Located about 35 miles off the northern coast of Honduras is the small island of Roatan. Roatan is only 40 miles long and three miles wide but it is bursting with culture, history, and pristine beaches. Roatan is easily accessible through several major U.S. airports that offer direct flights to the island, such as Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and New York.

The addition of the international airport has situated the Roatan Honduras real estate market for a place of growth. This is an important thing to remember because once you fall in love with the island, you may never want to leave!

Here are five interesting facts about the island of Roatan:

1. Roatan is the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands. Roatan draws in travelers with its mountainous inner region and miles of sandy white beaches on its shores. In fact, West Bay Beach has been voted the best beach in Central America by TripAdvisor for two years in a row.
2. Roatan is home to the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef, giving the perfect opportunity for snorkelers and divers to explore an underwater garden. This reef stretches 700 miles all the way from the Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands. Another popular option for underwater exploring is Mary’s Place. This site has vertical crevices that were formed from volcanic activity a long time ago. Divers can spend the day exploring these naturally formed crevices and finding colorful Caribbean fish.
3. By the 17th Century, more than 5,000 pirates lived on the island of Roatan. Roatan has seen some famous pirates in its time such as Blackbeard, Van Horn, and Henry Morgan. Luckily, there are no longer an influx of pirates inhabiting the island, so it will be safe for you to check out Roatan real estate for sale while you’re visiting.
4. Even though the island is small, it houses over 400 registered taxis. Reportedly, the taxi drivers all tend to congregate towards the west end of the island that is more densely populated and developed. However, the island is home to two cruise ship ports, so all those transportation options may be beneficial!
5. The Garifuna people, who were brought by the British in 1797, have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Their descendants still live in the original settlement of Punta Gorda and keep their heritage alive by continuing to speak the Garifuna language, perform traditional dances, and creating inimitable cultural music.

Thankfully, the island of Roatan has a low cost of living so you won’t have to spend a fortune to be a part of a culturally rich and lively environment. The island is situated with the perfect ease-of-access for transportation around the island or, if you ever need to leave, the international airport. Come discover what it is like to live the island life you have always dreamed of and browse the selection of Roatan island real estate.

Contact us today so we can find the perfect Roatan Honduras real estate to match your lifestyle!