Considered the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, Roatan is renowned for its lush tropical foliage, pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and friendly locals. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502 while on his 4th voyage, Roatan is a place to find pirates and traders in their numbers. With a population of over 50,000 people, the island is home to friendly people and pleasant weather conditions. Located on northern part of Honduras, Roatan is a place to enjoy several adventurous activities such as hiking, wind surfing, swimming, scuba diving and much more. Surrounded by warm waters, this beautiful island is mostly visited by diving enthusiasts and also considered one of the fastest growing tourist destination on the Caribbean. Despite fact that official language of Honduras is Spanish, locals on the island speaks both Spanish and English fluently.
Roatan is also home to largest barrier on Caribbean and the world’s second largest just after Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Over the years, Roatan has become a top travel destination in Honduras for scuba diving and cruise ship. If you are looking for best diving and snorkel spot on earth with pristine white sand beaches, you should consider taking your next vacation to Roatan. Known as the most developed of many different Bay Islands, Roatan is also referred to Coxen Hole. One of major contributor to Roatan’s economy is tourism. Here, you will also find largest fishing fleets in the western Caribbean, making Roatan a great place for fishing.
There are many different beaches, restaurants and water sports such as sailing and sea-kayaking in Roatan. As at when the ships are in port, you will be astounded at sight of large crowds disembarking from the ships. If you are on a family vacation, one of best Roatan beaches to spend memorable moments is the West Bay Beach. Beach features immaculate, shallow water swarming with several lovely marine creatures including colorful fishes.
Coxen Hole cruise ship dock and mall complex, which officially opened in 2008, features a lot of restaurants and bars, a massive Diamonds International Shop, ATM as well as a liquor store. Here you will find an array of taxis and buses waiting patiently to take visitors on a shore excursion to their destination. To ensure a memorable vacation experience on your visit to Roatan, you should consider going on a cruise. Roatan welcomes hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers annually. While cruising in Roatan, it is important to know that spear fishing is not allowed anywhere on island. If you are to go on a fishing expedition, ensure you have your own hook and line. Cruising the eastern part of island should be avoided during off peak period for security reasons.
Packing for a Roatan cruise
Going on a vacation rejuvenates the body and relives us from the stress we face daily. It is very important to bring comfortable clothing when planning to go on a Roatan cruise. You should also not forget to bring swimsuits for pools and workout clothes for health clubs, saunas and Jacuzzis. You also need to check for clothing that fit perfectly especially when going for dinner in the dining room.
Do not forget to pack accessories such as rain gear, hiking boots, snorkel gear and fleece jackets. Also, bring sunglasses and a hat for sunny days on deck as well as your own camera, because there will be many different picture taking opportunities.
Some of reliable cruise lines in Roatan include
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International, which is considered the second largest cruise line in world, offers a wide variety of cruising ships. This cruise line attracts a large number of tourists, ranging from 30 – 50 years of age. Its cruise ships offer the best comfort on seas, making guests feel at home. Most families make reservation for the seven-night and shorter cruises, because it presents the most memorable family vacation experience. If you are looking for total serenity or adrenaline rush, Royal Caribbean International cruise ships has it all. Relieve yourself of the stress at their magnificent spa massage, experience relaxing moments at pool side or enjoy a wide range of delectable dishes prepared by world class chefs in restaurant. All day and night, cruise passengers are entertained by world-class performing artists who come from different parts of world. You can never be bored while on a cruise vacation on any of Royal Caribbean ships. This cruise line ships offer some of the best amenities at sea to make your vacation an unforgettable one. Royal Caribbean International is perfect for singles of all ages, honeymooners, and families. For quality customer service, best of comfort and a remarkable vacation alone or with family, you should consider making reservations with Royal Caribbean International.
Carnival
Carnival is one of most popular cruise lines in the world that offers incredible voyages to several destinations all over world including the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, New Zealand, Hawaii and several European cities. If you are looking for a memorable vacation experience while cruising on Caribbean Sea, Carnival is best cruise line for you. Personalized service, state-of-the-art accommodation options, entertaining activities all day long, great musical performances, delectable dishes and exotic drinks, all makes Carnival Cruise Lines top choice among cruise passengers in Roatan. It pride itself as the first cruise line in the world to construct and operate a smoke-free cruise ship. This cruise line also offers discontented guests the opportunity to get off at the first port. Founded in 1972, Carnival Cruise Lines offers it itineraries to several leisure destinations including Alaska, Atlantic Canada, Bahamas etc. Ships are fully equipped with state-of the-art facilities, clean, beautifully designed and offers great customer service ensuring guests are well taken care of.
Not looking to Cruise to the Island?
Fly in to Roatan’s International Airport and stay at popular Clarion Suites Roatan. A luxury condo-hotel offering free access to Little French Key the Number one Beach activity on tripadvisor. Also available on property is most complete spa and health club, and two of the islands most famous restaurants. Fully equipped 1400 sq ft suites are spacious for a family, no need to rent several rooms. Enjoy the space convenience and comfort on your holiday at this beautiful Roatan hotel.
Roatan is one of most peaceful travel destinations in the world. Renowned for its unique culture and rich historical past, Roatan boasts of stunning coral reefs, white-sand beaches and natural wonders. Island is also packed with loads of curious cruise passengers who want to know what it feels like cruising on the Caribbean Sea. Visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, island is a place to enjoy several water sports such as wake boarding, sailing, water skiing and much more. Asides excellent water sports and cruising opportunities, visitors can also enjoy visiting several attractions such as the Iguana Farm, Roatan Marine Park and much more. Are you thinking of planning a vacation to the Caribbean? Best place to visit is Roatan in Honduras.