead of banning visitors outright to environmentally sensitive places, said Mr. Drysdale of Healthy Reefs, a portion of travel revenue could be devoted to reducing their impact, such as modernizing wastewater treatment plants or improving plastic recycling. John worked as an automobile and marine mechanic. Its a vibrant, diverse marine ecosystem, with around 65 coral species, more than 500 types of fish and almost countless other examples of marine life like sea turtles and sponges. Work-related injuries earned him a workers compensation pension, enabling him to retire at an early age. Treat yourself and your family to the thrill of a lifetime while getting a birds eye view of the island from 60-feet up in the jungle canopy. But we fell in love with the second property immediately. They practice a Christian-evangelical religion and self-identify with the Anglo-American culture of the Caribbean contemporary. And full-time residents appreciate the rain and understand its importance. Grocery stores and specialty markets carry imported goodsmust-haves from home, albeit with a markup. 00:00. Sandals and shorts are the uniformseven for nice dinners out. But these rains are usually scattered showers. And if youre a boater, you even have the option of getting a boat-access only home for under $200,000. They call themselves this because of their origin and intercultural adaptation. You would be on your own up there. For the chance to live in a Caribbean paradise, expats take the good with the bad. Beachfront condosone- and two-bedroomscan be found for under $200,000, while hilltop homes with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-covered hills and Caribbean start from $150,000. Stretch out under a shady palapa or enjoy a meal at Lionfish Louies, the on-site restaurant, one of the best places to sample delicious lionfish. Roatan and the surrounding Bay Islands where contest grounds for battles between the British and the Spanish crowns. Roatan or Bay Islands if needed. The questions were endless and the judgment unspoken, spoken and internal brutal. WebWhere is Roatan? If you fish, youll be in heaven. Its diving that first brought the worlds attention to Roatn decades ago. Cost of Living in Roatn For the early part of the pandemic, the local population was under strict curfew. Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. Consider beachfront lots in established developments for under $100,000. Follow Me on Social MediaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/SoldbyLaurenHughes/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenhughesrealtorandinvestor/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenschneidewind/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenhughesrealtorWebsite https://www.luxurycoloradolifestyle.com/ Check out more videos you may like: Buying A House In Roatan Honduras - Due Diligencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPnw4yhHFi4 Buying a home in Roatan Honduras - Extended Versionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w41zwIMZ1U8 Living in Roatan Honduras: The FAQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaFds69rf-o Roatan Healthcare: My Healthcare Experience in Roatan Hondurashttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qok8wEpFbug Builder Contracts, What To Watch Out Forhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmCWjXvPYjQ*** ANTI-PIRACY WARNING ***This content is Copyright to \"Lauren Hughes Realtor and Investor\". Some might have one little beach restaurant. Youll find a good selection of rental homes and condos priced from $1,000 to $1,500a month in most areas of the island. Gentle, well-trained horses and knowledgeable and dedicated guides make this a safe and enjoyable activity for all ages and experience levels. Roatan is under constant public and political pressure to invest and grow its infrastructure. One of the biggest perks for retirees and other expats from North America is the fact that as an English protectorate, English is widely spoken, even as mainland Hondurans come for work and bring their native tongue. Expats on Roatn also give back. These islands Go inland and you pay closer to $50,000, or less. Two winters in the beautiful Bahamas followed. You will start out on the dock with a briefing about the gear, safety rules, and underwater behavior (some instructors/schools will use a pool). The resident parrot at Reef House is named Polly. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. WebHonduras Travel Requirements | Anthony's Key Resort | Roatan Honduras Travel Requirements March 26, 2023 Update When traveling to Honduras, it is mandatory to Roatan, the largest and most well-known of the Honduras Bay Islands, has often been referred to as the best-kept secret of the Caribbean. Re: entry requirements. Most of this work was done online, while sitting on Diamond Lil, rocking with the motion of the water below me. Many of the family names on Roatan are similar or the same as the last names of families living on the Cayman Islands. This makes Roatan perfect for Scuba Diving and also many other water sports. Davey laughed and said no problem, he simply wanted to make sure we were all right. The record is also clear that Europeans traveled to Roatan and enslaved many of the locals. By contrast, hotel employees, beach vendors, many taxi drivers, tour guides, restaurant personnel, and young middle or upper-class residents are