Everything You Need To Know

Check out our FAQs to prepare for your trip of a lifetime to beautiful Roatan, Honduras!

FAQs about Reef16 and Your Trip To Roatan, Honduras

Where can I check rates and availability?

We do not have online booking available yet as we are currently open for select direct discounted introductory bookings only. Please contact us with your group size and requested dates to get up-to-date availability and rates!

How do we get to Roatan?

Roatan (RTB airport code) is an easy trip from the U.S. and Canada. As of January 15, 2024 the information is as follows. Please note that the Bay Islands Tourism Bureau offers the most up-to-date information.

Tips on getting to Roatan from the US:

During certain times of year and from certain cities, booking the optimal travel to Roatan requires a bit of creativity!

If you are struggling to get to Roatan in one day, most people fly to a city listed below (Houston, Dallas, Miami, or Atlanta) and stay overnight at an airport hotel and get an easy morning direct flight to Roatan. This is a nice option because you arrive in Roatan fresh and ready to enjoy the day!

We have also flown into Belize City (Belize) or San Pedro Sula (mainland Honduras) and booked a short flight on an airline such as Aerolinas Sosa or CM Airlines (from San Pedro Sula) or Tropic Air (from Belize City). This is often the best solution if you are trying to get to Roatan in one day from the west coast.

United States:

  • American flies nonstop from Miami (MIA) and Dallas (DFW)
  • Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta (ATL)
  • Sun Country flies nonstop from Minneapolis (MSP)
  • United flies nonstop from Houston (IAH) and Denver (DEN)

Canada:

  • Sunwing flies nonstop from Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Quebec City (YQB)
  • WestJet flies nonstop from Toronto (YYZ)

What is there to do on Roatan?

The best part about Roatan is that your vacation can be as active or relaxed as you like! Some people simply enjoy relaxing by the pool or on the deck in front of the ocean, while others love to stay active. Rest assured Roatan can accommodate everyone’s needs.

Some of the most popular activities are diving (Roatan is also very well known for learning to dive and discovery dives!) snorkeling, heading to West Bay for a beach day, deep sea fishing, fly fishing, chartering a boat for the day, taking a trip to Cayos Cochinos, mangrove tours on the island’s east end, ziplining (several to choose from), paddleboarding, kayaking, the dolphin experience at Anthony’s Key, horseback riding on Luna Beach, or even visiting the other Bay Islands Utila or Guanaja.

What is the weather like on Roatan, and when is the best time to visit?

Roatan generally enjoys warm temperatures year-round, ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). High season is December – April with the best and most consistent weather and conditions. September and October is considered the low season as it has the most rain. Typically you’ll find that outside of September and October, rain comes in short bursts and is often at night or in the early morning.

What language is spoken on Roatan?

In Roatan, while Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, with locals often using a unique Creole English dialect. You do not need to speak Spanish to visit Roatan.

What currency is used on Roatan?

The official currency is the Honduran Lempira. The U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere on the island, with some very important caveats: Be sure the bills are crisp and new! NO TEARS, RIPS, OR MARKS. Bring small bills, nothing over $20 USD. You will most likely get change in Lempiras.

How do I get around on Roatan? Do we need to rent a car

Roatan is a fairly small island, 48 miles (77km) long and 5 miles (less than 8km) wide. When staying at Reef16 you do not necessarily need a vehicle as many of your activities are a short walk to town and private transportation is easy to arrange (or just pick up a taxi in town). However, many tourists also rent vehicles at the Roatan airport.

What do I need to do to prepare for my arrival to Roatan, Honduras?

You will need a valid passport from the US and Canada. Please ensure your passport is valid for 6 months minimum before your scheduled trip or you may be denied boarding.

Please note the Precheck Form is no longer required as of February 14, 2024.

Honduras Customs Declaration Form – Complete one (1) form per family traveling or one (1) form per person traveling alone.

