Who Colonized Roatan Honduras?

The main islands were first sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1502 and were settled in 1642 by English buccaneers. Between 1650 and 1850 Spain, Honduras, and England intermittently contested the islands, and Carib Indians from St.

Was Roatan a British colony?

Caymanian slave-owners brought their slaves and seafaring culture to Roatan, forming a majority of the island's permanent population. The Bay Islands were briefly declared a colony by Britain in the 1850's , though the territory was ceded to Honduras in the following decade.

Who controls Roatan?

What country does Roatan belong to?

Roatán, town, northern Honduras , on the southwestern coast of Roatán, largest of the Bay Islands; it is known locally as Coxen's Hole.

Is Roatan a Mexican?

Roatan is located roughly 35 miles off the North Coast of Honduras in the Western Caribbean . The maps below show Roatan's relationship to the United States and the Caribbean, its place in Central America, and the locations of its villages and towns.

What language do they speak in Roatan Honduras?

Language in Roatan

While Spanish is the official language , English is spoken universally. Roatan Islanders speak a Creole English. This broken English gets its roots in French, english, and Spanish as well as a few words unique to the Garifuna culture.

Is Roatan Honduras expensive?

The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month . But we spoke with an expat couple, who live outside of French Harbour in the home they own, who spend less than $1,200 a month. Long-term monthly rents start at $600 a month.

Is Roatan a safe place to live?

Roatan is a safe island . Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions.

Is it safe in Roatan Honduras?

In general, Roatan is a safe island , however, theft can be an issue, as it is in many tourist areas. Certain parts of the island should beavoided however, as they are not considered so safe. Understanding your location and proximity to your hotel is important for your safety.

Do you need a passport to go to Roatan?

Travelers to Roatan must travel with a valid passport with more than six months of eligibility . Travelers with passports expiring inside of six months will not be allowed to travel to Roatan. Travelers will receive an automatic 90-day tourist visa when arriving at a Honduran international airport.

What is the best time of year to visit Roatan?

May and September are probably the best months to visit Roatan since the weather is great and the island is not overcrowded with fellow tourists. If you wish to visit the island at the peak of its season, consider booking a ticket during the holidays such as New Years and Christmas.

Are there sharks in Roatan?

Roatan and the Bay Islands are one of the few places in the world that visitors are able to see whale sharks year-round . They are protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and the CITIES Agreement.

Why is Roatan important?

Roatan Island is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, (after Australia's Great Barrier Reef). ... For this and much more, Roatán Island has become a significant cruise ship, scuba diving and eco-tourism destination in Honduras .

Are there snakes on Roatan?

The majority of snakes on Roatan are boa constrictors, and what the islanders like to call “Captain Sawyers”. Nearly all are constrictor-type snakes, and the only venomous snake is the coral snake, which hardly anyone has seen and there are no recorded bites on Roatan .

Is it safe to retire in Honduras?

Its tropical climate means that Honduras should be at the top of your list of possible retirement or second-home destinations. In Honduras, the cost of living is remarkably low, and the quality of life—gauged by fresh food, friendly people, and reliable infrastructure—is remarkably high.

Where should I live in Roatan?

• West Bay/West End. West Bay and West End are the main tourist areas in Roatan. ...
• French Harbour. For many expats, the gated communities in and around French Harbour deliver a suitable secure lifestyle. ...
• Venice of the Caribbean. ...
• Coxen Hole. ...
• Downtown French Harbour.