Roatán Island: Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

Are you planning a trip to Roatán? Whether you’re looking for world-class snorkeling, laid-back beaches, or diving adventures on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s our collection of practical travel tips based on our own visits over the years, including how to get here, when to go, safety advice, and more.

How to Get to Roatán

Roatán has its own international airport, Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), which is super convenient and accessible right from the US. The airport is in Coxen Hole, which is about a 30-minute drive from main beach areas.

Direct Flights From the US:

• American (Miami, Dallas)
• Delta (Atlanta)
• United (Houston, Denver)

These flights can be expensive compared to other Caribbean or Central American destinations, so you can also look at connecting though San Pedro Sula on mainland Honduras.

If you’re already exploring Honduras and want to add a stop, search for a local flight on Aerolineas Sosa from La Ceiba.

Ferry Option:

The Galaxy Wave ferry runs twice daily between La Ceiba and Roatán and is about 1.5 hours. We prefer to fly because seas can be rough (take motion sickness meds if needed).

Getting to Your Hotel

Taxis are readily available at the airport and ferry terminal, with fixed prices based on destination. Just ask the price before accepting the ride. On our last visit it was $30, but was $25 when we had USD. Some hotels offer pick-up service, so it’s worth asking when you book. We find it very easy to just get a taxi outside, especially since the hotel shuttle may be waiting for a bunch of passengers and will take longer.

Make Sure to Bring Cash with You from Home: ATMs are a challenge on the island and USD is preferred. In many places around the world, we recommend paying in local currency for the best value, but Roatán is an exception to that rule.

When to Visit Roatán

We’ve visited in all seasons and definitely have our favorites. In short:

• High season (Dec–Apr): Best weather but higher prices and more crowds. Rainy season overlaps in Oct–Feb, so plan accordingly. We think March and April are ideal.
• Shoulder season (May–Jun, Oct–Nov): Fewer crowds, lower prices, mix of sun and showers. We love the end of May for lovely hot weather without high-season crowds or the big rain storms that come in fall and winter.
• Low season (Jul–Sep): Hot, humid, and a bit rainy, but the quietest and cheapest.

📌 Read our full guide: Best Time to Visit Roatán

Is Roatán Safe?

The short answer is yes, especially in the main tourist areas of West End and West Bay. Most crime against visitors is petty theft, so use the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere.

Key Safety Tips:

• Use taxis at night instead of walking long distances.
• Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach.
• Watch for boat traffic when snorkeling, especially near Infinity Bay.
• Pay attention on West End’s main road, as the traffic and potholes can be tricky.

📌 Read our full guide: Is Roatán Island Safe?

General Travel Tips for Roatán

• Split your stay between West Bay and West End for the best of both worlds.
• Use water taxis for a quick, scenic ride between the two during the day.
• Always use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reef.
• Bring U.S. dollars from home, they’re widely accepted and sometimes necessary.
• Check recent reviews for restaurants, as things are always changing.

Plan Your Trip

We created a ready-to-go daily plan for you. Check out our post – One Week in Roatán: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary – for hotel picks, our favorite restaurants, and our favorite activities.

Up Next: Check back Friday for our complete guide to Roatan all in one post.