Things to do in Roatan (17)
Here we show you what you can do in Roatan whether it be rent a paddle board or go on a tour of Roatan after docking from your cruise ship.
Children categories
Tours in Roatan (3)
If you would like to book a tour and save the trouble of getting through the endless touts and save money by buying in advance then read on..
Roatan Activities (14)
This list of activities are things that are not tours and excursions. You might have to do a little planning but it can be as easy as a day at the beach.
The entire coastline of Roatan is surrounded by healthy, vibrant coral reefs; actually the southern tip of the world’s second largest Barrier Reef, Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Roatan also lies alongside the deep southern edge of the Cayman Trench. The result: great visibility year-round, and nutrient-rich waters bringing in a host of animals. It is said that 90% of all Caribbean reef species can be found off Roatan’s shores. Take the 2 minute swim out from the village to have all of this at your finger tips. One of our visitors wrote back: “My kids were in heaven, it was like having the Discovery Channel right in front of them.”
Things to do on Roatan
There is plenty to see and do above the water and away from Roatan’s popular beaches. Take the time to seek out the Island’s hidden corners, or some of it’s hidden luxuries. Spend the afternoon finding a deserted stretch of beach, the best seafood on the island, or a lazy tropical spa.
Road Trip
Rent a jeep or a truck and head out to the less developed East End of Roatan. You’ll come across isolated beaches, small fishing villages dotting the coast and always some interesting characters. Be sure to stop at The View; a great restaurant just after French Harbour with vistas along the north shore.
Mangrove Tunnels
From Oak Ridge, a water taxi can take you through a series of tunnels, carved through the mangrove forests many centuries ago. You’ll pass by some of the oldest settlements in the Americas, built on stilts over the water. Be sure to stop off at the infamous “Hole in the Wall” for a drink, a seafood buffet, or to meet some of the Island’s quirky ex-pats.
Botanical Gardens
Nature lovers and birdwatchers will enjoy a stroll around Carambola Gardens, located just above Anthony’s Key Resort. Learn about the many different tropical plants and flowers. Climb up to the lookout above the Gardens and you’ll see the whole jungle and reef laid out before you.
Canopy Tours
There are now a number of eco-adventures featuring zip-lines through the jungle canopy. With safe, professional guides you can fly through trees filled with wildlife, orchids and exhilerating views. We recommend GumbaLimba Park, just outside West Bay (504 965-2135) or South Shore Canopy Tour ((504) 904.7855 or (504) 967.1381).
Horseback Riding
Best done in the cooler hours of the early morning or sunset, you can ride along the beaches, through the forests and along the ridges of West Bay. We recommend Keifito’s (504 978-4472).
Prices are reasonable and the horses are well cared-for. You can catch a water-taxi from West Bay Village to the Keifito’s stables, and then set out.
Spas and Massages
There are some excellent massages available, and for therapeutic work we recommend Edgar Rodriguez (504 958-4673), a certified masseuse. For the full spa treatment, complete with poolside drinks and service, pedicures, manicures and specialty treatments we recommend a fantastic retreat in Sandy Bay called Baan Suerte (504 445-3059). The innovative “Mayan Hot Stone Massage” is a must. Go on, treat yourself.
Seaplane Adventures
Bay Island Airways (504 946-5665) now operates a two-passenger seaplane for charters around Roatan and the Bay Islands. Real Estate tours or even dive trips to remote sites.
Other Places of Interest
There is an Iguana Farm near French Harbour, a sanctuary for these endangered Island creatures. Don’t miss feeding time! There is a Butterfly Garden near West End and you can learn more about the island and it’s people at the museum at Anthony’s Key Resort. Also you can have fun with paintball.
Roatan is still largely undeveloped, and with a little effort, you
can see the Caribbean as it was in the days before tourists and
cruise-ships. The real charm of Roatan Island is still hiding out
there. Step off the beaten track and make some discoveries for
yourself!
I’m not sure how Pristine Bay escaped our attentions for so long I think we knew about it and really wanted to put the info on our website for you and we just didn’t get around to it. But to have a comprehensive guide to Roatan without telling you about Pristine bay would be like having just the first Pirates of the Caribbean !
So what is Pristine Bay ?
It’s a resort based around the only Golf course on Roatan. Roatan is growing up fast. Pete Dye designed the course and its called the black pearl. If you have been diving full on for a few days having a swing in the sun might just be the ticket. If your not staying there no problem or not mooring at the 155 foot sliped marina. Yes this is a 5 star Resort and Spa.
