Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Lempira
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Population:
Shopping: Visitors to Roatan will find the major
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Roatan Honduras: The climate is tropical with a rainy season from mid-October to late November. Trade winds normally mitigate the sensation of heat or humidity and has an average temperature of approximately 80°F/27°C degrees year round.
The summer months are warmer with highs of 88°F/31°C during the day and around 76°F/24°C degrees at night with little rain. The winter months November through January has more rain and averages 12 degrees cooler.
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Port: Coxen Hole
Cruise ships dock at Port Royal, also known as Coxen's Hole. Taxis will be waiting to take you to your destination in Roatan.Your best transportation option while in Roatan is to rent a car. There are several car rental agencies on the island, but your best bet is Sandy Bay Rent-a-Car (tel. 504/445-171). You can rent four-wheel drive vehicles from Sandy's, as well. Water taxis are prevalent in Roatan, shuttling tourists from the West End to West Bay throughout the day and night.
Roatan is the largest of the 8 Bay Islands that are situated approximately 40 miles off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. Roatan is 40 miles long and 4 miles wide. Roatan is an undiscovered paradise that lies in the heart of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This is the second largest reef in the world, where you'll find untouched corals, sponges and a variety of other marine life. There are three main islands, Utila, Roatán and Guananja. The traditional industry of Roatan is fishing, consisting mainly of shellfish. However tourism is now a major source of the islands income. Columbus anchored here on Roatan upon his fourth voyage in 1502. During the 18th century the islands were bases for English, French, and Dutch buccaneers. The islands were finally that of the Hondurans in 1859 after being in British hands for so long. These islands are beautiful and make for a nice port of call.
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Attractions |
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There are a number of splendid outdoor museums on the island, and one of the best is the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences. Multiple hands-on learning facilities make this scientific complex fascinating. Sherman Arch's Iguana Farm and The Bird Park are two more great outdoor adventures, and believe me; you will be disappointed if you forget to bring your camera with you to the Iguana Farm! Several of the restaurants on the island are spectacular, and there are quite a few enjoyable clusters of shops and boutiques.
Sherman Arch's Iguana Farm
is one of the best-hidden treasures on Roatan. It is located along the main paved street in French Key, and when you are traveling west, it is directly past the French Harbor. Here you will get the unique opportunity to see over 2,700 live iguanas in a natural habitat. Sherman started his farm over eighteen years ago, and his efforts have helped keep the Roatan Iguana off the endangered species list.
Museum of Roatán:
This museum presents the history of the Bay Islands. Located at Anthony's Key Resort.
Roatán Institute of Marine Sciences:
A protected marine habitat located at Anthony's Key Resort. Here you can also find the Dolphin Encounters along with interesting lectures.
Tropical Treasure Bird Park:
A bird park located beach side with an impressive collection of parrots.
Carambola Gardens:
A botanical reserve with widning trails through the tropical forest.
Shopping:
Visitors to Roatan will find the majority of shopping at Coxen Hole, the West End, Punta Gorda & French Harbor
The Bird Park
in Sandy Bay (504/445-1314) is an enchanting forest full of exotic birds. For all you ornithologists in the crowd, pay particular notice to this outstanding destination if you are on Roatan. You can take a guided tour of the park or travel around on your own, and by listening to what the docents have to say you can really learn a lot.
Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences
is an extraordinary hands-on museum located by the Sandy Bay Marine Reserve (504/445-1327). It is a scenic area with numerous marine habitats to explore and study. The accompanying Museum of Roatan is a splendid establishment that traces the history and heritage of this fantastic island, and there are a number of exhibits that will keep you busy for hours.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.roatan.com/
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