Roatán: Getting there & around

All flights and ferries come and go from La Ceiba, on the mainland's north coast. Roatán's airport is located a short distance east of Coxen Hole. There are daily flights between Roatán and La Ceiba with domestic and international connections. Catamaran ferry services provide a fast, comfortable ride between Roatán and La Ceiba. For some reason, the ferry companies have never offered direct service between Roatán and Utila but more and more private boat owners are making the trip, and the price, frequency and reliability are improving. It's certainly something that's long overdue - ask on the island for the latest.

Water taxis are used on Roatán and are particularly useful for getting between West End and West Bay, and for exploring Oak Ridge, which is set around a small bay. You can rent cars and motorcycles on Roatán. However, rentals are not cheap and don't cover fuel costs. Taxis ferry people all around Roatán. Colectivo (public transportion) fares are reasonable, but private rates can be high. Be sure to establish the type of service you want - and how much it's going to cost - before you get in. Taxi prices go up after sunset and whenever a cruise ship is in dock.

Roatán has two bus routes, both originating in Coxen Hole. Bus 2 is the one most visitors use. It travels west from Coxen Hole past Sandy Bay and on to the West End. Minibuses depart from both ends and take about 25 minutes in each direction. Bus 1 travels east from Coxen Hole past the airport to French Harbour, past Polly Tilly Bight, through Punta Gorda and on to Oak Ridge.