Ro-ro-ro-atan, gently by the sea
Sweeties,
I am a strong believer in being as knowledgeable about a port as possible before arriving there. Combine that with Sweet’s mission of leaving each port better than when we arrived, it is even more important that we have an understanding of the background and culture of each place we visit.
Roatan, Honduras, is most well known for its mountainous backbone and the coral reef clinging to its shores. It’s a scuba diver’s paradise. But did you know that it is the largest of the Bay islands and is located 50 miles from the northern coast of mainland Honduras?
The Government is a stable democracy that has passed several laws protecting the environment. The local currency is the Lempira, which is the equivalent to 5 U.S. cents. The U.S. dollar or the Lempira is accepted.
There are four main towns on the island. Coxen Hole, is the largest, the capital and where the port terminal is located. Here, you will find local markets full of arts and crafts as well as many taxis waiting to take you to the next town.
French Harbor is the second largest and most bustling community. The economic motor of the island, it is home to the largest fishing fleets in the Western Caribbean.
Iguana lovers, there is a local iguana reserve that houses over 2,800 iguanas of four different species.
Located on the Southern edge of the island is a small picturesque community of Oakridge. There is a strong Afro-Antillean influence (African cultural influence in the West Indies including Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and smaller islands in the Virgin Isles and Curacao). It’s a group of small communities that are interconnected by a series of canals through mangrove forests.
On the opposite side of the island is the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda. This is the first settlement of Garifuna people (mixed Caribbean and African ancestry) in Central America. The British deported the Garifuna to the area in the late 18th century after their defeat on the island of St. Vincent where shipwrecked and escaped African slaves had intermarried with the indigenous Caribbean population in the early 17th century.
The West End is the touristy side of the island where you will find many great dive operators. They offer many great diving opportunities including seawalls, shipwrecks (how cool is that?) and night diving (hello octopus, were you sleeping?). You will have the chance to see sea turtles, dolphins and whales. The shore has beautiful white sand beaches protected by a living coral reef accessible from the beach.
Lastly, a fun fact for your next trivia game: In 1723-24 an approximately 20-year-old man from New England managed to survive as a castaway on the island for 16 months until he was finally rescued (take that Tom Hanks!).
Stay Sweet,
Flavia
Tags: Flavia Belli, lesbian travel, Roatan, sweet caribbean
