And if youre a boater, you even have the option of getting a boat-access only home for under $200,000. Theres always something going on here. In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. But there are many residents who have moved from the mainland who do not speak English. This popular day trip, offered by several tour companies, will immerse you in the lifestyle of the Garifuna, the original settlers on the island of Roatan. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is only second in size to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Aaren spotted the differences first (he is a marine biologist, of course he did). Part of the country of Honduras, Roatnwhich is 30 miles offshoreis worlds away from the mainland. Home prices start around $250,000. We didnt stick around long. !Share this video with your friends..! We brought our own scuba regulators and other gear, and planned to spend our time outside, mainly with each other, or underwater. Roatan is part of a cluster of island archipelagos situated ten to forty miles off the northern coast of Honduras. Enjoy the tournament and take in the land-based activities in the charming seaside town of West End. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. The beach is free and chairs are available to rent. The Port of Roatan opened in 2007 and it partially owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Both Miami and Houston offer direct flights with several carriers but most flights have one stop before landing at Coxen Hole airport on Roatan. Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. No visiting the beach. At the time Ambergris Caye was a little-known island and it was affordable. -LaurenLike the video..! Save. Everywhere on Roatn runs on island time. Great food. Women lead these types of economic activity and were mainly engaged in planting rice and cassava. After the Colonial period, the process of settlement and settlement in the Bay Islands is marked by the arrival of diverse cultures, that to date, make up a cultural mosaic that characterizes the towns as being multiethnic, multilingual and multicultural. There are days in which Roatan experiences the arrival of four ships on the same day. Cristiana assisted us with our residence application, for which she charged us $2,750. There is another one, farther up in Port Royal, across from Fort Morgan Cay. The Reef House, awash in charm and hospitality, is on the quieter eastern side of the island. But neither Aaren nor I had underlying conditions. All we had to do was feed the owners two dogs and watch the property while he was away. They practice a Christian-evangelical religion and self-identify with the Anglo-American culture of the Caribbean contemporary. I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. Sample the wide variety of local dishes while chilling to the island vibes. Fishing was the main industry for many years on Roatan. I was less keen on spending time tied to a dock than he was. It has been for sale for years. 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. Take a day tour to Cayos Cochinos. Roatan offers an amazing international vide and its readily seen during large gatherings in places like West End, Punta Gorda, and West Bay. 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. Roatan Island has two municipalities. Roatan has an east-west orientation, and its northern and southern coastlines are both visible from several points on the island. There are local places with local fare for much less. The historic record has the Paya Indian living on Roatan and trading with the mainland. The next morning, John and I hopped in our skiff and went for a ride to Port Royal. We are only making a three-month commitment, John assured me as we fastened our lines to the dock at Oak Ridge Point. 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 It was a question we had heard several times during our six-month stay at Marios Marina on the Rio Dulce. 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). Yet both the English and the Spanish influenced the culture, language, and heritage we see on Roatan today. Bed 3 Bath 3 Parking yes for 1 car Sq Ft 1,500 Community Pristine Bay Type Home West End Pristine Bay Palmetto Bay #MyRoatanLife On a Honduran island, a community effort grows to protect its Honduras maintains an embassy in the United States at 1250 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036 (tel. After a day of diving, the 20-year-olds hit the bars, cafs, and discos, looking for evening diversions. Because of these raids, Spanish ships retaliated in 1650 and destroyed most of the Port Royal settlement. 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. Roatan is a world-class SCUBA and snorkeling destination. They were the planners, those who carefully studied various Caribbean retirement options and settled on Roatn. Its relaxed and casual. Sometimes, three airliners arrive, one after another, and the small customs and immigration processing area become backlogged. After the Bay Islands become part of Honduras, the population on Roatan continued to grow. Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. 