At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. You can even snorkel from right off the beach in some spots, including the famed West Bay beach. Its just a short walk to Baggage Claim and the Arrivals gate after that. It can get a bit crowded at times because of the large resorts that hug the beach line, so be warned. Get up close to see the details and its even more beautiful, especially along the coastal areas. Take advantage of the untouched nature and explore the jungle with a zip line tour. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. This is an island where its best to have a car to get around. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. Living in Honduras - Expat Exchange Here are the Pros Low cost of living Many choose to retire overseas in order to find a lower cost of living. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. The west side of the island, including communities like West End and West Bay, is the most developed and most frequented by tourists. Pros of living in Missoula. Now, workers and Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean Sea. But you can rent a house on a hill, with an exceptional view, for $1,000 a month for a long-term rental. 12h 22m RTB - LAX. Nearby, the West End is a hip, funky village situated along Halfmoon Bay. A few pairs of shorts, a handful of tops, and some rubber flip-flops fill out the wardrobe of most island dwellers. I'd recommend one of the Cayes in Belize over Roatan, where an upsurge in crime and some unrest have been nagging problems since the summer. Living in Ireland: pros and cons - Wise, formerly TransferWise Youre in luck as Roatan has quite the bustling expat community. Roatan is a haven of beauty and tranquility, making it a prime destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. And the Dream. As its only 30 miles off the mainland, Roatan is rather well-connected. French Harbour is a good size town with several nearby developments, high-end grocery stores, and the islands only shopping mall, the Mega Plaza. Remember to be respectful. John worked as an automobile and marine mechanic. From perfect white-sand beaches, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, to beach bars where you can enjoy a cold beverage and watch the glittering sea. This is an excellent week to visit the island. We visited 3-4 years ago OMG West Bay!!! The pros and cons of living in Finland as an expat - Scandification From the crystal-clear waters of West Bay Beach to the powdery white sands of West End Beach, the island offers a truly unique experience. You will start out on the dock with a briefing about the gear, safety rules, and underwater behavior (some instructors/schools will use a pool). Manage Settings Also because of limited housing stock, it can be hard to find a rental, especially during the high season. Thailand is one of my favorite places in the world. Adventurous Outdoor. Pro's and Con's suggestions on where to live as semi-retired, part The entire island is surrounded by a shallow reef offering a spectacular view of thousands of marine creatures for divers and snorkelers. So lots of pros and cons, but ultimately we ended our visit after 3 1/2 months. 25 pros and cons of living in America if you're an entrepreneur Pros & Cons of Living in Thailand - YouTube Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. Think back to your worst moments. Beautiful beaches: Honduras has some of the best beaches in the world, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. With fixer-uppers starting as low as $70,000, its no surprise why people flock to the island. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. When the rum flows like water and the clear blue sea stretches for miles all around you, its hard not to want to stay forever. Then, you will move into waist-deep water, kneel down and experience your first underwater breaths. The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. Of course, beachfront lots will be much more sought after with a heftier price tag to boot. Expect to pay U.S. prices for staples at the grocery store. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind and make lifelong friends on the most budget-friendly of the Caribbean Islands. A full time vet - in addition to the traveling vets which come every couple of months there's a vet full-time on the island. Cost of living for expat. The job market is booming. The boating is excellent, with plenty of smaller islands in the surrounding area to visit. However, getting around the island isnt too hard since its so compact. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. For a friendly reminder of home, there will be plenty of expats around for you to link up with. Belize vs Roatan - Beach Vacations Message Board - Tripadvisor Safety. Two winters in the beautiful Bahamas followed. One of the most popular dishes is baleada, a soft tortilla filled with beans, cheese, and avocado. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. That may be because Roatan has an extremely low crime rate of 0.05%. Where Else Have We Lived?. Roatan, Honduras - Medium Its a haven for scuba divers, with sections of the Meso-American Reef, which is the worlds second largest, just offshore (it surrounds much of the island). But that first breath of sea air is going to cost you. Also, good luck finding deodorant! Night dives are available for those who wish to observe nocturnal marine life when it is most active. Alongside overpopulation and increased car ownership, there are many cars on the road, poor road infrastructure and undeveloped public transport. A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. 