Island in Bay Islands, Honduras
Roatán
A Caribbean island with a reef-diving scene, long beaches and a large expat community. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Prices are higher than mainland Honduras and nights outside the west end need care.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,420–2,310Comfortable, one person · L38,000–62,000Details
- Value for money29/100Better value than 28% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–MayWarmest: Sep, 29°CDetails
- Internet96 MbpsFixed broadband, Honduras medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; most hotels, hostels and dive shops provide filtered refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundColectivo taxi on main roadWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashDollars are widely accepted in West End and West Bay.Details
Where to stay in Roatán
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| West End | Backpacker strip: dive shops, bars, hostels |
| West Bay | Upscale beach, resorts and snorkeling, quieter nights |
| Sandy Bay / Anthony's Key | Quieter, with dive resorts and local life |
| Coxen Hole | Cruise port and shops; stay elsewhere |
Apps that work in Roatán
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps; use taxis and colectivos. Agree fares in advance and avoid riding at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Honduras.
- Mixed: cards and cash Dollars are widely accepted in West End and West Bay. Cards work in dive shops and hotels, often with a 3–5% surcharge; carry cash for taxis.
- Currency: Lempira (HNL). US$1 ≈ L26.85 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in malls and banks are safest; not every foreign card works, and withdrawals carry local fees.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants if service isn't included; tip dive masters and guides.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in malls and chains in big cities and Roatán; otherwise cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the online customs declaration before arrival and before departure, and show its QR code to officers.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Land borders charge about US$3 in cash on entry; keep the receipt and check your passport is stamped.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tigo or Claro SIMs from their stores and airport kiosks with your passport; weekly and monthly data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Honduras
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.