Don't Miss Roatan/Planeta.com

Don't Miss Roatan
by Brian and Diana Blackwell

July 1999

Roatan (49 sq.miles) is the largest and most developed of the three main Bay Islands which also includes Guanaja (29 sq. miles) and Utila (16 sq. miles) along with the smaller islands of Helene, Morat, Barbareta along with the chain of Cayos Cachinos islands and cayes. Also included in this magnificent chain of undersea mountain range that extends from the mainland of Honduras (the Bonacca Ridge) are 43 smaller keys that dot the Honduras Strait off the north coast of Honduras in the Western Caribbean Sea.

This article will focus on the island off Roatan ONLY because of its already established exposure as a champion tourist destination. This label is well deserved by mainly the scuba diving sector of tourism but certainly not limited to scuba enthusiasts alone. Roatan, as well as the other 'Bay Islands' have something to offer for everyone. Diving just happens to be the most prominent, and is well established on Roatan with the many accommodations for divers from the individual dive shops to the luxurious 'all-inclusive' resorts.

Unfortunately, Roatan is marketed to the scuba enthusiasts and is missing out on the much needed tourism dollars from other sectors of the tourism industry. Yes, Roatan and the Bay Islands offer some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean but the cultural, historical and the ecological diversity of Roatan is being neglected by tourism.

Cruise ships are now making port in Roatan and the interior of the island of Roatan is just now becoming noticed by more people, other than the many 'ex-pats' that either call Roatan their home or at the least, their winter retreat. This is for good reason. The islands tropical temperature ranges between 77 to 84 degrees with easterly 'trade winds' creating a balmy, pleasant environment for the better part of the year.

But the interior of Roatan is STILL being missed, even with the advent of the arrival of cruise ships. This is why "Hikes, Bikes & Boats" are well entrenched on Roatan and have expanded to include ALL of the Bay Islands into their unique tours.

We are promoting the 'neglected' charms and values of Roatan and the Bay Islands with personal, custom tours of groups of 8 people or less to help provide an informative 'personal' tour of the islands.

Roatan boasts a long and varied historical legacy, involving no less than nine cultural groups that begin back to the 'pre-columbian' era, beginning with the Paya Indians (a group related to the Maya). Artifacts and yabba-ding-dings (the local name for broken clay pottery and figurines) have been recovered from more than 50 sites throughout the islands. Columbus encountered the Paya Indians on his 4th voyage to the 'New World' on the island of Guanaja between 1502 & 1504 of which a small monument commemorates this historical event on El Soldado beach on the west shore of Guanaja.

The area of Port Royal on the mostly undeveloped southeast end of Roatan is steeped in historical events related to the British buccaneers as well as many battles between the British troops and the pirates. Slave trade played a major role in the history of the Bay Islands as well. Punta Gorda was the first permanent settlement on Roatan which was established by Black Caribs (Garifuna), a mixture of the Island Carib Indians and relocated Africans from St. Vincent Island.

Anthony's Key Resort in Sandy Bay has an informative museum with many of the historical artifacts of the islands on display. The admission price for the museum at AKR is included in the price for the excellent dolphin show presented by "IMS" (Institute for Marine Sciences) also at AKR. Across the main road is Carambola Botanical Gardens and Nature Trails. A wide variety of exotic plants is featured here, including Roatans most extensive orchid collection.

A little farther west, down the main road, stop in at "Tropical Treasures Bird Paradise" to see the indigenous parrot of the Bay Islands, the Yellow Naped Parrot. You can just meander around the grounds to see many varieties of healthy Macaws, Tucans and Parrots or let Judy take you on the educational guided tour for only $4.00. The tour is worth every penny and helps pay for the expensive care and maintenance of these majestic birds. Since your near the 'West End', why not finish the day on some of the most beautiful beaches on Roatan in the 'West End'. There are plenty of gift and souvenir shops to keep the most avid buyer busy. Dive shops line the road on both sides or just bring your snorkel gear and go get wet. If the day is ending, your in the perfect place for the best sunsets in the western Caribbean. Kick back at one of the many restaurants along the road, order up from menus of local cusine at Half Moon Bay Restaurant to international dishes at the "Bamboo Hut", just ask for Tony. Have a fresco or cervesa and enjoy the picturesque moment that nature will surely bestow upon you when the sun settles aglow, below the seas western horizon.

Another 'must see' attraction on Roatan is Sherman Arch's privately owned and operated Iguana Farm centrally located in Roatans, French Caye. Ask to see the infamous "Big Red" or "Stumpy"! Mr. Sherman or his distinguished daughter Gale, can answer any and all questions that you may have in respect to Iguanas (at least they have so far). Donations to help defer operating costs are always appreciated and politely accepted. Better yet, bring some bananas or melons and watch what happens!

If you need accommodations 'down island' such as in the 'West End' after a full activity filled day, you may want to try the Half Moon Bay Cabins or the Sea Grape Plantation Resort. If your travels take you mid-island, you might try the Harbour View Hotel in French Harbour. Cathy Woods (owner) has newly remodeled rooms that are clean, as well as quaint and are reasonably priced. There are two first class restaurants (Gios & Romeos) in the immediate area of the hotel that offer delicious meals with affordable prices.

If your farther 'up island' toward the eastern, less developed end of the island of Roatan, there are a several options. "Coral Beach Inn" in First Bight or "La Feets Treasure Hut" in Oak Ridge offer B&B style accommodations on the southern coastline with a full list of activities that can be arrainged for a nominal fee. The lodging farthest east is at the "all inclusive" Paya Bay Beach Resort next to the 3,500-acre Port Royal Reserve. This resort is dubbed 'the ultimate escape' as it is nestled in the secluded, undeveloped east end which is virtually cut off from 'the world'. No phones, no T.V., no hassles. Just sea, sand & sun.

If your 'thing' is "cultural", be sure to visit the 5 Hermanos Hotel/Comedor in Punta Gorda. This 'first' Garifuna village is rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Mitch and is gearing toward ecotourism. These strong people have alot to offer and can make a stay in Punta Gorda not only enjoyable but informative, educational and recreational.

Ecology tours are only provided by Hikes, Bikes & Boats with the co-operation of BICA (Bay Island Conservation Association).Hiking Tours in the Port Royal Reserve are professionally guided by a BICA representative (from Punta Gorda) and the Eco Bike Tours are guided by trained 'local' guides. They Kayak/Snorkel Tours are guided by a PADI DiveMaster/Master Scuba Diver. Come see and learn about the Bay Islands, 'up close and personal'.

Brian T. Blackwell is the owner/operator of "Hikes, Bikes & Boats" eco-adventure tours. Brian, his wife Diana and their dog Thunder have lived on Roatan for the last year, establishing their unique 'all-island' low impact amphibious eco tours. The 'idle time' that "Hurricane Mitch" provided them with, has proven a tourism need & prompted them to fill a void area of tourism in the "Bay Islands" by devoting their tours to small groups (2 to 8 people) by providing personalized eco-tours of ALL the Bay Islands. Hikes, Bikes & Boats has locally employed and trained guides that will happily cater to your inquisitive needs and desires. You can contact the author via email. Be sure to place "Attn. Hikes, Bikes & Boats" in the subject line for a prompt response.

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Don't Miss Roatan by Brian and Diana Blackwell

PLANETA.COM GUIDES

Don't Miss Roatan
by Brian and Diana Blackwell