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Roatan Island is the largest of the three Bay Islands of Honduras, located about 40 miles off Honduras’ northern coast. It is situated in the western region of the Caribbean Sea. At 33 miles long and an average of 3 miles wide, Roatan has a total land mass of about 49 square miles. Roatan’s approximately 35,000 islanders are mostly native English speakers. This hilly island is as picturesque as it is unspoiled. Islanders enjoy trade winds the majority of the year, which keeps the temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees during the daytime, and nights between 68 and 78 degrees.
The island has a mountainous backbone surrounded by warm Caribbean waters with gentle trade winds. Roatan is embraced by a portion by a portion of the world’s second largest barrier reef, the Great Western Barrier Reef, second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The reef provides calm, clear protected beaches for swimming and snorkeling as well as many varieties of sea life.
The islanders have ancestral origins in eight separate cultures, English, Spanish, Payan Indian, Garifuna, Afro-Antillean, Anglo-Antillean, Spanish Honduran and North American. Today the people of Roatan comprise a diverse ethnic group with wonderful cultures and traditions that permeate the sprit of the island.
While Roatan is still in its early stages of development as a tourist destination, the overall level of development in the purchase of second homes is beginning to increase. There is currently one cruise ship dock located in Roatan, with another major cruise line planning to construct their own dock there soon.
The Isle of Roatan was owned by the United Kingdom until 1860 when it was ceded to the country of Honduras. U.S. mercenary leader William Walker, who had previously conquered Nicaragua, tried to capitalize on the situation by leading the English-speaking residents of Roatan against Honduras. When this scheme was thwarted by British warships, Walker decided to invade the Honduran mainland instead. He landed his small force of men at Trujillo and captured the local fort, but British marines forced Walker to surrender. The British turned Walker over to the Hondurans, who promptly executed him.
Come take part in the many exciting attractions that Roatan has to offer you. Don’t miss out on horseback riding through the jungle or zip-lining through the trees. Visit the butterfly garden for a relaxing day with your family or friends. This is an opportunity you will not want to miss out on!
Roatan Butterfly Garden
Here you will see and learn about some of Honduras' most colorful butterflies including varieties such as common owl, zebra, helicopter, firecracker, monarch, queen, and more. Take the guided tour or explore the park on your own. The pleasant walkways with shaded benches are a perfect place to see and learn about Roatan's tropical trees and our lush tropical plants, including more than 25 varieties of hibiscus flowers.
Gumbalimba Park
Gumbalimba Park in Roatan Bay, Islands is a one-day destination dream. Where else can you play with monkeys and parrots, tour the history of the island, ride a zip-line through the jungle canopy, explore the wildlife while breathing underwater, take a horseback ride, kayak the picturesque reef, eat at a fine restaurant, and just hang out in a hammock or lounge chair on the beach?
Roatan Horseback Riding
All of our Roatan Horseback Riding Tours pass through the beach, jungle, flat lands and the Iron Shore of Roatan, Honduras!
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