Roatan
Live, invest, or start fresh in a Caribbean island just a few Hours Away from major U.S. cities.
Why Roatán?
Roatán isn’t just a holiday destination—it’s a lifestyle.
t’s a lifestyle. With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and lush hills, it’s where expats create new lives, investors grow their portfolios, and families wake up to ocean views every morning.
A thriving international community
A secure expat-friendly destination
Opportunities to invest in one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing markets
Geography
& Location
Only 48 km from the coast of Honduras, Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands, stretching 83 km² with 154 km of coastline.
Important towns include West End, West Bay, French Harbor, Punta Gorda, and José Santos Guardiola, each with its own charm and culture.
90% of the island remains covered in pristine jungle
Only 10% of the land is populated
Surrounded by the second-largest coral reef in the world, ideal for diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism
Enjoy a tropical climate with average
temperatures of 28°C (82°F) year-round
Rainy season: December to February
Outside the main hurricane belt (historical average: 1 hurricane every 26 years)
Beyond RoatáN
The Bay Islands
Utila
A diver’s paradise, rich in flora and fauna both above and below water.
Guanaja
Largely undeveloped, offering untouched landscapes and tranquil escapes.
Easily
Accessible
This accessibility makes property ownership easier, weekend visits possible, and ensures steady vacation rental demand.
Just 2 hours from Miami
2.5 hours from Houston
Direct flights year-round
International airport and cruise ship terminals
Culture
& Lifestyle
Cultural Roots & Community
Blend of African, British, and Indigenous (Garífuna) heritage.
Languages spoken:
Utila
predominant
SPANISH
official
Garífuna
especially in Punta Gorda
Culture & Lifestyle
Roatán offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and modern comforts. Beyond its stunning beaches, the island has a vibrant lifestyle shaped by its people, traditions, and activities.
Sports & Wellness
World-class scuba diving and snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Reef
Deep-sea fishing and water sports
Golf courses with ocean views
Yoga, wellness retreats, and outdoor fitness activities
Currency
The official currency is the Honduran Lempira (HNL), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the island. Many businesses also take credit and debit cards, making transactions easy for visitors and residents.
Transportation
The Bay Islands
Taxis and local buses connect most communities
Rental cars and scooters are popular for flexibility
Ferries and water taxis provide easy access to nearby keys and coastal areas
Why Investors
Choose Roatán?
A thriving international community
A thriving international community
A secure expat-friendly destination
A secure expat-friendly destination
Opportunities to invest in one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing markets
Economy & Industry
Roatán's economy is deeply anchored in tourism and fisheries, with tourism—particularly cruise and eco-adventure travel—serving as the primary engine of growth for the Bay Islands
Tourism: The Driving Force
Tourism’s Economic Weight
The sector accounts for nearly 50% of the gross island product, making Roatán a leading contributor to the country’s tourism influx
Annual Visitor Growth
Visitor numbers have surged dramatically—from just 900 tourists in 1970 to over 1 million by 2010, with the trend continuing upward
Today
Today, Roatán welcomes an estimated 1.6 million tourists annually, most notably after improvements to the international airport and cruise ports
2024 Cruise Tourism Milestone
In 2024 alone, Roatán received over 1.7 million cruise passengers through 447 ship calls, generating approximately $180 million in economic impact and creating 3,386 direct and indirect jobs
Tourism Experiences & Diversification
Main Attractions Rooted in Nature
The island is celebrated for its “sun & beach” offerings and “nature & adventure” tourism, anchored by the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Scuba diving remains a premier draw, alongside snorkeling, sailing, birdwatching, horseback riding, and reef explorationRoatan Tourism Bureau ™.
Diving Infrastructure
There are about 34 registered dive centers operating on Roatán, with additional centers located on nearby islands like Utila and Guanaja—most of which are transitioning toward recognized standards like PADI or SSIRoatan Tourism Bureau ™.
Sustainability & Cultural Expansion
Tourism development increasingly includes conservation efforts—protecting coral reefs and biodiversity—and seeks to elevate cultural and historical tourism in Roatán and surrounding islandsRoatan Tourism Bureau ™Earth ObservatoryDrift Travel Magazine.
Cruise Industry Highlights
Top Cruise Destination
Roatán has surpassed Belize to become the most visited cruise port in Central America, elevating Honduras into the Top 10 global destinations for cruise revenue, alongside the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands
Passenger Spend
Cruise visitors contribute an average of $104 per person in local spending, fueling retail, excursions, dining, and community services
Roatán
Tourism Impact
Summary Table
Key Metric
- Annual Tourists
- Cruise Passengers (2024)
- Economic Impact
Value
- ~1.6 million
- >1.7 million
- ~$180 million
Infrastructure
An international airport with direct U.S. and regional flights Two cruise ship ports welcoming international visitors Ferry connections to mainland Honduras
Roatán is equipped with:
Your FutuRE
Starts Here
Whether you’re looking to invest, retire, or relocate, Roatán offers unmatched beauty, opportunity, and lifestyle. Ava Towers is your perfect gateway to this Caribbean dream.