Roatán 101
A quick-reference guide for first-time visitors to Roatán and the Bay Islands — everything you’ll want to know before you land.
The essentials at a glance
Language
Spanish is official; English is widely spoken, especially in West Bay and the tourism industry — a legacy of Roatán’s English-speaking Bay Islands heritage.
Currency
Honduran Lempira (HNL). USD is accepted almost everywhere in West Bay, and ATMs are nearby.
Time zone
Central Standard Time, with no daylight saving.
Electricity
110V, same plugs as the U.S. — no adapter needed for American travelers.
Health & water
Roatán has public and private medical facilities, from community clinics to full-service private hospitals. Infinity Bay runs its own reverse-osmosis water plant, so the tap water in the condo is safe to drink.
Cell service
Cell service works on most carriers with an international plan or a travel day-pass.
Weather
Warm and tropical year-round (upper 70s–80s°F). Driest from February to August; afternoon showers are more common in the fall.
Best time to visit
February to August brings the driest weather, calmest seas and most sunshine. September to November is quieter, with fewer crowds — but it’s also peak hurricane season.
Your days, island-style
From world-class reefs to jungle canopy tours, there’s plenty to do near the resort.
Snorkel & dive
Snorkeling and diving directly off West Bay Beach — some of the best reef access in the Caribbean.
Get PADI certified
Local dive shops offer PADI certification courses, from first-timers to advanced divers.
Day trips
Explore Mahogany Bay, Gumbalimba Park, or Little French Key, see the sloths and the monkeys.
Zip-lining & canopy tours
Soar over the treetops on one of the island’s zip-line and canopy tours.
Sunset sailing
Catamaran and sunset sailing tours are the perfect way to end a day in paradise.
Amazing marine life
Sea turtles, octopus, squid and colorful reef fish — Roatán’s underwater world is unforgettable.
Restaurants nearby
La Palapa, The Argentinian Grill, Beachers, Sea Cat, Thirsty Turtle, or take a 7-10 minute water taxi located right at Infinity Bay’s dock over the West End. Also, be sure to try a local favorite Baleada while you're in Roatan (we recommend trying it at Arlyn's Place behind Banarama._
Dive shop
Infinity Bay has its own on-site, full-service dive shop — with world-class reefs right off West Bay Beach.
Getting to Roatán & the resort
Fly into Roatán (RTB)
You’ll fly into Roatán International Airport (RTB), served by direct flights from several U.S. cities as well as connections through San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.
Bring your passport
A valid passport is required for all international travelers. [Note visa requirements or tourist card fees if applicable.]
Getting around
West Bay’s main strip is walkable, and taxis and water taxis are easy to arrange for exploring further.
Airport to Infinity Bay
The resort is about 8 miles from RTB — roughly 25–35 minutes. Trusted operator is Roatan Private Shuttle (https://roatanprivateshuttle.com/) who will stop on the way at Eldon’s Market. Infinity Bay does offer a shuttle but they will not stop at the grocery store.
Money, tipping & safety
Is Roatán safe?
Roatán is one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming island destinations, and the one that keeps travelers coming back. Sun-drenched beaches, world-class diving on the Mesoamerican Reef, and a warm island community make it easy to settle into island time from the moment you arrive. Divers, families, and honeymooners visit year-round, and the island’s well-established tourism infrastructure means visitors regularly enjoy its beaches, reefs, and resorts without incident.
Honduras as a whole carries a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory from the U.S. State Department, but that guidance is driven primarily by crime in specific mainland departments. The Bay Islands, including Roatán, are not the areas it singles out.
Like any great destination, a few smart habits make your trip even better. Stick to the well-loved areas, book official taxis or resort transfers, and keep your valuables tucked away. Your hotel or dive operator is always happy to share local tips and recommend trusted guides.
Come for the reef. Stay for the island.
What currency is used? Can I use USD?
The official currency is the Honduran Lempira, but USD is widely accepted throughout West Bay, including at most restaurants and shops. ATMs are available nearby for Lempira withdrawals.
Do I need to tip?
Yes, we recommend taking care of the wonderful hospitality.
What’s the weather like?
Roatán has a warm, tropical climate year-round (upper 70s–80s°F). The best weather is from February to August, when you’ll experience the driest weather, calmest seas and the most sunshine.
If you want a quieter island experience, September to November have fewer crowds. September and October typically bring the calmest, glassiest water of the year — often called the “doldrums” — which is fantastic for snorkeling. However, this is also peak hurricane season in the Caribbean. While Roatán is far south and typically misses direct hits more often than northern islands, afternoon tropical showers and heavy rain events are more common.
Can we drink the water?
Yes. Unlike most of Roatán, Infinity Bay operates its own advanced, resort-wide water purification and reverse-osmosis treatment plant. Because of this, the water coming out of the taps and refrigerators inside the condos is clean and safe to drink, cook with, brush your teeth with and make ice with.
Life on the reef
A few friends we met snorkeling and diving around West Bay.
Questions before booking?
We’re happy to help you plan the perfect Roatán getaway. Reach out anytime and we’ll reply personally with availability and rates.