About The Bay Islands: Roatan

Discovered in 1512 by Christopher Columbus, The Bay Islands of Honduras still keeps its primitive essence with great resorts that assure yourself and your group and unforgettable vacation in the Caribbean.

Roatan is a true tropical island with steeply sloping jungle covered hills, long stretches of sandy beaches and beautiful fringing coral reefs. The island is 35 miles ( 58Kms ) long and an average of three miles wide, it lies 40 miles ( 66Kms ) off the north coast of Honduras. Studded with deep water inlets called 'Bights' it has been a safe haven for sailors for centuries. Home originally to the Paya indians the island has passed from country to country during the conquest of the Americas in the 16th century and fought over by the British and Spanish crowns for possession of the hard woods both on the island and mainland. Eventually forsaken for more lucrative islands Roatan was taken over by the infamous pirates of the Caribbean, This island became the mighty stronghold of Henry Morgan who ravaged and plundered the Spanish Main. 

It was from Roatan the raiding expeditions were planned and organised, with whole flotillas of pirate vessels from many nations taking part, sacking cities such as Granada in Nicaragua, Porto Bello and Panama city in their wake. There were an estimated 5,000 pirates on Roatan during its heyday. Contrary to modern depictions the pirates were well disciplined and organised, able to build sophisticated fortifications for the defense of the island, so much so that it was not until the 1740's that a combined Spanish army and naval offensive could rid the island of the scourge of the Caribbean.

Occupied by the British for a large part of the time Roatan (called Rattan on old maps) carries a legacy in the language and culture. Many family names are linked to the old pirate days and their Scottish, Irish and British ancestry. You will find McNab's, Jackson's,Foster's, Ebanks, Burke's and many more on the Bay Islands and as far as the Cayman islands as well. No Caribbean island would be complete without the other component of that time. The African slaves brought over to work the fields, Roatan had the dubious pleasure of being the dumping ground for the most rebellious and troublesome slaves the British could not control. The Garifuna people were one such group left to fend for themselves on Roatan, today they comprise a distinct ethnic group with a village on the East end of the island called Punta Gorda. With a wonderful culture of song and dance linked back to their West African heritage. Although still predominantly English speaking, the island is becoming multilingual as it integrates fully with the Spanish speaking mainland.   is a true tropical island with steeply sloping jungle covered hills, long stretches of sandy beaches and beautiful fringing coral reefs. The island is 35 miles ( 58Kms ) long and an average of three miles wide, it lies 40 miles ( 66Kms ) off the north coast of Honduras. Studded with deep water inlets called 'Bights' it has been a safe haven for sailors for centuries. Home originally to the Paya indians the island has passed from country to country during the conquest of the Americas in the 16th century and fought over by the British and Spanish crowns for possession of the hard woods both on the island and mainland. Eventually forsaken for more lucrative islands Roatan was taken over by the infamous pirates of the Caribbean, This island became the mighty stronghold of Henry Morgan who ravaged and plundered the Spanish Main. 

It was from Roatan the raiding expeditions were planned and organised, with whole flotillas of pirate vessels from many nations taking part, sacking cities such as Granada in Nicaragua, Porto Bello and Panama city in their wake. There were an estimated 5,000 pirates on Roatan during its heyday. Contrary to modern depictions the pirates were well disciplined and organised, able to build sophisticated fortifications for the defense of the island, so much so that it was not until the 1740's that a combined Spanish army and naval offensive could rid the island of the scourge of the Caribbean.

Occupied by the British for a large part of the time Roatan (called Rattan on old maps) carries a legacy in the language and culture. Many family names are linked to the old pirate days and their Scottish, Irish and British ancestry. You will find McNab's, Jackson's,Foster's, Ebanks, Burke's and many more on the Bay Islands and as far as the Cayman islands as well. No Caribbean island would be complete without the other component of that time. The African slaves brought over to work the fields, Roatan had the dubious pleasure of being the dumping ground for the most rebellious and troublesome slaves the British could not control. The Garifuna people were one such group left to fend for themselves on Roatan, today they comprise a distinct ethnic group with a village on the East end of the island called Punta Gorda. With a wonderful culture of song and dance linked back to their West African heritage. Although still predominantly English speaking, the island is becoming multilingual as it integrates fully with the Spanish speaking mainland. 

Cabana Roatana: Roatan Nestled on West Bay Beach, Cabana Roatana is a vacationer's paradise. Your stay in this impressive tropical setting will be made as enjoyable as possible by the friendly owner-operators Liz and Bill ...

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