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. And if you see a friend or neighbor out and aboutyoull always stop to chat. Above all, there is a great sense of community here. The underwater scene still delighted when I was in the water, two tuna swam by, a suspicious barracuda checked me out, three remora, sometimes known as suckerfish, may have wanted to stick their heads on my head and that sea turtle grazing on sea grass will never be forgotten but it was clear, even to a nonexpert, that there were fewer fish, fewer corals, less life. Annual temperatures average out at 86F. Although the West End runs along the sea its beach cant compare to that of the West Bay. 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. 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. Unfortunately, Roatan's infrastructure isn't able to sustain this many visitors sustainably. Roatn Retirement Information We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Our dive master, David, skewered many of the last in front of us to our horrified delight. Web187 reviews. Watching sunset with a cold beer in hand and surrounded by friends old and new is practically mandatory. The weather is delightful, and the Honduran people are warm and inviting. 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. We visited in 1999 and could afford to buy there at that time. 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\". Specialists are located on the mainland of Honduras, so we travel by plane or ferry. By the year 1788, it is reported that the English had completely left Roatan yet again. The Iron Shore is a fossilized coral reef rocky shoreline found on the water's edge at various points along Roatan's coastline. 01:00. Soon after, the British removed approximately 5,000 of their now defeated enemies and sent them to Roatan. We passed on kite-surfing and a ride on a glass-bottom boat, but gaped at black iguanas in the coral cliffs at the islands far western edge and the sailboats anchored offshore (One came from Denver. Boats to Roatan leave from the mainland city of La Ceiba. 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). Provisions purchased down island are dragged along the dock and stowed aboard vessels. Meanwhile, warming waters brought on by climate change are leading to coral bleaching. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. Homes on the water, built to North American standards, can be had from $200,000. Roatan has about 80,000 residents. So after that first trip, in the 1980s, I began researching more affordable alternatives. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. The Central American country of Honduras is more than just a Central American state. You will usually board a small boat for the ride to the nearby reef where you will follow an anchored line up and down a few times, getting more comfortable. Roatan is located in between Utila and Guanaja Islands. After several months on the move, John showed me an advertisement in the Chisme Vindicator, a Rio Dulce website that we followed. So, we took to the water. Honduras International Travel Information - United States thanks. If youre a fisherman or diveror just like to get out on the water, you are in luck as oceanfront lots can be had for $100,000. We had grown roots, too. Still more, there are many residents from various Latin American countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Nicaragua to mention just a few. I worked in the web printing industry and was laid off from Transcontinental Printing when my plant closed in 2004. In high season, during the North American winter, it hosts multiple cruise ships each day. Fishing charters with experienced guides, including the use of professional rods, reels, and tackle, are available on all parts of the island. You can even snorkel from right off the beach in some spots, including the famed West Bay beach. Where is the Island of Roatn We took turns kayaking and snorkeling back to the hotel beach. It fueled its economy almost exclusively in the early days. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. The Afro-English ethnic group was established in the Bay Islands at the end of the colonial period. Basically, this island runs on tourism.. We planned and built our dream retirement home, using various ecologically sound methods. You can also work with local school kids doing sports activities or teaching English. Those seeking permanent residency must make an application according to Honduran regulations. During these months, cruise ships come on five or six times each week. Only the Great Barrier Reef is larger in scope and size that is the reef in the waters around Roatan Island. It was a smooth process. The inlets and bays on the southern shore of the island that once attracted European pirates and loggers now attract scuba divers, drawn by the reef just offshore. Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, a topical application of marine epoxy and antibiotics, words from the famed ecologist Baba Dioum. State and City for immigration form? - Roatan Forum - Tripadvisor The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. If, like me, you find the Caribbean Seas aquamarine hues and vibrant sea life irresistible, this article was written with you in mind. Schools of large fish darted through crystal-clear water. Roatn has yet to see tourist numbers bounce back, with flight arrivals between January and September 2021 numbering around 270,000, around two-thirds of that reported for all of 2019, according to the Honduran Institute of Tourism. But this island, 48 miles long and about five miles at its widest, off mainland Honduras, is also a great place to live long-term. We also needed enough property for our horse to graze on, with access to riding trails. Renting or buying a home in such a beautiful location in Roatn is a fraction of what you pay in North America or other Caribbean islands. By contrast, hotel employees, beach vendors, many taxi drivers, tour guides, restaurant personnel, and young middle or upper-class residents are bilingual. Language is without a doubt an interesting cultural experience and component in Roatan. The colors, textures and shapes of the corals and sea fans ranged from the reds and greens of Christmas to a Southwest landscape of cactus-like corals in shades of sand and lavender. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. We saw some amazing things here, said Mr. Byrne, playing dominoes one afternoon at the quiet Reef House bar, which overlooks the ocean and the house reef below. This migration occurred after the British abolished slavery in 1838. With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. Davey laughed and said no problem, he simply wanted to make sure we were all right. Whether you are chilling on the top-rated Central American beach in West Bay, deep-sea or flats fishing in the calm water of the Bay of Honduras, soaring through the jungle canopy on a zip line, or enjoying local musicians while savoring the delicacies of the sea, Roatan will not disappoint. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. Roatan Rents start at about $500 a month for an apartment or condo within walking distance of the beach. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. Fishing is also a cultural-economic practice of the Garifuna in the Bay islands. But the Caribbean Sea is my all-time favorite. It offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world, and there are many dive shops where you can rent and buy gear. We had become part of a large and thriving community of expats. Currency The official currency in Roatan is the Honduras Lempira which is valued at 1 Local restaurants offer delicious and filling meals for around $6 a plate. Some are virtually deserted. 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. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. Herbys Sports Bar, and Pineapples Restaurant are located on-site, as well as a spa and gym. Its part of the Bay Islands National Marine Park, a marine sanctuary declared by the government of Honduras in 2010 to protect the coast and marine life around the islands. Denver?). Roatn sits along the Mesoamerican Reef, and is home to rich corals and lush mangroves, which face threats from the tourism boom. Travelers and especially divers can take advantage of the rainy season to score for some lower rates in hotels and Airbnb rentals. An international airport, with direct flights every day to multiple destinations in the U.S. and Canada, means getting to and from home (or having visitors come down) is easy. Even the names of local flora and fauna reflect this heritage. Honduras was cited in the State Departments 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with Never were there more than four divers on an outing, excluding our dive master, nor another boat at the mooring. We made our base at the rustic 10-room Reef House, on a cay a brief boat ride from the village of Oakridge, and spent our days eating, diving, sleeping, on repeat. This is an island where its best to have a car to get around. Many dive centers offer the opportunity to become certified while enjoying a diving vacation. Some places, especially the further east (whether on the northern or southern shore) you go, are somewhat isolated and often off-grid. And a specialty market stocks good wine and gourmet meats, cheeses, and more. The Rainy Season and the Dry Season. Grocery stores and specialty markets carry imported goodsmust-haves from home, albeit with a markup. These rentals are usually on the sea, or have a sea view. These islands are a gem in the western Caribbean, and they are surrounded by the largest barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere. It arrived off Roatns West End in October 2020, said Ms. Ochoa, and in Oakridge, in September 2021. Id written a newsletter for a Canadian company for 13 years, so I knew how to write a newsletter for a Roatn real estate company when that job came up. You would be on your own up there. 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 The worlds second-largest reef system lies just offshore and slipping beneath the surface is like immersing yourself into an immense tropical aquarium. 