Discover the Best of Roatan
Summary: Living it Up in Roatan: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.
Welcome to Roatan! If you're planning to move to Roatan, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Roatan has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Roatan.
Roatan is a vibrant island paradise that offers a wealth of attractions for both tourists and locals. One of the most popular sites is the West Bay Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands. It's a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The Roatan Marine Park, a protected area that spans most of the island's coastline, is another must-visit. Here, visitors can explore the rich marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles.
For those interested in history and culture, the Roatan Museum offers a fascinating insight into the island's past, while the Carambola Botanical Gardens showcase the island's diverse flora and fauna. The Gumbalimba Park is another popular attraction, featuring a monkey and bird park, a pirate cave, and a beautiful beach. For adventure seekers, the Mayan Jungle Canopy offers thrilling zip-line tours over the lush tropical forest.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Roatan is as diverse as the island itself. The Argentinian Grill is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, known for its succulent steaks and authentic Argentinian cuisine. The Lotus Beach Lounge, located in West Bay, offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that features a fusion of Asian and Caribbean flavors.
For a more casual dining experience, the Creole's Rotisserie Chicken in West End is a must-try. This laid-back eatery serves up the best island-style rotisserie chicken, along with other local favorites like coconut rice and beans. The Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill is another popular spot, offering delicious food, live music, and beachfront views.
When it comes to nightlife, the Booty Bar and Grill is a popular choice. This lively bar offers a great selection of drinks, regular live music, and a dance floor that stays busy until the early hours. For a more relaxed evening, the Sundowners Beach Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.
Roatan offers a wide range of recreational activities, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Scuba diving and snorkeling are among the most popular activities, with numerous dive sites scattered around the island. The Roatan Divers and the Anthony's Key Resort are among the top-rated dive centers, offering courses and excursions for divers of all levels.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the Black Iguana Golf Course offers a challenging 9-hole course with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Hiking is another popular activity, with trails leading through the lush jungle to hidden waterfalls and stunning viewpoints. The Carambola Mountain Trails and the Guanaja Island Hiking Trails are among the most popular.
For a unique experience, visitors can also try horseback riding on the beach with companies like Roatan Horseback Riding. Finally, for those seeking adrenaline, the Mayan Jungle Canopy offers zip-lining tours that provide breathtaking views of the island's lush landscape.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Roatan: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"I live in an apartment within 1K from West End and enjoy Sun Yoga which is offered everyday at 9am at Sundowners Restaurant ($10). It is a 90 minute workout offered 7 days a week with a different instructor each day. In addition I attend a gym nearby and have a personal trainer who helps augment my Yoga workouts with weights. I enjoy just lounging on West End beach and rent a chair by a local vendor for $2 / day. I have a Spanish teacher who comes to my home once a week. You do not need to speak Spanish to get along on Roatan because most locals are bi-lingual. But I like learning Spanish as a way to keep me mentally active. There is a large number of Americans & Canadians living here. The local brewery has Sunday Funday local craft fair the last Sunday of each month. There is also a corn-hole group that meet at various bars each Saturday but you can find more information at Tita's bar in West End. There are many charities available looking for volunteers. I've attended charity events such as PIER (Partners in Education Roatan). I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," said one expat living in Roatan.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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"Since Roatan is a tourist location most priorities resolve around water sports such as SCUBA, free-diving, snorkeling, fishing, jet-skiing, etc. West End area caters to tourists with many restaurants/bars where you can meet people. At night many restaurants offer karaoke or trivia. It is very easy to meet people and the community is small so you will quickly learn the ex-pats from tourists," commented an expat living in Roatan.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.