Roatan Golf
The Black Pearl is 18 holes and par 72 and 7200 yards. If you didn’t know Pete Dye is world famous as a golf course architect. You start and finish sea side and if that isn’t enough water Pete signed the course with his trademark island hole ! The vistas are superb as you play through and you gaze not only into the turquoise and dark blue formed by the islands meso American barrier reef that Roatan scubadivers come in for. The course has been designed to protect and enhance the habitat for Roatan’s endemic species of plant and animals. The course is laid to grass with a strain that is salt compatible easy to irrigate and keep nice in the tropics. Not many courses have used this new Seashore Paspalum Grass. This enables Roatan’s golf course to be otherwise described as the best greens and blues.
Not only is there the course but also a lighted driving range practice green and warm up range. The course is semi private with many options of membership.
Around the course there are real estate options if you are very keen to get on par. Villas , Villa suites and condominiums and lots that allow you to build your ocean dream home.
The Hotel part of the Resort.
This boutique Hotel is managed and owned by Houston based Lancaster Group. Sixty rooms – 30 free standing Villas, two large infinity pools restaurant full service spa. EDSA of Fort Lauderdale are to thank for the planning and architectural cunning. Part of which the Marina Bay Village with 155 slips – full service – This is sure to pop Roatan onto the yachting radar of the higher end vessels. Like the sound of that Villa investment now ?
Some Roatan Facts
Roatan – situated 35 miles north of the coast of mainland Honduras in the Western Caribbean. Roatan is the largest and most touristic island of the Bay Islands. http://bayislands.me The rainy season is October to December but the sun will still put in an appearance. You can get to Roatan via the international airport (RTB) nine direct weekly flights from Houston Miami, Atlanta Newark.
405 acres of luxury golf resort. Resort Residences Villas, Condos home sites and a 155 slip Marina opens up Roatan to the global yachting community.
Location http://maps.google.com/maps?q=16.374442,-86.461848&num=1&t=h&sll=16.32437,-86.536536&sspn=0.021417,0.032015&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=16.372706,-86.460385&spn=0.015502,0.027874&z=16
Please not that google maps are not always up to date !
Publicity
“The Black Pearl is one of 2010’s most significant course openings.”LINKS Magazine
“Golf aficionados will be thoroughly impressed by Dyes’ handiwork at The Black Pearl.” - Golf Vacations
“Honduras’ Pristine Bay is thriving despite the global economic downturn.”
- NBC
“Roatan is the perfect locale for a second home or retirement, especially at Pristine Bay.”
- Golf & Lifestyle
“The azure waters off Roatan’s scenic coast are a stunning backdrop for golf at Pristine Bay.”
- Ocean Home Magazine
“Pristine Bay Resort releases first 30 luxury home lots.”
- Robb Report
“Pristine Bay Resort is an undiscovered gem.”
- Travel Agent Magazine
“Roatan boasts onshore appeal with The Black Pearl’s debut.”
- Private Clubs
“Pristine Bay is truly the up-and-coming golf luxury destination in the Caribbean.”
- Golf Channel
“Pete Dye built a tropical golf masterpiece on the coast of Honduras at Pristine Bay.”
- LINKS Magazine
“Pristine Bay: Unobstructed views of the ocean, golf course and unspoiled reef.”
- Golfweek
“Pristine Bay Resort wows visitors with a five-star hotel, villas, custom homes, a beach club and deep water marina.”
- Golfing Magazine
“With the opening of Honduras’ Pristine Bay Resort and direct flights from Houston, Texans are two hours from paradise.”
- Texas Golfer Magazine
“Villa suites at Pristine Bay Resort are perfect for primary and vacation homes and offer exceptional real estate investment opportunities in the coveted western Caribbean.”
- Real Estate Channel
“Pristine Bay is the Caribbean’s hottest travel destination.”
- Avid Golfer
“On an island enhanced by the world’s second-biggest barrier reef, spectacular Pristine Bay has come to life.”
- Flagstick Magazine
“Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the par-72, 7, 179-yard layout at Pristine Bay overlooking the shimmering Caribbean sea.”
- South Florida Golf
“Pristine Bay Resort is gorgeous and stunning.”
- Suite101.com
“The Black Pearl sits on one of the world’s best canvasses.”
