Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Are you considering a trip to the island of Roatan, Honduras?
Pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and friendly locals offer plenty to attract visitors. But is Roatan safe?
The short answer is—Roatan is moderately safe.
The island received one million tourists from cruise ships alone in 2023.
It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Honduras and is far safer than areas of the mainland.
Local authorities have taken strides to protect tourists through a strong police presence. Visitors reported feeling very safe there.
However, the last thing you want after saving up for your vacation is to have it ruined by dangerous situations.
It’s a good idea to learn a bit more about the circumstances in Roatan.
That way, you can make an informed decision and take appropriate security measures to ensure you have a safe trip.
Is Roatan Safe For Visitors?
Roatan is a beautiful island in Central America that’s famous for its beaches, jungles, and world-class diving.
It is the largest and most popular of the Bay Islands, located 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras. But is it safe?
First, it’s important to note that Honduras, as a whole, has a terrible reputation for safety.
Extreme poverty, drug trafficking, gang violence, and other kinds of violent crime make it best to avoid areas of mainland Honduras, especially the major cities.
Roatan, in comparison, is a relatively safe destination.
Over a million cruise passengers, plus thousands of other tourists, visit the island each year.
It’s definitely possible to have a fantastic visit to the island. However, you shouldn’t throw caution to the wind either.
Take common-sense safety precautions to avoid becoming a victim of petty crime.
Leave extra cash and valuable items in your hotel self and avoid showing signs of wealth.
Keep a close eye on your belongings, and don’t leave bags, purses, and luggage unattended.
One of the best things to do is to stay aware of your surroundings Most tourists report feeling very safe walking around Roatan during the day.
By taking certain safety measures, there’s no reason why you can’t have an amazing visit to Roatan.
Travel Advisories To Roatan
The U.S. State Department has issued a level three travel advisory for Honduras due to the possibility of armed robbery, homicides, carjackings, and other serious crimes.
Level three means “reconsider travel.” However, it’s important to note that Honduras has areas with higher crime rates and other areas with lower crime rates that can be fine to visit.
The United Kingdom’s website states that the Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras.
However, visitors have been attacked on the ferries to and from the mainland and in remote areas after dark.
The UK government recommends avoiding El Progreso, Trujillo, La Ceiba, and Tela on the mainland and Palm Beach Road close to Milton Bight in Roatan.
My takeaway? Go to Roatan with a trusted local guide, don’t go out at night, and follow the safety tips I mention later in this post.
Looking for an amazing adventure in Roatan?
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Safety For Families And Solo Travelers
If you’re traveling to Roatan with the whole family or are traveling alone or as a solo female traveler, you may have additional safety concerns.
Roatan is a moderately safe destination for families and solo travelers.
It’s always wise to follow safety precautions, but that’s even more true if you’re on your own or have a posse of kids in tow!
So be sure to follow the safety tips I mention below.
For example, limit your explorations to daylight hours, reconsider your urge to rent that scooter, avoid remote areas, and keep your valuables in a safe location.
Fortunately, Roatan is a wonderfully kid-friendly place.
You and your kids can have a blast sailing a catamaran, ziplining, swimming with whale sharks and dolphins, going on a wildlife tour, snorkeling above coral reefs, exploring shipwrecks, and more.
As for solo travelers, take extra safety measures like avoiding remote and isolated locations, letting your family know your plans and itinerary, choosing safe accommodations (preferably where there are other guests and hotel security), choosing safe transportation methods, and being especially cautious if you are drinking alcohol.
How About Safety At Night?
It is best to avoid walking around Roatan at night.
According to Numbeo, most residents and visitors to Roatan felt safe walking around during the day, but that sense of safety drops severely after dark.
The United Kingdom’s government travel website warns tourists against walking around at night, especially in isolated areas like the beaches.
Which Parts Of Roatan Are Safe, Risky?
In general, the parts of Roatan that are the safest are also the most touristy areas. There is safety in numbers.
West End, Sandy Bay, West Bay, and West Bay Beach are the safest parts of the island.
As far as areas that are risky, anywhere isolated, especially after dark, is a bad idea and will put you at a higher risk of becoming a victim of crime.
The UK government recommends avoiding Palm Beach Road close to Milton Bight.
