About Roatan
Roatan is a tropical island in the Caribbean Sea, about 33 miles off the coast of the Honduran mainland. The island is narrow, about 32 miles long and ranges about 3-5 miles wide. Roatan has a gentle mountain ridge rising from the sea. Lush green vegetation covers the island and sandy beaches are plentiful. The island is a home to iguanas, parrots, and monkeys. Flowers bloom all year.
The island is surrounded by a coral reef, well known to divers from around the world. While the crystal clear blue and green waters can not be fully described with words, the beauty does not stop at the surface. Underneath the surface, the sea seems almost to be another world. Yellow, blue, green, orange, and purple fish dart in and out of the colorful coral. Star fish lie in the seaweed and lobsters lurk in crevices. Sea turtles, whales, and dolphins swim in the waters surrounding Roatan. Several shipwrecks around the island add to the intrigue.
Roatan was once the home to Paya Indians. They left behind pottery which is still sometimes unearthed on Roatan. Later in Roatan's history, settlers of European descent arrived. Pirates found Roatan to be an outlaws' haven. Some made Roatan their headquarters and plundered Spanish gold ships that sailed through the Caribbean on their way to Spain. There are still stories told on the island about treasures that were buried but never retrieved.
African slaves were once abandoned on the island. Many of their descendants live on Roatan today. The Garifuna, a people of mixed African and Carib Indians descent, established a village long ago. The village is now known as Punta Gorda and the Garifuna language is still spoken there by part of the population.
Roatan is no longer a sleepy little island inhabited by only a few, but a bustling and rapidly growing tourist attraction. Real estate and construction have become major contributors to Roatan's economy. Fishing and seafood processing are also a large part of the Roatan's economy. Many are employed as taxi drivers, tour guides, cooks, teachers, and merchants. Many Americans and Europeans have found Roatan to be an ideal place for a retirement or vacation home.
Roatan has become a popular tourist and honeymoon destination. It offers a change of scenery and escape from the winter weather of other countries. Swimmers enjoy the sea year around. Scuba divers enjoy numerous dive sites around the reef. Others want to simply enjoy the sunshine and breezes of a tropical island.
With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning beauty, Roatan is inviting. Hammocks are strung on patios overlooking sea views. Tropical breezes add to the tranquility. Although you probably won't find pirates on Roatan today, there are still many other adventures to be found, from seaplane touring to horseback riding and zip-line riding.