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Travel Information |
- Map
- Geography
- Historic Overview
- Air Travel Information
- What to pack
- BIBR Guest Services
- About Roatan
GThe Bay Islands Beach Resort is located on the northwest shore of Roatan, approximately a 10 minute drive from the airport. The northwest shore is the leeward side of the island guaranteeing calm seas most of the year. Located within Roatan's Northwest Marine Reserve, the resort is just 10-15 minutes from most dive sites. Similarly, the major restaurants and shops in West End and Coxen Hole are easily accessible.
click above to see a map of Roatan
Payan and possibly Mayan Indians originally inhabited the Bay Islands. However, by the mid 1500's, the islands were almost completely depopulated by the Spanish slavers in search of mining and agricultural labor. In the 17th century, the English, French and Dutch pirates took control of the islands, forming the towns of Coxen Hole and Port Royale. In 1797, slaves from the island of St. Vincent were marooned off the northeast coast of Roatan and the survivors developed the oldest community on Roatan, bringing their African-Caribbean patois and culture to the island. The Bay Islands became part of Honduras in 1859, but the mainland had little influence on the islands until recently. As modern transportation simplified travel, the Spanish influence increased. However, the island culture draws primarily from its diverse past, and English is one of the primary languages spoken.
Air Roatan is an easy travel destination. American, Continental, Delta and TACA are the major carriers that fly into our area. TACA has the best routes & schedules into Roatan- esp if you are flying midweek. Many people aren't familiar with TACA, one of the major Latin American carriers. TACA has a beautiful fleet of airbuses and an ontime rate of 89% Old problems with lost luggage have been resolved.
Direct Flights
Direct flights are offered on the weekends. On Saturdays, TACA and Continental offer direct flights from Houston to Roatan. Also on Saturdays, Delta offers direct flights from Atlanta to Roatan. On Sundays, TACA offers direct flights from Miami to Roatan. Also on Sundays between February to August, Contintental will have flights from Houston direct to Roatan.
Connecting flights to Roatan are available daily on TACA, Continental and other airlines from major cities around the United States including
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- New York
- New Orleans
- Philadelphia
- San Francisco
- Washington DC
These flights connect through San Pedro Sula (SAP) , San Salvador (SAL) , La Ceiba (LCE) and Tegucigalpa (TGU).
--Please note all of these airports including La Ceiba are still on the mainland. You will need to request a flight that continues or connects into Roatan (RTB). Many search engines will offer La Ceiba as an alternate airport for Roatan. Please note that from La Ceiba, you will need to take a flight to Roatan. Flights are scheduled throughout the day on a number of local carriers.
Sample Flights
This information is current as of Jan 2008. Please check online, with the airlines or with your travel agent to check on any changes. The times of the flights WILL CHANGE throughout the year.
- Houston (IAH) - Roatan (RTB)
- On Saturdays:
- TACA
- TA431 departs Houston at 1550 arrives in Roatan (RTB) at 1725
- TA430 departs Roatan at 1040 arrives in Houston (IAH) at 1435
- CONTINENTAL
- CO1894 departs Houston at 1025 arrives Roatan at 1215
- CO 1895 departs Roatan at 1300 arrives Houston at 1655
- CO1864 departs Houston at 1300 arrives Roatan at 1450
- CO1865 departs Roatan at 1545 arrives Houston at 1940
- Houston (IAH) - Roatan (RTB)
- On Sundays:
CONTINENTAL
CO1894 departs Houston at 1025 arrives Roatan at 1215 CO 1895 departs Roatan at 1300 arrives Houston at 1655
Atlanta (ATL) - Roatan (RTB)
On Saturdays: DELTA Delta1551 departs Atlanta 1130 arrives Roatan 1244 Delta 312 departs Roatan 1341 arrives Atlanta 1837
Miami (MIA) - Roatan (RTB)
On Sundays:
- TACA
- TA 381 departs Sundays at 1525 arrives in Roatan at 1535
- TA380 departs Roatan at 0930 arrives in Miami at 1335
San Francisco (SFO) - Roatan (RTB)
On Saturdays & Sundays
- TACA
- TA561 departs San Francisco at 0145 arrives in San Salvador at 0800
- TA430 depart San Salvador at 0850 arrives in Roatan at 0955
- (This flight is an overnight flight offered several days a week. It leaves at 145AM and arrives at 955AM in Roatan on Saturdays. On other days the arrival time can vary. Please note, depending upon the time of year the departure time could be an hour earlier. Return flights vary in route.)
To make travel arrangements:
Check online for internet specials. We like www.kayak.com which gathers information from several airlines at once. The airport code for Roatan is RTB.
- www.taca.com - Groupo TACA
- www.continental.com - Continental Airlines
- www.delta.com - Delta Airlines
- www.travelocity.com - a travel search engine which will search a variety of flights. This engine seems to be the best for flights to Roatan.
- www.aa.com - American Airlines
Please note that we can arrange for tickets on local carriers from San Pedro Sula (SAP) and La Ceiba (LCE). The cost from San Pedro Sula is approximately $180 round trip. The cost from La Ceiba is approximately $100 round trip. These prices are very dependent on gas prices, so please check first!
