Climate – The Trade Winds, which blow steadily most of the year, ensure that Roatan has a comfortable tropical climate. Temperatures generally range in the 80so F (27-32oC), but may drop for a few days into the low 70soF (20–22oC) in January and February. Water temperature varies from 79oF (26oC) in midwinter to 86oF (30oC) in summer. Annual rainfall is approximately 90 inches (200 cm) with half of it coming in the rainy season of October and November. February through September is the driest period averaging just 1 to 5 inches (2.25 to 11 cm) of rain a month. Historically, most tropical storms miss the Bay Islands with an average of one major hurricane every 17 years.
Entry Requirements – Everyone entering Honduras must have a passport that is valid a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry. Tourists from Canada, U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and most Western European countries can stay up to 30 days without a visa. Visas must be renewed monthly, up to a 6-month maximum stay. An immigration officer will insert a tourist slip into your passport and stamp it. Hang on to this paper, as you must surrender it when you leave the country.
Money – The currency of Honduras is the lempira; however, most resorts, restaurants, bars, stores also accept U.S. dollars and traveller’s checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard and AMEX. There are banks in Coxen Hole and French Harbour where cash may be obtained from ATMs linked to the Plus or Cirrus networks, or by cash advances on Visa or MasterCard.
Time – Honduras is on Central Standard Time. When it is noon in Roatan, it is 6 p.m. in London, 1 p.m. in New York, 10 a.m. in San Francisco and 5 a.m. the next day in Sydney. Daylight saving time is not observed.
Electricity – 110 volts and typical North American plugs that take two flat parallel blades. Roatan has its own fossil fuel generating station and electricity is very expensive.
Groceries – There are two main grocery stores on the island selling a wide variety of North American and Latin foodstuffs, liquor, wine and beer – Warrens in Coxen Hole and Eldon’s in French Harbour. There are also a number of convenience stores and many small roadside stands selling purified water, sodas, snacks and beer. In Coxen Hole, "The Flying Fish" sells fresh seafood; while fruits, vegetables and freshly butchered meats are for sale at the municipal market.
Chili's Beach Restaurant-West End
Restaurants
– There are many restaurants on Roatan, ranging from very inexpensive Honduran
restaurants where you can sit down to a plato tipico to more upscale
establishments in the higher-end resorts. In Sandy Bay there are two very
popular restaurants, the Blue Parrot at Sundancer and Rick’s American Café about
a mile down the road. There are beachside restaurants at West Bay Beach, while
the greatest concentration and variety of restaurants and bars are to be found
in West End. Don’t miss happy hour at the Twisted Toucan! There are fewer
restaurants on the east end of the island; however, special mention must be
given to Hole-in-the-Wall in Jonesville and B.J.’s Backyard in Oak Ridge.
What to Wear? – Roatan is very casual – it’s T-shirts, shorts, bathing suits, sandals, hats and suntan lotion during the day. In the evening, you may want to bring a sundress or slacks for dining out. Shoes/boots, long pants and shirts with sleeves are recommended if you plan to hike jungle and mountain trails. Islanders dress conservatively, so no bathing suits or short shorts in town.
Medical Facilities – Woods Medical facility, a small hospital is located in Coxen Hole. At Anthony’s Key Resort there is a small medical center and a hyperbaric decompression chamber. Expect to pay about $10 U.S. for a doctor visit. There are pharmacies in Coxen Hole and French Harbour. Air ambulance service to the mainland or the U.S. is available.