bilingual. A mirage of buccaneers and pirates found refuge in Roatan natural and well-protected harbors. Medical care is good and affordable. It seemed too good to be true. How to Get to Roatn Only the Great Barrier Reef is larger in scope and size that is the reef in the waters around Roatan Island. Baha - Bay Islands Municipio que visita Destination City. "The Garfuna Community also known as the black Caribs and Garinagu, originated in San Vicente soon after the conquest of Central America, South America and the Lesser Antilles. In March 2020, the Bay Islands abruptly shut to cruise ships and both international and domestic flights for more than six months (leaving some travelers stranded). https://www.facebook.com/groups/roatantravel/files The reef system around Roatan has all three types of coral reefs and in it live countless marine creatures as it is comprised of many marine ecosystems. This covers the applicant and a spouse as a dependent. But the Caribbean Sea is my all-time favorite. It's a long and narrow island. Some also visit the area of French Harbour. The history of Roatan is filled with stories of colonizing, enslavement, liberating, and ultimately settlements. Waiting out the long winters in Ontario, Canada for the too-short boating season each year, had my husband, John, and me dreaming of heading south. Enjoy some of the tours to the nearby islands of Santa Helena and Morat. The Central American country of Honduras is more than just a Central American state. You are taught all this time to not touch corals, thats the golden rule, and now we say not only touch it, but use this syringe, Ms. Ochoa said. GoFundMe campaigns as well as soup kitchens and food pantries were created to help residents. Roatan is located in between Utila and Guanaja Islands. With its beautiful beach, cozy cafs, fun beach bars, and gorgeous homes perched on panoramic hills, the West Bay is perfect for expats who can afford a chic beach lifestyle. First identified on the Mesoamerican Reef in Mexico in 2018, the disease its cause is unknown has slowly spread along the reef to the Bay Islands. Fishing charters with experienced guides, including the use of professional rods, reels, and tackle, are available on all parts of the island. The British briefly claimed the Bay Islands as their own in 1850 but ultimately ceded the territory to Honduras in the 1860s. Enjoy miles of the sandy, white beach after your ride, with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking available. Go to the middle of the island and you have larger towns like French Harbour and Coxen Hole. Dive sites are situated on every part of the island, with each one offering a unique experience. More than half of the population lives in poverty and per The Honduras Bay Islands, a fellow boater said. There are plenty of activities on the island, as well as many good restaurants, bars and cafs. This is an island where its best to have a car to get around. Night dives are available for those who wish to observe nocturnal marine life when it is most active. If, like me, you find the Caribbean Seas aquamarine hues and vibrant sea life irresistible, this article was written with you in mind. If you want to try before you buy, two-bedroom homes and condos, walk to the beach or in beachfront communities, are generally $1,000 a month and up. The entire East Side of the island is spread out and remote as compared to the West End. foto de archivo y descubre imgenes similares en Adobe Stock. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. Lets start with housing. The retirees and other expats who have made it their home (joining the 80,000 or so Hondurans and native islanders there too) have found a great quality of life, with a low cost of living, warm weather year-round, that classic island vibe, and tropical atmosphere, great restaurants, white-sand beaches, modern conveniences like high-speed internet, and, with the opening of a new hospital, good quality medical care. The municipality of Santos Guardiola encompasses everything on the East End, which is understood to be everything east of First Bight, which is home to the Parrot Tree Plantation. The national currency (The Lempira) gets its name from the Lenca warrior, Lempira, who lead the resistance against foreign colonization efforts in the 1530s. And the good far outweighs any inconveniences in Roatn. The weather is delightful, and the Honduran people are warm and inviting. Most of the established families and residents of today came later through a strong migration from the Cayman Islands. Try your luck catching the saltwater grand slam species bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Currently, Roatan exports certain seafood such as lobster, shrimp, red snapper, etc. Roatan has become extremely popular as a dive destination and the small airport at Coxen Hole services thousands of passengers each week. It delivered. Travelers and especially divers can take advantage of the rainy season to score for some lower rates in hotels and Airbnb rentals. If you are like most and want to continue into the open water certification phase, that usually takes an additional two days and costs about $400 dollars. Heres an example of a monthly budget for a couple living on Roatn: In International Livings March issue, Roatan was named as one of the best islands to retire to in 2015. As a travel editor, the virus and its impact on travel has been on the forefront