- South Central Golf Magazine
“Sponsorship of the WGC-CA Championship is perfect for introducing Pristine Bay’s golf course, five-star hotel, spa, deep-water marina and residential products to golfers around the world.”
- Golf Channel
The Black Pearl: “The next ‘must play’ tropical layout.”
- Golf Vacations
“Players at Pristine Bay enjoy an exceptional view of the golf course and Caribbean.”
- Travel Agent Central
“Clubs-and-passport golfers in search of the next enticing, eco-golf destination might want to put Pristine Bay off the coast of Honduras on their green radar.”
- Avid Golfer
“Players at Pristine Bay enjoy an exceptional view of the golf course and Caribbean.”
- Travel Agent Central
“The primo place for golfers wishing to tee up in an exotic, tropical atmosphere will be Pristine Bay.” - Estates West
“Pristine Bay Resort in Roatan feels like an island of paradise.”
- The Charlotte Observer
“The Black Pearl is open for play!”
- Golf Course Industry
“Thought your golf community was pretty cool? Allow us to crush your idea of luxury by introducing you to Pristine Bay.”
- Ontario Golf Magazine
“Pristine Bay is one of the Caribbean’s most exciting and complete developments.”
- Resort & Residence
“Pristine Bay is a world-class resort, cosmopolitan and sophisticated with many activities for tourists to do.”
- Travel Agent Central
“First golfers cruise to The Black Pearl.”
- Golf Course Architecture
“The Black Pearl has all the makings of another ‘to-Dye-for’ layout.”
- Real Estate Channel
“Many Pristine Bay villas offer spectacular golf course and ocean vistas.”
- The A Position
“Multi-faceted Pristine Bay Resort is being introduced to key markets in the U.S. and Canada at the WGC-CA Championship.”
- Golf Course Industry
“The Black Pearl is one of the truly unique settings for golf in Central America.” – Fairways
“Pristine Bay Resort announce six new luxury villas are now available for golf vacation rentals on the idyllic tropical island of Roatan.”
- Honduras Weekly
“Many of Pristine Bay’s condos, villas, and custom home lots boast unobstructed views of the ocean.”
- IAGTO
“Roatan’s golf portfolio, currently stuck at zero, is about to get a major injection with The Black Pearl.”
- Where to Go Next
“Pristine Bay is an ideal offshore retirement spot for Baby Boomers.” - Boomer Golf News
“Pristine Bay Resort, one of the western Caribbean’s most-anticipated resort communities, announces its Black Pearl golf course will open for Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers.”
- OnTheLinks
Pristine Bay Resort: “leading Roatan’s rise to prominence.”
- TravelingGolfer.net
“The Black Pearl starts at the ocean’s doorstep, rises into the island’s rolling foothills, then takes golfers on a wild ride back to the seaside clubhouse.”
- World Golf Wire
“The Black Pearl Golf Course is a stunner.” - Crittenden Resort Report
“Whether diving, snorkeling, fishing or simply sitting in a beach chair as the warm, crystal clear aqua laps onto your feet at Pristine Bay Resort, a more perfect locale for fun in the sun would be tough to find.”
- WisconsinGolfTrips.com
for more information visit their website
5 Great Things to Do on the Caribbean Island of Roatan
Written by Roatan ToursA recent article in the Wall Street Journal named Roatan the Caribbean’s
next “it” spot – an underdeveloped island that is poised to become a
major tourist destination.
These days there is a definite buzz about this peaceful island lying
just 30 miles off the coast of Honduras. No wonder: Roatan features
lush tropical forests, warm turquoise water, and sugar white beaches
without the crowds.
Continental Airlines now flies directly to the islands from Newark, New
Jersey, and Houston, Texas. Delta flies directly from Atlanta, Georgia.
Major cruise lines are stopping by more frequently, and both Carnival
Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean are expanding their ship terminals to
bring more passengers. Celebrities including Michael Douglas and
Richard Gere have been spotted on the island in recent months.
Roatan has long been famous among scuba diving aficionados. The island
sits atop the world’s second-largest barrier reef system and features
some of the best diving in the Western Hemisphere. Scuba diving is
still the main attraction drawing visitors to the island.
But Roatan offers much more than diving and makes a great family vacation destination.
Whether visiting with your family, making a stop-over on a cruise ship,
or taking a break from diving, here are five Roatan adventures you can
enjoy.