Is Roatan’s Crime Rate High?
According to Numbeo, Roatan’s crime index is moderate, with a score of 54.5 out of 100, with 100 being the worst possible safety scenario and zero being the safest.
Roatan is in the middle of the pack when it comes to safety. It isn’t awful, but it isn’t amazing either.
The Honduranian Online Police Statistical System (SEPOL) 2023 report sheds some light on crime in the area.
According to SEPOL data, there were 24 homicides in Roatan in 2023, so two a month on average.
This accounts for 82% of all homicides in the Bay Islands, which include Utila and Guanaja.
Unfortunately, SEPOL data doesn’t include information about burglaries, muggings, petty theft, and crimes of opportunity, which are the most likely to affect tourists.
Is It Safe To Travel To Roatan?
Yes—traveling to Roatan is fairly safe. Visitors to Roatan rave about the island and report feeling safer there than in major cities in their home countries.
Some cruise ship passengers rank Roatan among their most memorable and enjoyable destinations.
However, travelers should exercise caution on the ferry to Roatan. Take care to secure all of your belongings.
Is Roatan Swimmable?
Yes—Roatan is a wonderful place to swim. The beaches, barrier reefs, marine life, and shipwrecks make it an incredible place to get in the water.
Plus, it has white sand and mesmerizingly beautiful turquoise water.
In many ways, it is just what you’d expect as one of the Caribbean islands.
Is It Expensive?
Roatan is fairly inexpensive. According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of a trip to Roatan is about $38.
Travelers tend to spend an average of $10 on meals, $19 on local transportation, and $22 on hotels.
Naturally, your trip could cost more if you choose more expensive lodging and dining or if you book extra tours and excursions.
Why Is Roatan So Popular?
Roatan is popular because it is a beautiful island paradise with many fun outdoor activities.
World-class diving, amazing snorkeling, animal encounters, and jungle adventures offer plenty to entertain.
Some of the activities available on Roatan include glass-bottom tours, catamaran sailing tours, swimming with dolphins, swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling above coral reefs, and scuba diving down to shipwrecks.
Roatan is also one of the safer places to visit in Central America, giving travelers a lower-risk way to enjoy the region.
It’s also relatively inexpensive, which makes it all the more worth visiting.
Looking For The Best WIldlife And Rum-Tasting Tour In Roatan?
Check Out The Roatan Monkey Sloth & Macaws Tour With Chocolate And Rum Tasting!
Roatan Safety Tips
Although Roatan is relatively safe, there is always some risk no matter where you live or travel.
That said, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of having a safe and trouble-free vacation.
Personal Safety
Most criminals are looking for easy targets, so anything you can do to make yourself less easy is worthwhile.
One of the most important safety tips is to stay aware of your surroundings.
Pay attention to the people around you, your belongings, and how you feel in a given situation.
This will help you notice if something or someone feels “off” or is acting strangely or erratically.
Since Honduras is a fairly poor country, try not to tempt the locals. Dress modestly, and don’t wear fancy watches, jewelry, or designer brands.
If you need to use your phone, be discreet about it, and avoid pulling it out all the time.
What you want to avoid is advertising that you have something to steal, so the more humbly and simply you dress and the fewer “wealth markers” you have on and around your person, the better.
Make sure that you’re safe in your hotel room by the time it gets dark since the risks of crime increase at night.
You especially don’t want to go anywhere isolated after dark. Night-time walks on the beach are a no-no.
Always get travel insurance so you’re covered in case of medical emergencies.
Transportation Safety
Although kidnappings aren’t too likely to occur on Roatan, keeping tabs on your taxi driver doesn’t hurt.
Map your route to make sure he’s taking you in the right direction.
If you’re interested in exploring a remote section of the island, do so with a trustworthy guide rather than venturing out on your own.
That way, you’ll reduce some risks.
There can be a lot of traffic on the island, especially in urban areas like Coxen Hole.
Be aware of your surroundings and face oncoming traffic while you walk so you can see what’s coming.
If you’re thinking of renting a scooter, ask yourself a couple of questions first.
Do you know how to drive one? Are you able to maneuver the traffic and sometimes crazy roads on Roatan?
If so, then wear a helmet and enjoy! If not, consider other modes of public transportation.
