Linda Armstrong has been trying to get the Caribbean sand out of her suitcase and her brain for the past 10 years, and now she's finally given up. As a previous tour director, she spent years guiding others throughout the Caribbean on their vacations. Then one day she decided it was time for her to get back to writing and teaching and to take a few vacations of her own. As an English teacher at an alternative school in Minnesota, she cherishes her spring break and her few moments in the sun and spends most of the long winter researching her newest destination. As a freelance writer, she loves the ability to write about her own experiences while at the same time informing others about not only the various destinations, but the diverse cultures as well. As a true lover of reggae, the fresh, salt air, and the warm feel of sand beneath her feet, she's a Minnesotan by location and a Caribbean Queen at heart!
Pristine beaches and amazing jungle-covered hills, heartwarming people and unique cultures, world renowned diving and endless activities, authentic Caribbean charm and inexpensive accommodations - Can travelers even dare to dream that such a wonderland exists? Even if it does, it's surely overcrowded with tourists and burdened with aggressive local hagglers peddling their wares. However, this dream is a spacious, haggler-free reality, and it's one of the Caribbean's best kept secrets. This Eden is the island of Roatan, the most developed of the Bay Islands chain located just 40 miles northeast of mainland Honduras.
This Caribbean secret is steeped in culture and history. The friendly, English-speaking population offers a unique blend of African, Spanish, Paya Indian, and British cultures. British and Spanish settlers invaded the Paya as their respective countries fought over possession of Roatan in the 16th century. Soon after, pirates numbering nearly 5,000, including Henry Morgan and associates, claimed Roatan as their stronghold. During the height of the slave trade, Roatan became a dumping ground for rebellious slaves that the British could no longer control. These marooned slaves, now called Maroons or Garifuna, form a present day ethnic group near the town of Punta Gorda.
This unique mix of people and cultures, presently controlled by Honduras, has created a population that is rich in tradition yet welcoming to visitors. In addition, while islanders have plenty of wares to exhibit and offer to visitors, hagglers and aggressive salespeople are virtually non-existent. Plus, with both the lempira and the U.S. dollar widely accepted, shopping on Roatan is a pleasant, atypical Caribbean experience.
The island itself is a mere 28 miles long and an average of four miles wide - creating easy navigation on its one major paved road and endless adventurous exploration off this well worn path. The world's second largest barrier reef lies just 100 yards off shore, and several marinas and dive operations offer countless opportunities to view the abundant species of coral, tropical fish, and aquatic animals. Due to its semi-mountainous jungle and 1998's Hurricane Mitch, little food is produced, and few products are manufactured on the island. Aside from fruits, vegetables, and seafood, all food and most manufactured products are easily transported to Roatan from mainland Honduras via daily ferries and flights.
Each of Roatan's quaint communities seems to offer its own special blend of authentic Caribbean culture and charm. Located near the southwest corner of the island, Coxen Hole is the point of arrival for almost all visitors and the capital of the Bay Islands. In addition to the airport and ferryboat docks, Coxen Hole also houses most of the island's banks, plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops, and a couple of quaint hotels and lively discos.
Sandy Bar is the hub of Roatan's cultural activities. This quaint, seaside community houses the Roatan Museum, the Institute of Marine Sciences, the Carambola Gardens, and numerous small resorts and marinas.
Located just northeast of Coxen Hole, French Harbour is a busy little town with one of the Caribbean's largest fishing fleets and many of the island's business and financial institutions. Marinas include the French Harbour Yacht Club, Coco View Resort, and Fantasy Island Resort and Marina. Several fine hotels, a few charming restaurants, and a local disco are among the area's most noted offerings.
Continuing northeast out of French Harbor, visitors will arrive at Punta Gorda, the first Garifuna settlement in Central America. In addition to various land and water-based activities, hotels, and cultural highlights, Punta Gorda is also the gravel road gateway to smaller communities such as Port Royal and Camp Bay.
Brick Bay is yet another tiny settlement offering diving, mountain biking, and sea kayaking adventures as well as two major marinas, Romeo's Resort and Marina and Mermaid Marina and Tavern.
While each community offers its unique attractions, both land and water-based activities can be found all over the island. With the world's second largest barrier reef just 100 yards off shore, diving and snorkeling top the list of activities. Walls, volcanic tunnels, canyons, and ridges are home to endless marine life including everything from colorful sponges, coral, and tropical fish to playful dolphins and awe-inspiring whale sharks.
If ocean-born adventure is more your style, Roatan offers some of the world's best sea kayaking. Paddling around untouched beaches, awe-inspiring mountain jungles, and pristine coral reefs creates a once-in-a-lifetime, multi-sensory experience.
Land-based activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, independent jungle hiking, and simply relaxing at Tabayana beach, the island's most noted white sand beach.
While this secret Eden's unique location offers fabulous accommodations and authentic Caribbean charm in a seemingly "off the beaten path" locale, transportation is easily accessible, and accommodations are downright cheap. Both ferries and flights arrive daily in Coxen Hole from La Ceiba, Honduras. However, for those not wishing to depart from the mainland, TACA International Airlines offers jet services from Miami, Houston, and New Orleans.
So while the Caribbean is teeming with hordes of tourists and masses of aggressive hagglers, and the high-rise all-inclusives are winning the skyline battle with palm trees and rain forests, there IS at least one Eden left. The island of Roatan is truly a fantasy and one of the Caribbean's best kept secrets. Shhhhh...