1) Zip Through the Rain Forest. Roatan features lush tropical
forests where wild parrots and monkeys roam freely. A canopy tour is a
great way to get close to nature while having some exhilarating fun.
Guests climb to a tree-top platform, and then move among the trees by
gliding on zip lines or walking over swinging bridges. It’s a thrilling
ride.
Roatan has several canopy tours from which you can chose. Palmetto Bay
features a 20 platform tour that includes a climbing wall and swinging
bridges. The West Bay also features a 16 platform tour including two
bridges. Please keep in mind that canopy tours require children to be
at least four feet tall.
2) Swim with the Dolphins. The Roatan Institute for Marine
Sciences on the island’s north shore features several dolphin encounter
programs that are open to the public.
One of the most popular tours on the island is their dolphin swim.
Guests are taken to Bailey’s Key, a white-sand island frequented by
schools of dolphin. During an initial 20-minute beach encounter,
trainers coax the dolphin to join your group, giving you a chance to pet
them.
Guests can then snorkel and swim freely with the dolphins in 20 feet of
water. Guests are accompanied by a dolphin behaviorist and videographer
and photographer to capture the memories. The dolphin swim requires
children to be at least 13 years old.
Divers can also chose the institute’s Dolphin Dive program, which lets
you interact with dolphins off a reef wall in 60 feet of water. This
dive lasts approximately 45 minutes. Participants in the Dolphin Dive
must be certified scuba divers.
Not enough for you? The institute also offers a Trainer for a Day
program, which gives you the chance go behind the scenes and work with
the staff as they feed and care for the dolphins. Participants will
learn dolphin training techniques during a hands-on session with the
dolphins.
3) See Coral While Staying Dry. Even if you are not a diver, you
can get a glimpse of Roatan’s gorgeous reef formations with a ride on
the Coral Reef Explorer. This glass-bottomed boat seats 25 persons
below the water line in air conditioned comfort. Passengers look
through windows at multi-colored coral, tropical fish and graceful
Spotted Eagle Rays.
The Coral Reef Explorer departs daily from West Bay Beach and you can expect the tour to last approximately 50 minutes.
4) Horseback Tours. What could be more romantic than a horseback
ride along Roatan’s pristine white beaches? Guided horseback tours
start in West End, passing through some of Roatan’s best scenery before
ending at the West Bay, where you can take a quick swim.
Tours last approximately 90 minutes and are suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.
5) Pet an Iguana. Perhaps the most unusual attraction on Roatan
is Sherman Arch’s Iguana Farm. This private preserve is real treasure
and a real treat for kids.
Over 2,700 of the big, spiny lizards roam freely on its grounds, which
are located just east of French Harbor. The iguanas are tame, having
been raised in cages until old enough to fend for themselves. Come
during the early afternoon feeding for the best chance to hold and pet
an iguana.
A once in a lifetime experience of getting close and touching Dolphins. The Atlantic Bottle nose Dolphins are penned up here and can choose to leave if they like. Its all the clapping and compliments that keep them coming back for more. Or its the fish ! This tour is split into 2 parts and you can do the following
Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Encounter and Snorkel
This is no dolphin show, here you are in the water with them for both types of tour. The trainer gets you an introduction and some rules of the road which are minimal and ensure your safety and the welfare of the Dolphin.
Dolphin Questions and Answers
It raises a great question how do Dolphins sleep ? Dolphins have the ability to switch one half of their brains off in a kind of sleep mode while the other half maintains enough conciousness to rest at the surface. Then it swaps.
How long can a Dolphin hold its breath for ? Dolphins can hold their breath for around 10 minutes. The musculature must take an awful lot of Oxygen for them to function otherwise they may be able like turtles to stay underwater for hours.
You can find this activity all over Roatan. Half moon bay is a great spot for this with an interesting calm bay. The more adventurous can venture around into the west end bay, this is hard to appreciate otherwise spots like the Blue Marlin you can catch a drink from and see the diving goings on for example.
This sport is sweeping the world and it hasn't missed Roatan. Available at several places like just next to sundowners in Half Moon Bay - Steve's Paddle Shack. Watch out for the coral and the winds some people have gotten stuck the author towed (at great damage to the reef) some unlucky tourists !
Pete Dye Designed the golf course - probably the best in Central America. It forms a part of the pristine bay resort. Features a green surrounded by water ! An island on an island.