Health Safety Tips
Don’t trip the tap water in Roatan. Instead, drink filtered or bottled water.
And make sure you stay hydrated, especially if you’re out in the sun or on the water for a long chunk of time.
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date and take precautions to avoid food and waterborne illnesses, insect and animal bites, and HIV and AIDs.
If you choose to indulge in alcohol, do so in moderation. The last thing you want to do is lose your faculties and open yourself up to greater risks.
Don’t leave your food or beverages unattended, and don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, no matter how attractive and seemingly trustworthy.
General Safety Tips
One great rule of thumb when you travel is not to do any activities you wouldn’t do when you’re at home.
I’m guessing most of you wouldn’t be walking around your neighborhood or downtown in your home city at three in the morning. Don’t do that in Roatán either!
Another great safety resource is the staff at your hotel. Ask them about the area and follow their recommendations.
Keep your passports, debit cards, jewelry, and electronics in your hotel safe or in the room on your cruise ship.
Drugs and prostitution are illegal in Roatan, so steer clear.
Another thing to avoid is protests. Even though they are typically peaceful, things can turn ugly, so it’s better to stay away rather than end up in a sticky situation.
Hitchhiking and visiting remote areas on your own isn’t a good idea in Roatan.
Even though Roatan is fairly safe, it becomes a lot less safe after dark. It’s better not to go out at night.
Sure, there are bars and things to see, but is it worth the risk? If you do go out, only go to places where there are lots of people.
Avoid walking on the beaches after dark.
Rather than taking a debit card, use a credit card instead. Credit card transactions can be disputed, whereas any money you have on you can be stolen.
If you’re traveling in other parts of Honduras, make your border crossings into the country in the morning and be extra cautious in bigger cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.
The rainy season in Roatan runs from June to November, so monitor weather reports if you’re visiting during these months, as there is a risk of hurricanes.
Keeping track of local government warnings and advisories is also a good idea.
Keep local customs in mind and be respectful. Greet others with a warm smile and a handshake, dress modestly, and say please and thank you.
If you are robbed, don’t resist. Belongings can be replaced, whereas things can escalate if you resist.
Don’t keep all of your cash, debit, and credit cards in one place. Instead, hide them in different places in your luggage and on your person.
That way, if you are robbed, you’ll still have some money and cards to fall back on.
There are scam artists in Honduras, so just be aware of that and don’t transfer money to anyone you don’t know.
Safe Places To Stay In Roatan
Photo credit – Expedia
⭐️ Rating: 9.2/10 📌 Location: West Bay, Roatan, Honduras Check Rates Here
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay with the best amenities and location, I recommend the Kimpton – Grand Roatan Resort And Spa.
This 5-star hotel in West Bay Beach features 2 swimming pools, luxury room amenities, a spa, and a bar.
Guests also love the beachfront location offering amazing beach views, and opportunities to experience water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
Photo credit – Expedia
⭐️ Rating: 8.3/10 📌 Location: West End Road, Half Moon Bay, Roatan Check Rates Here
Nestled just a few steps from the West End Beach, Hotel Posada Arco Iris is a beautiful beachfront hotel offering tranquility and exciting activities for everyone.
This budget hotel offers bedrooms with a terrace and a beautiful garden view.
Guests will enjoy different activities during their stay, such as snorkeling, hiking, or kayaking adventures.
The location is also great since it is located near Roatan’s bars and restaurants.
Photo credit – Expedia
⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10 📌 Location: Pristine Bay French Harbour, Roatan Check Rates Here
The Las Veranda Hotel & Villas is a secluded property offering quiet and relaxation for your ideal island getaway.
This beautiful hotel features spacious bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private bathroom, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and microwave.
Guests loved the beachfront and the breathtaking views from the property.
Final Thoughts: Is Roatan Safe?
Roatan is a moderately safe place and an incredible destination to visit for snorkeling, scuba diving, encounters with dolphins and whale sharks, and gorgeous jungly hikes.
However, it is important to take precautions to ensure that your trip to Roatan is as safe as possible.
Follow the safety tips I mentioned, slather on sunscreen, and stick to the safest places on the island.
Nowhere is risk-free, especially for someone traveling to a foreign country.
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