5 Reasons to Move to Roatn Work-related injuries earned him a workers compensation pension, enabling him to retire at an early age. The worlds second-largest reef system lies just offshore and slipping beneath the surface is like immersing yourself into an immense tropical aquarium. One of the biggest perks of living in Washington state is the dreamy summer weather. Those interested can find more information at www.roatanclearwater.com. The road between West End to Coxen Hole is significantly better and can handle everyday traffic. Naturally, such dense vegetation could not exist without sufficient rain. Rich culture: Honduras has a rich cultural heritage, with diverse . Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Some had come to be certified to scuba dive and never left. And, of course, just spending an afternoon on the clear turquoise water is nice too. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Here are 5 Cons of Living in Mexico. What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam? People looking for more comprehensive health services wont be disappointed. Google "americans who live on Roatan." You'll find sites that speak to expats with pros and cons on living in "paradise." But remember, the real estate agents want to sell you on the pros. However, you shouldnt come to the island expecting the locals to be great timekeepers. Whatever your interests may be, there is something for everyone and plenty of family fun to be had. But watersports arent the only thing to do. Treat yourself and your family to the thrill of a lifetime while getting a birds eye view of the island from 60-feet up in the jungle canopy. If you are looking for a slower pace of life, Roatan might be just what you need. Moreover, the service they received help at a bargain price. And there are plenty of dinners out, sailboat trips, parties, and other get-togethers. We met expats in communities from one end of the island to the other. I was chatting with a friend at BJs Backyard, a small restaurant/ bar on the water. 25 Pros and Cons of Living in Australia - Nina Out and About Most of this work was done online, while sitting on Diamond Lil, rocking with the motion of the water below me. And the fisherman might be your neighbor! Or head to the highlands. 13 Pros and Cons of Living in Houston, Texas - Fixin Texas While you wait for your ride into town, you can always have a cup of coffee in the main lobby. Scuba Diving in Roatn From poor roads to limited public transportation, Roatan is still very much a developing destination. It offers a lot of job opportunities than any other country can. Even if you don't have insurance, you're not gonna go broke. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Roatan has that kind of power. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Washington State | Redfin As Roatan is an island, the majority of the goods on the island are imported. A retired couple can expect to spend about $2,000 to $2,500 a month for all their needs on Roatn. It stretches almost 37 miles, but is only about five miles wide at its widest point. Being a major industrial city, everything from rent, food, and social amenities is expensive in Japan. If you are planning to spend much of your vacation diving underwater anyway, the rain wont matter much, right? Roatan is a stunning island paradise located off the coast of Honduras. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. Property tax is relatively low as well. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Flights Holiday Rentals . The Cayos Cochinos (Hog Islands), a group of 15 small islands about halfway between Roatan and mainland Honduras, is a UNESCO world heritage site. As in other Caribbean islands, electricity prices are exorbitantly high, and service is underwhelming. Working on Roatan is quite different than being retired on Roatan. Diving enthusiasts from around the world come to Roatan for its ideal diving conditions. Still, you can get yourself hooked up to the world wide web for around $50-$60 a month. Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. There is therefore much pure untouched land and the majority of the population is centred in county seats. Youll be able to bop along all night with the crowds in this late-night local. Kid's are not all high/school and college age. Stretch out under a shady palapa or enjoy a meal at Lionfish Louies, the on-site restaurant, one of the best places to sample delicious lionfish. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. However, if youre looking to try your hand at diving, rest assured knowing that there are plenty of classes available. Expats on Roatn also give back. Pineapple Villas, an off water condominium development in French Harbour, has a 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo unit for sale for $179,000, with a distant harbor view. Roatn Retirement Information However, the island is still developing, and this means it has limited infrastructure and healthcare. How to Retire in Roatan - 7th Heaven Properties There is also a branch of the top hospital in Honduras here, staffed with specialists. The cost of living isn't too bad. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Also, youll save yourself the headache of running through the airport to catch another flight. Whats the catch? If you decide a short term stay suits you better, be prepared to cough up a bit more especially if its high season. 14 Pros and Cons of Living in Japan This town centers around an industrial harbor where fishing, shipping, and shrimp boats dock. However long you decide to stay, take your time getting to know the island and take it easy, Roatanian style. Most people take the time to stop for a cold drink before making the last leg of their trip home. Swim, snorkel, and kayak right off the deck of your private, over-the-water cabana. Cons: Bad roads with huge holes, unsigned speed bumps that can launch you into space, no awareness by locals of traffic rules or driving behavior that you might expect or anticipate, total and complete liability that can drain your wallet and easily get you in jail, marginal and . Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. Find cheap flights from Roatan Island to Los Angeles Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. Of course, there are still those Caribbean classics like fresh coconut water to quench your thirst and fried plantain, or tostones, to fill your stomach. The west side of the island is almost always perfectly calm as it is sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. You can even take a boat tour of the wild Mangrove Tunnels and see the real Roatan. Healthcare in South Korea is cheap and affordable. These arrangements often provide students with increased access to specialized opportunities, resources, and programs as well as more . John and I were sitting on the little bench outside BJs Backyard one Friday afternoon. However, because of its size, chances are that the trip may cost you a pretty penny. Take a boat a few minutes from the shore and see dozens of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral in a rainbow of colors, and more underwater wonders. Expatriate medical insurance can be a good option for those who have the opportunity to receive it. A Final Thought on the Pros and Cons of Living in Montana. There are lots of fishermen around, and one of them may be your neighbor. In high season, during the North American winter, it hosts multiple cruise ships each day. The Pros and Cons of Living in Florida Here are 2 different pros and con lists of what it's really like to live in Florida full-time. Its relaxed and casual. But its not all about partying. They live in spots like Mango Bay, Port Royal, and Calabash. High on the list of popular tourist attractions on the island is the Dive with the Dolphins Encounter at Anthonys Key Resort, one of the original resorts on the island, boasting more than 40 years in business. The weather is delightful, and the Honduran people are warm and inviting. Quality healthcare. Roatans laid-back atmosphere is one of its biggest draws. Are you going to the islands for the winter?. Landscape and beautiful scenery 5. Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. Pros and Cons of Living in the South - Deep South Magazine Sold 17 years ago. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more action, the West End offers plenty of nightlife and entertainment aimed at tourists. The snorkeling can be excellent, the resorts there are. It is difficult to find all these requirements in one property. Its recommended that you speak to your hotel or property manager to find the best rentals on the island. However, it is advisable not to do so in Roatan. If you want to take advantage of the lush scenery, there are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in the area of Helene. But don't worry; Helsinki's temperature typically doesn't drop below a balmy -30C (-22F). The reef is a few minutes offshore, teeming with sea life. Pros and Cons of Living in Each State - Dividends Diversify If iguana is not your cup of tea, theres always their world-renowned snail soup that went so far as have to a song written about it in the early 1990s. Just because you are on a small island in the middle of the Caribbean doesnt mean that you wont be able to look after yourself. For a family of two adults and two children, you would need a combined income of $118,551 per year or $9,879 every month to live comfortably in Stamford, the most expensive city of Connecticut. Although it may be tempting to save some coin and get a flight to Honduras and then jump on a connecting flight to Roatan, its not recommended. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. For expats averse to traffic, driving in Lagos will not be fun. In a real sense, Roatan is a prime example of an ancient observation: We do without doing and it all gets done. 7 Things Roatan Expats Want You to Know - Viva Tropical Located along the longest coral reef in the western hemisphere, Roatan is best known for scuba diving. High-speed internet works well and there is reliable cellphone service. 10 Things to Do in Roatan, Honduras For a cheap night out on the town, Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts a range of free shows, including classical music . I have been coming to Thailand since 1998. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Animal rescue is another opportunity, as is working in a health clinic that provides low-cost care for those in need. It all got fixed in the end, though, as these things do. