Roatán

Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands, a Caribbean island chain off the northern coast of Honduras in the Islas de la Bahía department. The archipelago includes Utila and Guanaja. The administrative center and main port is Coxen Hole, with other notable settlements such as French Harbour and Oak Ridge.

Roatán lies in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It is a low-lying island with sandy beaches, coral reefs, and a tropical climate featuring a wet season and a dry season.

The Bay Islands were settled by English-speaking colonists and pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries and were incorporated into Honduras after the 1859 treaty. Since then, the island developed from fishing and logging to tourism.

Tourism is the main economic activity, centered on scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach tourism. Roatán hosts Roatán International Airport (RTB) and a port that receives cruise ships and ferries; fishing and small-scale agriculture also contribute.

The island sits on the edge of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and includes protected areas such as the Roatán Marine Park. The surrounding reefs support diverse marine life, making it a premier diving destination.

The population includes Honduran residents, expatriates, and Afro-Caribbean communities; English is widely used in tourism, while Spanish is the official language. Cultural influences include Creole, Garifuna, and various Caribbean and Honduran traditions.