Also, call our office for referrals to bulk ticket agents. We prefer to use Roatan Charter for our tickets. 1-800-282-8932 www.roatan.com
Passports, Visas, and Health Cards
Citizens from the following countries require a valid passport to enter Honduras: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, The United States and Uruguay. Visitors of other nationalities must have a valid visa or tourist card. There is a US$33 departure tax payable at the airport as you clear out through immigration. Please contact the Honduran consulate for more information.
No health cards or shots are required for entry. Most of our guests do not get any special shots or take any medications. However, this is the tropics; if you are concerned, check with your doctor.
The island is a very casual place. Casual sundresses, cover ups, shorts & t-shirts are the usual attire for most vacationers. If you are planning to eat out at one of the nicer restaurants, you may want to bring one nice but casual outfit along. If you are planning to do side trips such as horseback riding, the Jungle Canopy tour, hiking or other topside activities, bring a good outdoor outfit and a pair of sneakers or trail shoes along. We also suggest bringing a lightweight rain jacket, a hat and a pair of sunglasses. In addition to clothes, don't forget: reading material, toiletries, medications, sunscreen, bug spray and lotion.
The resort offers a range of guest services including e-mail, fax, and on-line access. We carry a range of candies, chips, cigars, toiletries and gifts in the gift shop We also have a full shopping service in case you need or want other snack foods, drinks, gifts, toiletries, o-t-c medications, clothes, etc. Our Front Desk staff is available to help you anything you might need at the resort. Over the years, we have arranged surprise weddings, chartered specialty airflights, arranged for custom-made anniversary presents, and rigged some incredibly funny practical jokes (ask us about the pigs...) We will do our best to work whatever miracles you might need to make your vacation perfect. Click here for more information on Guest Services at the resort
Transportation on Roatan
Taxis are the easiest way to get around the island. Just stand by the road and flag down a passing cab. For about $2-3, you'll share with the other riders to Coxen Hole or West End. It costs up to $8 to travel as far French harbor. Some places such as West Bay are accessible by water or land taxi. Rental cars are available with prices ranging from $48 - $100 a day.
Transfers between the airport and the resort are included in your package.
The average temperature in Roatan is a balmy 82 F. The trade winds provide a constant gentle breeze. The rainy season from October until February is similar to south Florida weather: periodic rain showers interspersed with sun. The rain rarely compromises the diving. BIBR is on the northern, leeward side of the island, so our water tends to stay calmer than the southern shore during the bulk of the year. During winter, we can get northers which last 2-3 days. If this happens, we will take the boats to the other side & dive from the south shore.
The island currency is the Lempira. The current exchange rate is approximately 19:1. US dollars, traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted in town, or you can exchange your US dollars at a local bank. (Personal checks are not accepted at the resort or anywhere.) Keep in mind that change will be given back in Lempiras.
During your stay, your bar, gift shop purchases, side trip and dive shop purchases are charged to your room and paid at checkout. These charges can be paid by US dollars, Lempiras, US dollar traveler's checks, Visa, American Express, or Mastercard. Honduras has a 12% sales tax applied to merchandise and services. There is a 15% tax on alcohol and smokes, and a 4% tax on lodging. We will be happy to help you work out projected expenses for the week. Please contact the booking office with any questions.
Before heading out to dinner at a local restaurant, keep in mind that slow service is not bad service on Roatan. Meals are considered opportunities to relax and visit with family & friends. A 60 - 90 minute dinner is fairly typical. For large groups, allow at least two hours for a full meal with appetizers, entrees & dessert. If you want to be served quickly, let your waiter know & ask him what you should order. At most places meals are prepared for each person after you order. The good news is that this means wonderful, fresh food. The bad news is that it takes longer for the meals to be prepared.
Recommended Restaurants:
West End (about 10 minutes from the resort):
French Harbor (about 30 minutes from the resort):
- Gio's- Seafood, Steaks & Fish. Famous for their enormous crab & seafood platters. Excellent food & service.
- Romeo's- Seafood, steaks & fish. Some of the nicest food & the most attractive presentation on Roatan
- Roatan Dive & Yacht Club- We love the sandwiches here. Pizza, sandwiches, steaks, chicken. Dinners are also excellent.
- Rotisserie Chicken (in Mount Pleasant)- very casual, local spot just east of the Texaco gas station. Some of the best chicken, beans & rice you will find on the island.
When you eat or drink out, take a look at the menu or ask your waiter to find out if tips are included. Some restaurants include tips of 10-16%. If a tip in not included, most travelers tip between 10-20% based on service.
Power on the island is the same as in the US: 110 volts AC -60 cycles. We run a generator most of the time. During scheduled maintenance or a time of heavy load, we switch over all or part of the resort to island power.
All water at the resort comes from two spring-fed wells and is chlorinated. This water is delicious and safe to drink. While traveling around the island, consider the source of the water before you drink it. If you are not at a resort or a major restaurant, drink bottled water. Also, when buying bottled water, please check the seal.
The Islanders speak both English and Spanish and welcome the tourist trade. The island has a modern airport, phones, faxes, paved road, and electricity; however, Roatan is still laid-back! Everyone operates on "island time" which allows for conversation, a second cup of hot Honduran coffee and a chance to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are no shopping malls or fancy nightclubs. This is the place for quiet mornings on the dock with a fresh-picked mango; hammock time with the sunset and a tropical drink; fun nights at the local disco; and of course, diving, snorkeling, kayaking and all other water sports!