Honduras
Get Your Bearings Because Roatán is so long and skinny, most of its resorts and luxury hotels are located on private beaches outside of the island’s towns. But that’s where the island’s life and flavor are found! Roatán’s principal communities include: • COXEN HOLE: The capital of the Bay Islands is Coxen Hole, Roatán’s largest city and the first place you’ll see — both the boat dock and the airstrip are located in Coxen Hole. Though travelers don’t tend to remain in the city, it’s the island’s center for politics and commerce. • SANDY BAY: Most of Roatán’s cultural attractions are located in Sandy Bay, such as the Institute of Marine Sciences and the Carambola Gardens and Marine Reserve. Sandy Bay is just across the narrow width of the island from Coxen Hole. • FRENCH HARBOUR: Lively French Harbour is the core of Roatán’s fishing trade. Several of Roatán’s most exclusive hotels are located here, as well as the island’s only Iguana conservatory. • PUNTA GORDA: The only Garifuna settlement on Roatán, Punta Gorda boasts a dynamic culture that has remained largely unchanged since the late 1700s. Travelers are welcome. Many of Roatán’s other local villages are found on this part of the island, like Jonesvile, Oak Ridge, Port Royal, and Camp Bay. What to Do on Roatán Luckily, there’s no end to Roatán’s diversions. Besides diving and snorkeling, Roatán’s beautiful waters can be enjoyed through kayaking, charter fishing trips, and glass- bottom boat tours. The island’s inland attractions include horseback riding, bicycling, museums, and miniature golf. Best of all, there are two separate canopy tours! For some di«erent scenery (like you’ll need it), book a boat out to other Honduran islands, like the pristine Cayos Cochinos, or a plane to the Copan ruins in western Honduras. Dinnertime on Roatán is always an adventure. While fresh fish and lobster is the most obvious choice, don’t shy away from local Caribbean cuisine, like conch fritters and coconut bread.
FUN FACTS Americans already know the basilisk lizard by an intriguing name: the Jesus Lizard, named after its amazing talent for walking (or running, rather) on water. Yet its name on Roatán is even funnier: the Monkey Lala! Keep an eye out for these harmless little dragons.
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