A Paradise in the Caribbean
Roatan Island is the jewel of Honduras. The biggest and most populated of three islands, located off the coast of Honduras is well known for its various crystal clear beaches, blue skies and warm sun. The island is only 33 miles long and 4 miles wide. A paved road crosses the island on 75% of its length. This main road is the one that takes to all the different destinations on the island and the scenery is just breathtaking.
It was the home of the Paya Indians in 1502, when Christopher Columbus arrived and discovered this region. Unclaimed for many years, the island became a haven to many famous French, English and Dutch pirates. Leaving their everlasting footprint on the history of island, you can still hear some of the names of the most recognizable, for example: Henry Morgan and Captain John Coxen. It was estimated that over 5,000 pirates lived and ruled on the island of Roatan for many many years.
Although Spanish is the national language of Honduras and is spoken on Roatan, the English language also thrives in Roatan. Its long history of mixed people from the Paya Indians (first inhabitants), the Spanish and English colonizers and thousand of pirate adventures, resulted into a mixture of very diverse cultures and languages that prevail in the islands today; and offers visitors a warm and friendly environment.