Roatan is a unique Caribbean paradise combining hilltop views and pristine beaches. Home to the world's second-largest reef system, it offers easy access to incredible snorkeling and diving. The island features the Caribbean's largest arboretum, wildlife sanctuaries with monkeys and sloths, and jungle activities like zip lining. As the last English-speaking enclave in Latin America, Roatan offers diverse cuisine featuring fresh seafood and local flavors.
Roatan stands out as a Caribbean gem that uniquely combines hilltop vistas and pristine beaches, offering visitors an exceptional tropical experience. The island hosts the Caribbean's largest arboretum, showcasing diverse tropical plants including cocoa and banana trees, along with rare tropical apple varieties.
What makes Roatan particularly special is its accessibility to natural wonders. The world's second-largest reef system lies just offshore, allowing visitors to explore vibrant underwater landscapes with minimal equipment and effort. Whether you're an experienced scuba diver or a casual snorkeler, the island's crystal-clear waters reveal an array of colorful marine life.
The island's landscape offers diverse activities beyond the beach. Visitors can zip line through jungle canopies, hike scenic trails, or explore lush rainforests. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit local sanctuaries to encounter native species like monkeys, sloths, butterflies, and iguanas up close.
Culturally, Roatan holds a distinctive position as the last English-speaking enclave in Latin America. This unique heritage, combined with various cultural influences throughout its history, has shaped its local cuisine. Food lovers can choose between popular tourist offerings or venture into authentic local dishes, with fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors taking center stage.
You cannot leave Roatán without visiting Punta Gorda, the oldest continuously settled community on the island. It is home to the indigenous Garifuna people, known to history as the Black Caribs. The Garifuna language, music, and dance are proclaimed by UNESCO to be a masterpiece of oral and intangible Heritage of Humanity. In this seaside community you can experience the rich history, traditional foods, dance performances, and mingle with the locals, especially on Sundays. Be sure to make Punta Gorda part of your Roatan experience!
The island's compact size means all these experiences are readily accessible without long journeys, making it easy to pack multiple activities into each day of your visit.