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Moving to Roatan Roatan Tourism Bureau Roatn has plenty of modern conveniences. You can also work with local school kids doing sports activities or teaching English. 1. Although the road situation is improving, its better to be safe than sorry when driving around Roatan. Today, theres no need to worry when searching for the right Honduran home for you or your family. Dreams do come true, however. Little Roatn has its share of visitors. Youll find multiple housing options on the island, from lots to homes to condos. For about $110, most dive centers offer some type of introductory class. After my first trip to the Virgin Islands, my mind kept leading me back to the idea of investing in a property on the Caribbean Sea. Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun Most centers give you credit for your introductory lesson, so remember to ask about it. Its free. Long-term monthly rents start at $600 a month. Everywhere on Roatn runs on island time. Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know) December to April sees an increase of visitors on the island, and places get booked up fast. Its easy to make the place your full-time home. When you approach Roatn from the mainland by sea or from the air, its a striking sight. Views of the beach and that salty sea breeze will remind you why you decided to move this beautiful Caribbean paradise. But here are five of the reasons you might want to make it your home. If youre thinking about moving to Roatan, Honduras, you should always consider the above factors before packing your bags. Roatan may arguably enjoy the best weather in the Caribbean as it lies just south and west of the major hurricane highway. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. Houston to Roatan is a typical route that can land you on the island in no time. Nobody is in a rush. But with hospitals and medical clinics, banks, larger grocery stores, hardware stores, government offices, and other services, they often visit to run errands. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. The atmosphere is extremely dry 3. These days a small but active group of retirees and other expats live on this long and narrow island, whose total population is about 80,000. The budget airline Air Europa has a direct flight from Madrid to San Pedro Sula airport on the Honduran mainland. If you fish, youll be in heaven. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Go inland a bit, but still a quick walk to the water, and you could pay half that. It is quieter and isolated out east, with the nearest sizable settlement a 30- to 45-minute drive away. Whatever you decide to munch on, youll feel revived and ready to explore this small island. At this point you will be ready to go diving. Cost of Living in Roatn But the lower cost of living is seen in your everyday expenses, too. 1- Warm climate If you're a nature lover and are constantly dreaming of living in a place full of sunlight and warm weather, well, Portugal is your destination. With deep water beyond the reef so close to shore, you need not travel far to fish for wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, blue marlin, yellow-fin tuna, white marlin, sailfish, and barracuda. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If youre searching for a warm-weather climate, a lower cost of living, slower pace, surrounded by natural beautywith plenty of services and amenities, retirement on Roatn could be worth a closer look. ROATAN: Pros and Cons of Moving and living here and the Challenges Ahead - YouTube Estos son los pros y los contras de mudarse a #ROATAN #HONDURAS #BYRONJKP ROATAN: Pros and Cons. Although by networking on the ground, you can find even better deals. Recent one-way flight deals. Some expats enjoy their beach time, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Upstate New York Right Now Believe me, the summer weather definitely makes up for the winter blues. Youre more likely to get a better interest rate and have a better overall lending experience. Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. While foreigners can own three-fourths of an acre, only companies and Honduran residents are allowed to own property in Roatan. Plenty of visitors and expats have described short wait times and almost instant help from doctors and nurses. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Continue east through historic Port Royal, past Fort Morgan Cay, the pirate stronghold of early days. Youll have to plan ahead to make sure youre not left in the dark or without a stove to cook with. While there are still plenty of Western comforts around, like steaks and diners, you must indulge in some of the local delicacies. Resorts and diving centers both offer introductory classes for those seeking to give scuba diving a try. With plenty of hospitals that have American-educated staff, they are in no shortage of healthcare professionals who will be able to help you in your time of need. It was a smooth process. If youre looking for comfort, then you can enjoy the resort-style West End that hosts plenty of relaxing activities for its visitors. Ocean breezes were great except when the salt spray blew into your windows from the coast. Once on Roatan, you can immediately feel the island vibe soothing your soul as the fresh, salt air cleanses away the stress of the mainland life you left behind. So far we've lived in LA, San Diego, Portland, and NYC, and the cost of living in Las Vegas is low in comparison.