Know Before You Go

Medical Services and Immunizations
Like any tropical destination, Honduras has certain health and safety considerations to be aware of before you visit.

It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the CDC's health warnings before traveling to Honduras. You should also discuss appropriate immunizations and vaccinations with your doctor at least 3-months prior to your trip.

Medical services are available on Roatan and are well spread throughout the island. Toward the west there is medical staff available at Anthony’s Key Resort. Coxen Hole has the main hospital for the island, and there is also a clinic. Further east are other clinics that are available to help with emergencies. Serious injuries or severe conditions should head to the mainland, as there are no advanced medical care services available.

Mosquito-borne illnesses are an ongoing problem in Honduras. All persons traveling in Honduras, even for a brief visit, are at risk of contracting malaria. Take a prophylactic regimen best suited to your health profile. Honduras regularly suffers from outbreaks of dengue fever. Unlike traditional mosquito-borne illnesses, there is no medicinal prophylactic or curative regimen for dengue fever. Travelers should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes to reduce the chance of contracting such illnesses, such as avoiding standing water, wearing long sleeves and pants in both day and night, and applying insect repellent regularly.

There are two hyberbaric chambers in Roatan. One located at Anthony's Key Resort and the other at Fantasy Island Resort. Two medical doctors and an EMT staff are at the clinic at Anthony's Key. The hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm daily; on call 24 hours/day. A nominal charge of $12/week or $2/day will serve as insurance for treatment in the recompression chamber in the event of decompression sickness. The fee also serves as a donation to the clinic that provides medical services to the local community.

Passports
A U.S. passport valid for at least 3-months from the date of entry is required to enter Honduras. Though not required by law, some travelers have reported difficulty departing Honduras using a passport with less than three months of validity beyond the date of departure. A visa is not required, but tourists must provide evidence of return or onward travel. Parents should not rely on birth certificates for their children’s travel; rather, prior to travel they should obtain U.S. passports for infants and minors born in the United States. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that if questioned by local officials proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. For additional information visit the U.S. Department of State website.

The Language and Currency
Though the official language of Honduras is Spanish, the most common language spoken on Roatan is Caribbean English. The official currency is the Lempira, but U.S. dollars are used just as frequently for all transactions. Credit/Debit ATM cards are also accepted at bigger businesses.

Electricity and Internet Access
Roatan has 110-volt electricity so a converter is not needed for U.S. appliances, however, you might consider a voltage regulator or surge protector for any delicate electronics. Roatan also has high-speed internet which is available free of charge to all guests at the Posada Las Orquideas resort office.

Crime
Roatan and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, but thefts and other crimes can occur. Exercise particular caution walking on isolated beaches, especially at night. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark.

Driving in Roatan
Roads on Roatan are easy to navigate; one main road runs lengthwise down the middle of the island. Most roads are paved, but be cautious of potholes. Unpaved Roatan roads are easy enough; be weary when conditions are wet. The speed limit on the island is strictly enforced as pedestrians are not uncommon. People who plan on driving on Roatan should be aware that driving while using a cell phone, driving while smoking, driving without a spare tire and the tools to replace a bad tire, and other uncommon traffic laws are crimes that will result in fines.

Climate and Water Temperature
Roatan has a typical carribean tropical climate, and is very humid. The rainy season from mid-October to late November. The median temperature is 80°F/27°C. Keep this in mind when planning your clothing. Items that dry easily when hung are best. Also, dress is quite casual.

Click for Roatan, Honduras Forecast

Vegetation is kept lush by periodic showers, and the humidity is moderated by the ever-present trade winds.

The island is not in the direct path of most hurricanes, as they usually spin north before reaching the Honduran shores.

Water temperature varies from 78°F/25°C in winter to 84°F/29°C in summer, and underwater visibility is typically 80 to 100 feet.

What to Bring

Things to do in Roatan

You can choose between light trolling along different reefs and offshore banks on the south side of Roatan or deep sea fishing several miles offshore in the open sea and over sea mounts for marlin and other big game fish. You can find Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlins, Tarpon and Bonefish in the shoreline areas.

Dolphin Snorkel Encounter
An unusual opportunity for divers and snorkelers. To interact with dolphins on the mammal's own initiative. Interaction is achieved by the dolphin's natural curiosity where there is no feeding enticement to secure interaction with humans. The dolphin snorkel provides more opportunity for physical contact.

The Dolphin Encounter is a great way for small children and adults who don't have strong swimming skills to experience relating to the dolphins by entering the water waste deep and petting the dolphins. No more than six people at a time and the play session lasts for 30 minutes. Good for children.

The Dolphin Dive Encounter consists of a small boat with no more than six divers being taken just five minutes outside the reef. The encounter is 45 minutes long and allows time to observe, photograph and play with the dolphins.

Shore snorkeling is available close to the beach on West Bay Beach and Hammond Bay. You can find great reefs where you can go swimming and spend a great time.

The Roatan Tropical Butterfly Garden in the West End Village is home to many varieties of tropical butterflies and birds. Hours of Operation are Sunday through Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM, closed Saturday. Admission is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 10 years.

Other activities include horseback riding, zip line canopy tours, and coral reef exploring in a glass-bottomed boat.