Living in Roatan, Honduras: What Island Life Really Looks Like

One of the questions I hear most is, what is life actually like in Roatan? The short answer is that there is a lot to do, and most of it happens outside. Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, about 30 miles offshore, roughly 30 miles long and about 5 miles across at its widest point. Here is a look at how people spend their time here.

Snorkelling and scuba diving in Roatan

The reef is the big draw. Roatan sits on the southern edge of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. The water stays warm all year, usually in the mid 80s Fahrenheit, with visibility that can run from about 66 to 100 feet. The Roatan Marine Park works to protect the reef, and you can snorkel from many beaches or head out by boat for a dive.

Freediving in Roatan

If you want to go deeper on a single breath, there is a freediving school at Luna Beach Resort that teaches everyone from beginners to instructors.

Paddleboarding, kayaking and mangrove tours

You can get out on a paddleboard or kayak, or take a boat ride through the narrow mangrove channels near Jonesville and look for wildlife along the way.

Zip lining and horseback riding

Prefer to stay above the water? There are zip line courses on the island with views of the island and the reef below, and horseback rides through the rainforest.

A day trip to Cayos Cochinos

Cayos Cochinos is a small group of cays off the coast of Honduras and a protected marine area. Boat trips leave from Roatan for the day and usually include snorkeling or diving and time on a white sand beach. These trips depend on the weather, so check with your operator before you plan around one.

Live music and dancing

Evenings here are social. You will find live music at beachfront restaurants and patios, and sometimes the dancing spills out onto the sand.

Giving back: volunteering on Roatan

A lot of people who live here get involved in the community. ROAR, Roatan Operation Animal Rescue, runs on fosters and volunteers. They look for help with things like driving animals to vet appointments, coordinating, and helping at local events. They are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax deductible, and you can reach them through the contact forms on their website.

Thinking about moving to Roatan?

If this sounds like the life you want, I would love to help you find a place to call home. Contact me today and let's start the conversation about living in Roatan.