Retiring in Roatan Honduras
December 1, 20176 Reasons to Invest in Roatan Property
May 8, 2018About 40 miles north of Honduras in the Central American nation’s Bay Islands, Roatan is a lesser-known Caribbean isle, but this hidden gem boasts plenty of charm. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the affordability of Roatan real estate.
The myriad things to do in Roatan include boat tours, deep sea fishing, golf at Black Pearl Golf Course, horseback riding, jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving, swimming, and zip lining. Here are ten can’t-miss Roatan attractions.
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Arch’s Iguana Farm and Marine Park
For more than 30 years, visitors to Roatan have been communing with wildlife at this unique sanctuary that also rescues sea turtles. The 12-acre park is home to more than 4,000 iguanas as well as Jesus lizards, blue head lizards, and monkey lalas. Afternoons are feeding time, and guests can help feed the reptiles.
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Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum
Bird watchers love this tropical tree farm with a large pond as well as a conservatory. Tropical fruits such as pink grapefruit and starfruit grow on its plentiful trees, and the arboretum is also the first in the Caribbean to grow hydroponic herbs and lettuce.
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Carambola Gardens
Carambola Gardens and Nursery Center offers an ecologically friendly option for hiking, nature tours, and wildlife photography on its 40 acres. Found in Roatan’s Sandy Bay region, the natural jungle habitat offers spectacular views for hikers on Carambola Mountain.
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Flamingo Cultural Center
The cultural center serves as an ambassador to island guests from the indigenous Garifuna people. Located in Punta Gorda, Flamingo Cultural Center welcomes visitors to learn about the Roatan history and culture through fun interactive activities like dancing, drumming, and food. Proceeds from the cultural center are invested into social programs that benefit the local community.
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Gumbalimba Park
Located on 20 acres that includes a beach front and a jungle, this park is an excellent spot to see Capuchin monkeys, tropical birds, and other native wildlife. A popular activity at this park is zip lining over the lagoon. If you enjoy more relaxing vacation activities, swim in the freshwater pool and enjoy refreshments at Gecko Café.
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Half Moon Bay Beach
The beach behind Half Moon Bay Resort is open to the public with no entrance fee. Many vendors offer snorkeling equipment to rent. If you’re feeling peckish, Half Moon Bay Resort’s restaurant is known for its excellent food.
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Snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Reef
The world’s second-largest coral reef rests in the clear, calm waters off Roatan, making the island an ideal place to go snorkeling. From almost any beach on the island, snorkelers can see coral, colorful fish, octopus, squid, and lobsters. There’s even a cove known for its starfish.
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Temporary Cal’s Cantina
Sample Caribbean foods like jerk chicken or grouper tacos at this not-really-temporary restaurant located in First Bight, which offers a spectacular view of the bay. The food has been described as “crazy good.” The cantina is only open Tuesdays through Fridays, but worth the trek to bring the whole crew to watch the sun set over the bay together.
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Waves of Art Gallery & Gifts
Located in the West End Village, this arts and crafts gallery allows visitors to explore the arts of the island’s multicultural legacy. Local artists from Honduras and other countries in Central America participate in fair trade exchanges that allow visitors to the gallery to see and purchase their folk art and crafts.
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West Bay Beach
Accessible through Gumbalimba Park, this white sand beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. To make the most of the proximity to the coral reef, book a glass bottom boat tour on The Coral Reef Explorer. West Bay Beach is also one of the world’s premiere freediving locales.
In Roatan, you’ll find a laid-back, lower-cost alternative to some other island locations in the Caribbean. Throughout the island, you’ll discover many interesting Roatan properties. Contact us today to find dozens of exciting Roatan real estate options!