  1. Passport number(s) and expiration date(s) for each person traveling.
  2. Flight information (airline, flight number, date of travel)
  3. Destination address / where you are staying: IRONSHORE POINT, WEST END (there are no addresses on Roatan)
  4. Destination state: ISLAS DE LA BAHIA
  5. Destination city: ROATAN
  6. Immigration office: JUAN MANUEL GALVEZ

Packing tips for Roatan – Clothes to bring, sunscreen and bug spray

Clothes To Bring

The first thing to know about Roatan is that it is a very casual, laid back place! You don’t have to worry about dressing up even for the best restaurants on the island. Bring sturdy but lightweight walking shoes or sandals for the walk to and from West End (lightweight sneakers or comfortable walking sandals) and flip flops for the beach.

Waterproof sandals are great in case you get caught in a Caribbean rain shower – we typically wear rubber Birkenstocks because they are both sturdy for dirt roads and waterproof. Men typically wear shorts or lightweight pants and t-shirts. Women – casual sundresses, tanks, tees, shorts, or lightweight pants.

We highly recommend using sun-protective clothing (rashguards, hats, UV sunshirts) such as the Coolibar brand vs. sunblock whenever possible to help protect the reef and save your skin!

Bug Spray

Yes, we have bugs on the island! You won’t have many issues at the penthouse because we are on the 4th floor with lots of breeze, but as you venture out you may encounter bugs. We recommend reef-safe bug spray such as the Coral Safe brand or buy some locally.

Sunblock – Use Reef Safe Only!

Roatan is located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and is the second largest barrier reef on earth after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. As you may be aware, the reef in Roatan is under stress and it’s important that every visitor to the island take precautions to protect the reef. Regular sunscreen has chemicals that can harm the reef, and when you need sunscreen, please be sure and choose reef-safe options. Blue Lizard Sensitive is our personal favorite! It comes in travel sizes, doesn’t irritate the skin and offers tremendous sun protection.

Reusable water bottles

We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle for everyone in your party.

What is the Roatan cruise ship schedule, and why should we care?

For the most enjoyable visit, we recommend planning your excursions around the cruise ship schedule so that you can avoid the crowds whenever possible. We recommend NOT visiting West Bay during major cruise ship days if at all possible.

You can find the most-current Port of Roatan cruise ship schedule here: https://discoverroatan.net/port-of-roatan-cruise-ship-schedule/

Can we drink the water on Roatan?

Reef16 provides drinking water and ice using bottled water in 5 gallon jugs and available through a separate drinking water faucet at the kitchen sink. We recommend bringing reusable bottles for your vacation.

In addition, the penthouse is on a cistern, which means we capture rainwater which is then filtered using a commercial water filtration and UV system, and tested multiple times per month. While we use bottled water for drinking, it is not necessary! The water is safe to use for drinking, brushing your teeth, and cooking.

Since the penthouse is on the 4th floor, is there an elevator?

NO! All guests must be able to climb 3 flights of stairs for access to the penthouse.

What type of internet is at the property?

Reef16 has very fast, high speed internet if you need to work remotely. A small caveat – Roatan does experience more power outages than you may be used to due to the growth of the island and the resulting pressure on the power grid.

Do we need travel insurance?

We highly recommend travel insurance for your trip!

The optimal time to buy travel insurance is within 7 to 21 days (depending on the policy) of making your initial trip reservation. This timing often qualifies you for the most comprehensive coverage options, including benefits for pre-existing conditions, which are not typically covered if insurance is purchased later.

Purchasing travel insurance promptly after booking your trip can make you eligible for a pre-existing condition waiver. This waiver is important because it ensures coverage for medical issues that existed before buying the policy, which is not available if you delay your purchase.

Some companies that are used by visitors to Roatan are Allianz and AIG.

What are my check-in/out times?

Check-in time is 4pm and check-out time is 10am.

Rules and regulations of the Ironshore Point

Reef16 is a condo with a homeowners association (HOA), and our tenants are required to follow certain rules and regulations:

  • Quiet hours are 10pm – 6am
  • Please be sure to close security gates when entering and exiting
  • Do not hang towels, dive gear, swimsuits, etc. on railings
  • Glassware in common areas and pool is strictly prohibited
  • Smoking or illegal drug use anywhere on the premesis is strictly prohibited