ROATAN – WHERE IS IT

The Bay Islands of Honduras lie to the east of the Central American mainland north of Honduras, and are considered to be part of the Western Caribbean. Honduras is the largest of the Bay Islands and the most developed with its own international airport and a population of about 45,000. While English is readily spoken here, you'll find hints of Creole and Spanish, along with a population of the Garifuna and Paya Indians. Roatan is accessible by air and by cruise ship and a recently added ferry from mainland Honduras. Flights from the U.S. are typically two hours or less, making Roatan an easy Caribbean destination. Another interesting fact is that Roatan is just shy of the typical hurricane path that flows through the Caribbean. Most of these destructive hurricanes pass just north of the islands. Check out the maps of Roatan on roatanonline.com and on roatanet.com.

ROATAN – HOW TO GET THERE

Roatan has only a few direct flights to the island from the United States. Currently, U.S. residents can fly non-stop from Houston, New Orleans, or Miami. New schedules are created all the time, so check that flights from your city are still available before making travel plans.

As an alternative to non-stops, visitors can fly to the Honduras mainland and then take a short flight on an island-jumper to the island.

Airport Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, also known as Roatán International Airport, is Roatan's major airport. It serves the national and international air traffic for the island. The airport is named for Juan Manuel Gálvez the former president of Honduras. Flights to this area are in constant flux, so check with each carrier to verify flights and times.

Airlines that Service Roatan: Continental Airlines (Houston-Intercontinental, Newark)

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta)

TACA (Houston-Intercontinental, Miami, San Pedro Sula, San Salvador)

Islena Airlines (La Ceiba, Tegucigalpa)

Atlantic Airlines de Honduras (La Ceiba, Utila, Guanaja, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Belize City)