Free, Sovereign and Independent

We all have those places we’ve been wanting to visit for years. Honduras was one of those places for me. I remember when I first some Instagrammers taking pictures with baby jaguars at a rescue center and sky blue waters, I thought “aw, that would be nice to see” (I will talk about that “rescue center” later).

I was finally able to check Honduras off my bucket list as country #49.

GETTING THERE

PLANE

There are two ways of getting to Roatan, you can fly directly from select U.S. cities with airlines such as United, American, and Delta. None of these flights were direct from New York. I flew into San Pedro Sula from New York for $236 with Copa Airlines. I also had a layover in Panama. Though it was fairly inexpensive, I then had to fly to Roatan which was $100 each way on a 30 min flight.

All in all, I could not avoid a layover and this was the most efficient way.

Another option would be to take a 3-hr bus from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba, then take a 45 min ferry to Roatan.

Entry Requirements

Negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of flight departure.
Vaccination card where the last dose has been administered more than 14 days prior to travel date.
Pre immigration check form, where can be found https://prechequeo.inm.gob.hn/Login
Print out all forms including test results. You will be asked to present it numerous times.

Getting Around

I highly recommend renting a car if you care about being cost efficient. The average taxi costs $40 one way. We rented a car on arrival from Avis for 4 days that came up to under $200 (approximately $170). Simple can show that it would be a substantial amount of money we saved. This is the best way to move on your own time and explore the entire island.

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What To Do

Honduras has a lot to offer, I would recommend 3-4 days here. Being that it is a beautiful tropical island, there are many water-sports to engage in. Here are a few things you can do during your visit. There’s plenty more so I always remember to do your own research.

Little French Key - Starting at $35+

Little French Key is what attracted me to Roatan in the first place and ended up being a total turn off for me. It is a hot spot for cruise ships with all its excursions ranging from animal interactions to jet ski’s and kayaking. To get this private island costs a non negotiable $35 for a short 3 minute ferry ride.. You can either do a la carte by paying for everything separately or purchasing a package which can run you $59 to $189 (transportation included). These packages may include food, drinks, snorkeling gear, seeing “wildlife” at their “rescue center”, and more.

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What I did not like is the condition the animals were in. Coming off the ferry was a foul stench. You can not refer to these animals as “wildlife'“ when there is a big lion in a cage. Wildlife should be in the wild. These animals were allegedly rescued, but how does a lion make it all the way to Roatan?

Do you really think a pig who loves their own feces wants to be in a cage beside birds and underneath a jaguar? I think not. I know those animals don’t get any fresh air or go for a walk. Who knows what they’re feeding them.

It is cool to visit for other activities, NOT “wildlife”.

West Bay Beach - FREE

This beach is definitely top 5 of ALL the beaches I have ever visited. I’m not a beach advocate so when I say this beach is incredible, I mean it! As you sink your feet into the shoreline and get into the water you will still be able to see your toes, that’s how clear the water is. Aside from having beautiful waters you can parasail, snorkel, jet ski, and do many other water activities here.

This being a free public beach, so it was filled with other sun bathers and locals selling souvenirs, however this did not diminish its beauty. I would even recommend staying at a property here to have easy access to the beach.

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Gumbalimba Park - $30+

General Admission: $30. Admission Plus Canopy: $45. Admission Plus Zip-Line: $55

While in West Bay Beach, you can visit Gumbalimba Park. The entrance fee is $30, The park includes Nature Trails and botanical gardens, Zip lining, clear Kayaking and more. You can mingle with free-flying exotic birds like macaws, hummingbirds and peacocks. Hang out with capuchin monkeys and sloths (you may or may not see them).

Garifuna, Punta Gorda

The Garifuna people are the indigenous Africans brought to the island in Punta Gorda. It is pleasant seeing melanated folks who still speak their traditional language. It reminded me of the people of Palenque Colombia. Every Sunday they have their celebration while live music, dancing and story telling. Make sure you plan your trip around then.
Also, I couldn’t help but notice how neat and nice all of the ladies hair were. You can get your hair braided here for about 50 USD.

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West End

This is the livest part of the island. From restaurants, to music, to street food, West End is where you will find locals and tourists socializing and having a good time. It is almost like a block party with very minimal parking and barely any sidewalks. If you’re looking to do any tours while on the island, you can come here to negotiate.

My #1 place to eat is locate here, Callelu’s. Tell me another place in the world where you can get 2 lobster tails and sides for $15, Ill wait. Make sure you also try a Monkey Lala which is the local desser alcoholic beverage.

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Where to stay

As always, where to stay depends on what you’re looking to get out of your vacation. Roatan is very vast and each part offers something different. If you are there for some time I would even recommend staying in different areas like I did.

Luxe

Grand Roatan Resort

Ibagari Boutique Hotel - Posh luxurious hotel with restaurant attached.

Affordable

Hacienda Caribe Tesoro

Las Verandas - I highly recommend. Epic infinity pool views starting at $150, you really can’t beat that. Read the full review here.

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Budget

Hotel Posada Las Orquideas - On the end of West End tat offers clean eco rooms and great complimentary breakfast.

Splash Inn Dive Resort - With clean rooms starting at $50, daily breakfast and right in the middle of West End (which is good to get around by foot). It is definitely a bang for your buck.

Roatan was a sweet and enjoyable time. It is perfect for those wanting to get away and not feeling pressured to do too much. It is the kind of place I wish I had a vacation home, so that I can stop by at my own flexibility. I will definitely be returning very soon.

Xo,

The Rich Aunt

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