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. The population that inhabits the department of Bay Islands - because of its historical tradition is comprised of a variety of cultures, identities, and livelihoods which characterize these islands. Historically, these islands have been inhabited by diverse ethnic groups with an identity and life that have a close link with the natural environment that surrounds them. Thanks I had replied that I found the answer but it blocked it since it was in all caps. Just look for Isla Looks like the paperwork has to be with WebHealth insurance was one of the tougher items for me to figure out when I decided to move out of the United States and move to Roatan Honduras back in 2009. Its still the principle tourist attraction. The community of Roatn, for better or for worse, relies on its reef, and now certified divers can give back: Researchers have determined that a topical application of marine epoxy and antibiotics can hamper the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease among some species of hard corals. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. The rest of these settled on the mainland of Honduras, in Trujillo. Over time, the Scuba Diving industry and tourism in general have taken the lead of the primary industries on Roatan. Verdant jungle-covered mountains and rolling hills rise from the spine of the island. What if I tested positive and fell ill? A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. Watch the children swim and play in the sea while you savor a cold rum punch or margarita. https://www.facebook.com/groups/roatantravel/files They come and go from town in their boats. There is also a strong Black Carib community knowns as the Garifuna People. If youre renting short term, rates will generally be higher during the high season (December to April). So you wont find bargain prices on these items. 1. Swim to me, called Davey Byrne, a co-owner of the Reef House, our home for three nights over the Christmas holiday. Then, we decided we needed a dog. Expect to see parrotfish, rays, sharks, lobster, tangs, puffers, jacks, eels, conch, damselfish, just to name a few species. This is an excellent week to visit the island. There are also the mestizo Indians native to the island and the mainland. GoFundMe campaigns as well as soup kitchens and food pantries were created to help residents. Each of the villages, towns and developments evoke a different feel and lifestyle. There are no servicesno electricity, no mains water, and no garbage pickup. During our dives in this beautiful ecosystem, the coronavirus and its related worries were finally far from my mind. Its paradise. Prices are costly on the island because most goods must be imported. 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. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. This group changed the cultural and economic course of Roatan as well. Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022. I cannot seem to find it based on the names listed. Word gets around. This island has a small elevated hill at its center, and is characterized by a large number of caves, most of which are located along a cliff on its western end. You may save as much as 10% to 20% during this time. The reporter heard, but did not meet, the avian pet. Roatan Islanders speak a Creole English. Boats zip in and out of the bay, picking up divers and taking them to a favorite drop-off spot. John and I were sitting on the little bench outside BJs Backyard one Friday afternoon. 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. At this point you will be ready to go diving. A ride on a glass-bottom boat at West Bay allows for dry viewing of the coral reefs. French Harbour is a good size town with several nearby developments, high-end grocery stores, and the islands only shopping mall, the Mega Plaza. Follow my light! #roatan #roatanhonduras #tip #tipping #laurenhughes #laurenhughesrealtor #lawsonrock #laurenhughesinvestor #roatanlauren #vistingroatan #caribbean #caribbeanlife #realtor #vistingroatan #traveling #traveltips #travel #traveltips #visitingroatan #cruise #visitroatan #westbaybeach #westbayroatanhonduras #whattodoinRoatanhonduras #taxes #tippingpointapp #lawsonrockroatanhonduras #ocean #oceanview #oceanlife #healthcare #insurance #healthinsurance #travel #travelingabroad #health As they say, Overnight Success takes 10 years. High on the list of popular tourist attractions on the island is the Dive with the Dolphins Encounter at Anthonys Key Resort, one of the original resorts on the island, boasting more than 40 years in business. There are domestic flights from mainland Honduras and even some direct flights from the United States. Scuba Diving in Roatn For those who are seeking a sophisticated beach town environment, West Bay is a fantastic spot, but its pricey when compared to other spots. We continued to live on Diamond Lil while we began the next chapter of our lives building our dream retirement home while remaining ecologically responsible. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Roatan Honduras Only In Your State. Twice-monthly access to food stores. There is so much that makes Roatn special. Symbiotic relationships are common in the natural world. They value their privacy and enjoy living on remote bays or bight. And by boring, I mean it is almost perfect every day. The bar, and dinner, were waiting whenever we got out of the water. Any unauthorized reproduction, redistribution or re-upload is strictly prohibited of this material. 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.

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