Question for anyone with actual knowledge...

Is Roatan safe for American tourists? Yes, I know it’s a semi-major cruise port and while it’s Honduras, it’s not really Honduras.

Aside from the usual precautions re: pickpockets, etc., is there anything to be concerned about?

Flying in/out direct from/to the US. Staying about a week, probably in a hotel, maybe in a vacation rental.

What I really want to know is whether I need to worry about a K&R rider on my trip insurance sort of thing.

Thanks.

-Rob

Pickpockets and lemme take you to my sister.

I've got family that worked down there for many years and still stays in touch with people in La Ceiba and much of the north coast. The word coming through is to just stay out - the odds of crappy things happening is way up, and crappy things down there tend to be fatal these days.

From my guatamalan yacht owner customers that go there with their yacht and visit. Yes, it is safe aside from the local pick pockets. They do try to keep things under control there for tourisms sake. But Guatamalans don't stick out as much as Americans and they speak the same language, even if they are pulling up on a big, shiny, expensive yacht and still would be a target to a poor thief.

I would wait until after the Hurricane season. Roatan got clobbered by a Category 5 in 1998. Storms there are not as frequent as the Caymans.

It is very safe. As others have noted petty pick pockets and theft from your house if you rent a home during your stay. Have freinds that have a home in Palmetto Bay. I have had the good fortune to visit Roatan many times. Actually thinking of buying a place myself on the island. Go and have fun. Beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. Go and have fun and explore the island.

We visited many years ago and no issues and yes, its a beautiful place. Like most tourist destinations, it's a prime target for folks who don't wear their head on a swivel.

I've traveled many places around the world and I judge them by downtown Atlanta during daytime. Roatan is safer than Atlanta. This translates to "I've never been almost mugged in Roatan. Twice." (which I cannot say about ATL). Belize City, Buenos Aires, Stuttgart, Strasburg, Munich, Roatan, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Santa Domingo, Ocho Rios, London, Ulm....all safer than Atlanta.

I was there in 2007 via a Carnival cruise and did not experience any problems. However, that was 11 years ago and things may have changed.

flashguy

“I've traveled many places around the world and I judge them by downtown Atlanta during daytime. Roatan is safer than Atlanta. “

Damning with faint praise.

I've been there twice. Spent a week there last June. Never had a problem with safety but I've always been there for the diving and stayed in all-inclusive places.

Know someone that spend time in the West End as a dive instructor and they didn't have issues.

Stay in the touristy area or any guided tours and you will be fine. A couple years ago a father/son that were staying at the same place we were rented motorcycles and drove around the island with no issues.

Mainland Honduras is an entirely different animal. Roatan has stayed away from those issues as it's island with its own international airport.

Rob, feel free to email me with any questions.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: comet24,

Been there every year since 1995. While we stay at an all inclusive dive operation, we do get out and about a lot. Have never come close to having an issue

I’ll chime in to echo what everyone else has said. Roatan is NOT mainland Honduras.

Go there, enjoy the awesome diving and or snorkeling and then go again! I have been there many times over the last 20 years and the worst thing you have to worry about is petty theft.

Sit near the front or back of the plane, not the middle customs can take a little time. They normally deplane using the rear and front doors. Last time I was there the AC was not working lines waiting to get through immigration/customs. It was a little hot.

I typically spend two weeks a year on Roatan, with a few days in town, at the grocery (Eldon's) store etc. Never had an issue, never felt like we were in a sketchy spot.

Theft is an issue on the island, but from what I can tell that is about it.

My wife went to both ends of the island while there in November two years ago snorkeling and we had no troubles but we didn't stray away from the main drags either!

I saw some of the most beautiful fishes while puttering around in the waters there and all awhile next to a big drop off that went about two miles deep...bump that!

Sounds like a good time is in the making. Have a good trip!

I live full time here on Roatan with my wife and kids. Obviously I recommend that you don't engage in risky behavior, but in general it is quite safe for tourists and residents here if you use common sense. I've been here for about 20 years, so feel free to ask me any questions.

Best,
Steve

The Chamber of Commerce showed up!

I swear, this forum is magical.

Sure, I expected my fellow divers and world travelers to show up, but a brand new member and Roatanian? Unbelievable.

Welcome, BTW! I’m sure I’ll have a few specific questions in the next couple of weeks. Thanks!

-Rob