|
Deutsch
Information about Roatan in the
Bay Islands of Honduras
  The Bay Islands are located approximately 40 miles North of
the coast of Honduras. There are three main islands, Utila, Roatan and Guanaja, as well as
numerous cays. Roatan is the largest, measuring 29 miles long and 2 miles
wide, with a total landmass of 49 square miles.
A tropical mountainous terrain overlooks the dramatic shoreline and the
sporadic beautiful sandy beaches. The awesome scenery is interrupted
occasionally by small fishing villages. Roatan has a mountainous
backbone that provides a splendid view from any point, and is totally
surrounded by coral reefs. Roatan is famous for the superb diving and
excellent fishing. This is not your typical over-commercialized
vacation spot.
The average temperature in Roatan year round is about 80º F, or 28º Celsius
with the trade winds providing a gentle breeze. The relative humidity
averages 72%. From March until October, the weather in Roatan can be
compared to that of Florida; lots of sun with occasional showers. During the
rest of the year it will rain more often but rain rarely compromises the
diving.
As for the modernization of Roatan, its electrical voltage is the same as in
the US - 110 volts AC - 60 cycles. Occasionally, as the power plants shift
their generators, the power may cut off. Most resorts have back-up
generators.
Islanders speak both English and Spanish, and welcome all tourists.
The island has a modern airport, phones, faxes, and paved road. However,
Roatan is still laid-back! There are no shopping malls or fancy nightclubs.
What Roatan can offer are quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, relaxation by
the water with a tropical drink, visiting the local villages (still in their
natural, cultural setting), viewing the island's incredible vegetation and
wildlife, and, of course, diving or snorkeling! |
Just
a short distance off shore is the southern end of the world's second largest
barrier reef, which has made Roatan famous amongst divers. There is no better
place to dive than the crystal clear warm waters surrounding the Bay
Islands. Be among the first to explore the untouched virgin dive sites of
Roatan. 
Many
cultures have inhabited these islands over the centuries - pirates, slaves
and British settlers who farmed to supply the ships that frequented the
area. Many of their descendants remain on the island today. Great Britain
gave up possession of the Islands in the 1860's. What you will find today is
an interesting mixture of Spanish, English, and Garifuna cultures.
Around
Roatan, the remains of partially sunken ships are common. And although the
most frequently visited wrecks were intentionally sunk for scuba diving,
their histories are no less interesting than stories involving pirates. 
