 |
| Roatan is the largest, most developed and most frequented of the Bay Islands. Essentially a long, forested ridge rising from the Caribbean, it retains much of the original landscape that the Buccaneers knew in the 17th and 18th Century. There are several towns around the island, each offering their own unique character to Roatan visitors. Following is a list of some recommended destinations and their culinary offerings: Coxen Hole - Largest city on Roatan and the capital of the Bay Islands. Coxen Hole is the gateway to Roatan, as both the airport and ferry dock are located here. Banks are open 8am-11:30am, 1pm-4pm, Monday-Friday. Que Tal Café is a great meeting spot for a quick and simple lunch. Located next to Casi Todo Bookstore at the exit to Coxen Hole, they offer deli sandwiches, fresh fruit frescos and home baked cookies. Open for breakfast and lunch, closed after 4pm and on weekends. French Harbour - Most bustling community, with many banks. A well-stocked market and plenty of taxis are available. Just East of town is Arch's Iguana Farm, where a local has set up his own iguana reserve. Stop by around noon to view mealtime for the inhabitants. There are also several restaurants located in French Harbour, including:
Jonesville - Picturesque fishing community that also has one of the most popular bars on the island: The Hole in the Wall. Access to the bar is only by water taxi. On Fridays and Sundays, their surf and turf barbecue is a must. Drive to the end of the road in Jonesville, and ask one of the houses to radio Hole in the Wall. Stand at the end of the dock and they will come and pick you up. Arrive no later than 1:00pm as food is served at 2 and it can get crowded! Hole in the Wall also does a barbeque on Friday. Oak Ridge - Travelling east on the main road, scenic Oak Ridge is on the southern shore. It boasts a strong Afro-Antillean heritage. Most homes are right on the water, and locals operate water taxis, offering highly recommended tours through the mangroves. B.J.'s is a very rustic local bar that's great for light lunch and a beer. Take the right fork at the entrance to Oak Ridge (dirt road) and follow it down and around. B.J.'s is in front of Bodden's Supermarket on the water. The Wind-Song Bar and Café is open Thursday to Monday for dinner only. One mile after Oakridge, take a right at the clinic and follow main road until Punta Blanca sign and make left. Wind-Song is the second driveway on left. Paya Bay - Follow the signs beyond Oak Ridge. Paya Bay resort sits on a bluff in the center of two beautiful white sand beaches. Their restaurant is on a deck overlooking the beaches and the sea. Take your swim suits and take a dip on one of the scenic, uncrowded beaches. Punta Gorda - The first Garifuna settlement, established in 1797. This event is celebrated annually on November 12th with a celebratory carnival that should be high on your list should you be visiting during that time. The Ocean View Restaurant is on the waterfront in Punta Gorda. Take the first entrance to Punta Gorda, and travel about one mile once on the waterfront. The restaurant is the green building on the point. Excellent food by New York city trained chef Leach. Socrifice Restaurant is also on the waterfront just past Ocean View. Very local food like deep fried lobster. A good lunch suggestion. Sandy Bay - Visit the famous Anthonys Key Resort. It is here that the institute of marine science is located. Dolphin encounter shows are scheduled regularly, two shows per day excluding Wednesdays, and three shows per day on weekends. For a fee of $75 you may swim with the dolphins. Reservations are required. West End/West Bay - West End and West Bay offer breathtaking beaches in a tropical setting. Great scuba diving, sea kayaking, horseback riding and glass-bottom boating are all available. Regular bus services run from here to Coxen Hole. No banks are located in West End. Take a boat ride to West Bay and find one of the most beautiful stretches of beach anywhere. Snorkeling here is superb. There are many small restaurants from which to choose:
|
