Roatan, Honduras
Roatan, located near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the Caribbean Sea’s largest barrier reef, has become a prominent cruise ship, scuba diving, and eco-tourism destination in Honduras. Tourism is the island’s most important economic sector, but fishing is also a significant source of revenue for its residents. Roatan is around 40 miles from La Ceiba, Honduras. Visitors from cruise ships must venture outside of the port area to enjoy true Roatan. Consider arranging an excursion to make the most of your visit.
Roatan Things to Do
Roatan has white sand beaches, tropical resorts, and even a world-class designer golf course, The Black Pearl. The island is built on an exposed old coral reef that rises around 890 feet above sea level. This offers calm, clear beaches for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a diverse range of water life. Almost every hotel, vacation rental, resort, and other lodging is within walking distance of the beaches, and Roatan’s many good diving operators ensure easy access.
Coxen Hole
Coxen Hole is Roatan’s main town and cruise port. The cruise ship port at Port of Roatan is known as “Town Center” since it is located in the town center of Coxen Hole. Roatan is the port of call for Norwegian, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean cruise ships visiting Honduras. The modest but complete terminal provides travelers with a wide range of possibilities for purchasing local souvenirs, presents, food, beverages, or world-class cigars that are rolled right in front of them.
Scuba Diving
Roatan is known around the world for its scuba diving. There are many diverse areas of the island as well as private cays which offer something for everyone. The reef surrounding the island attracts beautiful tropical fish and snorkelers alike. Dive attractions include sea walls, shipwrecks, a submerged airplane, and night diving. Sea turtles, dolphins, and whales swim in the waters of Roatan.
Anthony’s Key Resort
This is the one of the largest and longest standing resorts in the Bay Islands. Fifty-six bungalows accommodate over 100 divers at its maximum occupancy rate. The resort offers a fleet of dive boats, a large swimming pool, and an open air restaurant so you can take advantage of the surrounding crystal clear Caribbean waters.
Cocoview Dive Resort
Cocoview is located on the calmer, South Side of Roatan. The rooms, hotel, and restaurant are steps away from each other. The dive operation is top notch and is run in conjunction with Dockside Divers the onsite dive shop.
Fantasy Island Resort
Fantasy Island is situated on a 21-acre private island on Roatan’s south side, which is connected to the main island via a wooden bridge. The resort offers a pool, tennis courts, numerous water sports, two restaurants, two bars, live entertainment, a gift store, and an excellent dive operation. The 109 rooms are not all occupied by divers, and the dive shop serves both day trippers and onsite guests.