of my mind for nearly two years, and now in late December, half of the Greater New York area seemed to be sick from Omicron and the other half awaiting test results. And there are plenty of dinners out, sailboat trips, parties, and other get-togethers. The Rainy Season and the Dry Season. John and I were sitting on the little bench outside BJs Backyard one Friday afternoon. Even the names of local flora and fauna reflect this heritage. That said, the dollar is widely accepted. Part of the country of Honduras, Roatnwhich is 30 miles offshoreis worlds away from the mainland. The farther you go east, theres less development. After the Bay Islands become part of Honduras, the population on Roatan continued to grow. You can get fresh off the boat fish (snapper, tuna, and mahi-mahi, for example) and lobster for a fraction of what youd pay in the U.S. or Canada. Local restaurants offer delicious and filling meals for around $6 a plate. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. Any unauthorized reproduction, redistribution or re-upload is strictly prohibited of this material. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. Many expats here live in condos close to the water or up on the hill, with spectacular views, which come with hefty price tag. It is important to note that locals gain the upper hand when you pay in Dollars because they don't normally offer the official exchange rate. A large percentage of expats settle in the northwest villages of West Bay and West End and other northern beach communities. WebLiving in Roatan PROS. Video: Roatan, An Affordable Caribbean Paradise You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is world-renowned. During these months, cruise ships come on five or six times each week. Here you have mostly seaside villages. Migration has been a constant factor all throughout the history of the peoples of The Bay Islands. On the worlds coral reefs, parrotfish feed on algae, keeping the plants in check, allowing corals to grow (mutualistic is the term biologists use), while those remora fish prefer to hitch a ride on sharks, not snorkelers (thats a commensalistic relationship). This is an excellent week to visit the island. Roatan receives rain, on the average, on 112 days of each year. But on our first morning we hit the water again, paddling one of the resorts two-person kayaks a few miles down the shore, checking out the beaches and waterfront restaurants and boisterous vacationers. It can take an hour or more to clear processing so bring plenty of patience with you. Also because of limited housing stock, it can be hard to find a rental, especially during the high season. There are also the mestizo Indians native to the island and the mainland. Verdant jungle-covered mountains and rolling hills rise from the spine of the island. The west side of the island, including communities like West End and West Bay, is the most developed and most frequented by tourists. WebThe island of St. Helena has been described as a virtual extension of Roatn, [7] since it is separated only by a long stretch of mangrove swamp. For the past 14 years, this nonprofit has brought together the governments of Honduras, Belize, Mexico and Guatemala, along with 80 partner organizations, to analyze the health of the Mesoamerican Reef. It has been for sale for years. With temperatures ranging from about 75 F in the winter months and climbing into the low 90s F in the heat of the summer, your need for clothing is minimal. Roatan Islanders speak a Creole English. Twice-monthly access to food stores. Cruise ship passenger numbers were even lower: Dropping from 1.4 million in all of 2019 to 180,000 from July to November 2021. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The water is warm and crystal-clear without dangerous currents to complicate things. Tourism and business possibilities are also attractions for prospective expats from all over the world. Dreams do come true, however. Qualified guides ensure your safety as you zip from one platform to another. After lunch, explore the island, meet the locals, and observe a Garifuna dance to African drums. Aaren spotted the differences first (he is a marine biologist, of course he did). Located along the longest coral reef in the western hemisphere, Roatan is best known for scuba diving. Watching sunset with a cold beer in hand and surrounded by friends old and new is practically mandatory. Roatan is arguably the most diverse community in Honduras. But some corals are more susceptible than others, and some of these will be lost.. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. The Afro-English ethnic group was established in the Bay Islands at the end of the colonial period. The beach at Xbalanque offered Instagram views of ocean sunsets, and, I imagine, many guests never leave its pool and landscaped grounds. We paid $130,000 for the property in 2014. The Department of Bay Islands is composed of three islands (Guanaja, Utila, & Roatan) and several cays and islets. When talking about Roatn, its important to understand the different lifestyles and characteristics of each section, as it changes along its 48 miles of length (its five miles across at its widest). Roatan is located in between Utila and Guanaja Islands. Snapper, wahoo, tuna, and more are abundant in these waters. One morning, as I sipped coffee there feet dipped in the water a troop of white-faced capuchin monkeys fed in the trees.