How can I get to Roatan?
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
J. R. R. Tolkien
By Ferry from the mainland
If you’re planning to travel to Roatan from the mainland, one of the most convenient options is the ferry. It allows you to bring a significant amount of goods at no extra charge, making it an ideal choice if you’ve been on a substantial shopping spree and need to transport items back to the island. The ferry departs from La Ceiba and arrives mid-island, near the Mahogany Bay cruise ship port. It’s a modern hydrofoil that prides itself on punctuality, a trait not always shared by the flights in and out of Roatan. Morning journeys are generally smoother, as the waves can become choppy later in the day, potentially causing seasickness.
The fare is $36 each way. For an additional $5, you can upgrade to first class, where you’ll enjoy an enclosed room, a complimentary bottle of water, and the chance to watch part of a movie. Children under 5 travel for free, while those up to 10 years old are charged $21. Seniors receive a discount, paying around $27.
Flights into Roatan (list provided by Bay Island Tourism board)
Another means of transportation to Roatan is by air. After researching flights to and from Roatan for the upcoming months, I’ve started to feel quite knowledgeable in this area. Below, you’ll find a list of all incoming flights. The method outlined in this article is quite accurate. Utilizing Google Flights to pinpoint your preferred travel times, which days of the week are more budget-friendly, and identifying nearby airports can often lead to finding more affordable flights. It’s a good idea to use Google’s email subscription service to stay updated on various flight options. Just last week, there was a 40% drop in flight prices to and from Houston overnight. Therefore, dedicating time to research and occasionally waiting for the opportune moment can be highly beneficial.
Why Google Flights and Wikipedia (Yep!) Are a Traveler’s Best Friends
BAY ISLANDS TOURISM BUREAU
Roatan International Airline Schedule (Subject to change) Updated December 10, 2023
US CARRIERS:
- American Airlines
- Miami (MIA) Jan 01 – Aug 08, 2024 Daily
- Dallas (DFW) Jan 03 – Apr 06, 2024 Wed/Sat
- April 13 – Aug 31, 2024 Saturday
- Delta
- Atlanta (ATL) Jan 09 – Apr 06, 2024 Tue, Thu, Sat
- Apr 09 – Aug 31, 2024 Saturday
- Sun Country
- Minneapolis (MSP) Jan 05 – Apr 05, 2024 Frida
- United
- Houston (IAH) (UA2016) Jan 06, 2024 Sat
- Houston (IAH) Jan 01 – Jan 31, 2024 Daily
- Denver (DEN) Jan 06 – Jan 27, 2024 Saturday
CANADIAN CARRIERS:
- Sunwing
- Toronto (YYZ) Jan 01 – Apr 15, 2024 Monday
- Montreal (YUL) Jan 01 – Apr 15, 2024 Monday
- Quebec City (YQB) Jan 01 – Apr 15, 2024 Monday
- WestJet
- Toronto (YYZ) Jan 07 – May 26, 2024 Sunda
OTHER CARRIERS
- Tropic Air
- Belize (BZE) Jan 07 – Aug 31, 2024 Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri
- Roatan to Belize Jan 08 – Aug 31, 2024 Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
- CM/TAG
- Guatemala (GUA) Jan 02 – Aug 31, 2024 Daily (Via San Pedro Sula)
- Jan 02 – Aug 31, 2024 Tue, Thu, Sun (Direct to RTB)
- San Salvador (SAL)
- Jan 02 – Aug 26, 2024 Mon, Wed, Fri
Contact:
- Palacio Municipal, Second Floor, Roatan Bay Islands — 9718-8968
- www.bayislandstourismbureau.org
- bayislandtourismbureau@gmail.com
Traveling by bus around Honduras and to other countries
For those with the endurance, traveling to neighboring countries by bus is an option. Executive buses, which are often overly air-conditioned, equipped with onboard toilets, and capable of taking you all the way to Guatemala City, are available for such journeys. I once embarked on this 19-hour direct bus ride, with only 2 or 3 stops, and found it quite arduous. The primary reason to choose this mode of travel is cost savings. For instance, a flight from San Pedro Sula to Guatemala can cost over $200, whereas the bus fare ranges between $60 and $80. Hedman Alas is a notable company providing this service. They can be contacted via WhatsApp at +5049441327.
Can I bring my 60 pound dog to my vacation house in Roatan, from the US, and then bring her back? We would flying American Airlines and as long as I have all the vaccine paperwork, does Roatan allow this?
IF, as you say, the airline will do it, which I find unlikely, but if it is true, the problem is taking it back. Make sure it has all vaccinations and is microchipped, and that the chip and all vaccinations are still valid until after you return.