Roatan, Bay of Islands, Honduras – Caribbean, scuba diving, accommodation, snorkeling

Located about 65 kilometers off the Northern Coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands group consists of 3 main Islands (Roatan, Guanaja, and Utila), 3 smaller islands (Barbareta, Morat, and Helene), and 65 smaller cays. Between these islands and the mainland are the Cayos Cocinos (Hog Islands).

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. Their civilization was characterized by simpler housing and tools. 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."

The island Indians mined jade which they took in small boats to the mainland to trade for tools, and other items. The islands provided an abundant variety of foodstuffs such as manioc, fish, corn, turtles, iguanas, agouti (island "rabbits"), native fruits, land crabs, and deer.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, Europeans discovered these islands. For almost 200 years Spanish conquistadors and British pirates battled for control of these 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 cultural identity and language. Punta Gorda on Roatan is one of many villages where they still make their homes.

The British eventually established control of the Bay Islands, until the early 1960's when control of the Islands was officially returned to Honduras. Roatan has now become a major destination for scuba divers.

Roatan Today

Roatan is fast becoming a major destination for scuba diving and has developed rapidly in the last few years. There are now direct flights with a number of airlines in the United States and hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets. There are many ATM machines around the island, and internet access is readily available. As of 2005 the Roatan Marine Park has been working to protect this amazing place and largely with the help of local business, dive shops and divers, will continue to do so. Remember to stop by the local marine park office during your stay on Roatan.

Getting to Roatan

Roatan is easily accessible from mainland Honduras, most travelers take the route from Guatemala to mainland Honduras and then make the short hop across to the Bay Islands. The ferry to Roatan leaves from La Ceiba twice a day (10am and 4pm) and costs a mere $25. The crossing now takes only an hour and a half with the introduction of the new fast ferry, although seasickness is not uncommon amongst fellow ferry goers!
If you don't like watching people throw up or just plain in a hurry, flights from La Ceiba airport take little over 15 minutes and cost around $45 with SOSA or TACA airlines. Tickets for these flights can be purchased from the office at the airport before departure and the flights leave on a regular basis between 6.30am and 3.30pm. There are also flights from Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula which cost around the $110 mark and are a common point of entry for travelers following the Central American route.

Once you reach the airport or the ferry port your best bet is getting a taxi directly to West End. Unfortunately you are going to be subjected to tourist prices, like most ports and airports and the 10 minute journey from Coxen Hole will cost around $15. If you're feeling like a challenge you can walk out of the airport and try and flag a cab or collectivo on the road which will be cheaper but most of the time the effort outweighs the benefit, especially in the Caribbean heat!

West End has many options for budget accommodation, we have listed some of the popular hostels.

Valerie's - one of the original backpacker places in the West End. Unfortunately it has not been improved for a long time and although is probably your cheapest option, it is definitely a case of ‘you get what you pay for’! If you want to save money and just need a bed, this is the place to go; beds start from $5 for a dorm.

Chilies Hostel – clean, budget accommodation starting from $18 per room.

Dolphin Motel - kind of dingy $25 hotel rooms. No kitchen.

Sea Breeze Inn - If you're with a group of three or four a really good deal. High quality units with hot water, cable TV and optional air conditioning. Sizes range from studios to one bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities and start at $25 per room. We offer accommodation and dive packages with Seabreeze Inn.

Posada Arca Iris – clean, private rooms with refrigerators, hot water, balconies and fans. Prices start form $30 for a single room.

Casa Calico – good quality accommodation with hot water, balconies with some units having sea views and kitchen facilities. They also offer free use of their kayaks and wireless internet. Prices start at approx. $25 per person based on two sharing.

Milka's Place – a place run by a nice, Spanish speaking family. Hostel style place with two rooms sharing a small kitchen/dining area and a bathroom. Good situation just set back from the main road in West End. This is a good budget option with prices starting from $15 for a double room with two double beds.

Mariposa Lodge – set just behind Milka's, this is more upscale place with rooms arranged by a well-kept kitchen/dining area. Prices start at around $26 for a double room.

Georphis Hideaway - Private Cabins and dorm style housing. Rooms and cabins range from $15 to $45 per night.

Tina's backpacker Hostel - A new hostel in West End, rooms range from $10 to $30 per night. Has kitchen facilities.

West End Inn - Also know as the Pink Palace, a three story hotel with rooms that sleep 2 to 6 people. The rooms come with cable TV, air conditioning and hot water. A good deal if you are with a large group.

There are a few Internet shops in the West End and its best to shop for the best offer as prices can be as much as $8 per hour. Barefoot Charlie’s opposite Fosters Bar has a good deal on prepaid unlimited accounts which you can purchase to last as little as a week or up to one month. Paradise Computers has hourly rates and pre paid cards as well as cell phones and computers.

West End has three cash points within a couple of minutes walk of each other; one at the Dolphin Hotel, one at the shark cave and one outside Coconut Tree. These ATM's work intermittently and it is never a guarantee that you will be able to get money out so plan in advance; if you see it working grab the chance to use it! Coxen Hole has more reliable ATM's and a bank where you can exchange travelers’ cheques although some of the shops in West End will also do this for you if they have enough cash available.