Roatan Island

Roatan Island is the largest of the Bay Islands. The Island is roughly about 40 miles long and 5 miles wide, surrounded by the 2nd largest barrier reef on the planet. Roatan is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.

The Island is best viewed by taking boat tours. Most tourists head out to Half Moon Bay, West Bay, West End and many of more less than crowded beaches. However, if you are someone who enjoys the sight of people going about, then West Bay is the place to go. Some consider it to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with those turquoise waters and powdery, white sands. There can be hundreds of people on the west side of the beach on a cruise ship day. So, if you prefer a more secluded vacation time, you will want to dodge a day like this and head east. The eastern end of the Island has some of the longest and less frequently visited beach areas.

Clearly, because of the beautiful Carribbean waters and the living reef, there's a host of water adventures for you to explore. Both natives and tourists alike enjoy scuba diving and snorkling, sea kayaking, deep sea and salt water fly fishing to name a few. Imagine a beautiful day on those gorgeous waters and being involved with any or all of those great activites.

There are plenty of other things to do in Roatan other than lazying around on the beach. Approximately just a 5 mintue walk from the entrance to West End Village is the Butterfly Garden. This place is not only home to the indigenous butterflies, but also to the beautiful tropical birds of the Island, such as hummingbirds, parrots and toucans! You can have the choice of attending the guided tour or going off on your own exploration.

Still need more to do? How about some horseback riding? You either can take your trip during the day or choose to tour with the full moon. Imagine a horseback ride under the full moon in such a paradise. I'm sure you will notice just how alive the Island is once things have settled and how perfect the stars would shine above you. The moon on a such a night is the only source of light needed with all it's brilliance. You can take your tour with the El Rancho Barrio Dorcas. They will even meet you with the horses at the hotel if you make your stay in West End.

Roatan Island is nothing less than a true paradise. It truly is one of the last unspoiled Islands of not only the Carribean but the world.