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Roatan Island – Where Is That?

Multi Blues of the Caribbean Sea

Roatan Reef – image courtesy of DevonStephens.com

Roatan Island – Where is that?

Today’s Roatan still has the flavor of finding the gold that the Spanish galleons carried two and three hundred years ago. As they sailed by, pirates hidden in the mangroves slipped out to snatch what they wanted. Roatan of today is still the island of gold rewards, the lushness and raw beauty with its surround of still pristine coral reef pulls in the adventurers of the 21st century.

Coconut palms outline the beaches and fill the landscape, magnificent mango, almond, cashew, banana trees nestle next to a hundred varieties of ancient and native flora. They cover and spill down from a boney ridge that backbones the long skinny island, freeing up the ribs for homes tucked into colonias of English and Spanish Honduran families. Hilltops, beach fronts and villages attract a world of wanderers from Canada, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and the British, the Dutch, and the Germans from Europe.

Nestled In

Each looking to find their pot of gold in the lush landscapes and in the vivid blues of the Caribbean Sea.

Where is it? Though just thirty miles off the coast of Honduras, it’s no measure of the differences between the island of Roatan and the mainland. Yes, poverty pronounces itself in both parts of Honduras yet Roatan remains the Cinderella of the family. So long as there’s enough rain illustrated by the intense greenery, enough health care, food and shelter, even those without jobs can survive. Helping hands are everywhere. The struggle toward economic health continues daily.

Fishing Village

To the tourist the island holds multiple moments. “It’s a hot, insect infested paradise,” says one. Yes, there are tropical bugs and lizards: “no-seeums,” mosquitos, enolis, geckos, monkey la las, iguanas, typical tropical residents.

Iguana

There are also birds of varied color and calls that pleasure the early morning riser. The underwater playground takes one’s breathe away, wondering at the color palette and never ending creativity of the painter of this world.

Visitors may be surprised at the variety of resorts, hotels, and guest houses involved in showcasing their special Roatan. The island even boasts a Pete Dye designed 18 hole gorgeous golf course with magnificent views.

This mountainous and tropical paradise has encompassing reefs that are the second largest system in the world, capturing the loyalty of tons of travelers of the scuba diving and snorkeling sport. Roatan as a whole is like a multi-layered fabric of many threads, integrated with many colors. Those who go there experience this, that’s why they go back.

Then and Now

Understanding the cultural anthropology of the island begins at the elementary level…so much to learn about such wonderful people and a fascinating history! Come to the island and discover your own chapters.