TJ's BuyRoatan.com Blog

Roatan's Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Port!

If you've been to Roatan by Cruise Ship in the last 15 years.. chances are high you docked at the terminal in Coxen Hole… but since being sold to Royal Caribbean back in 2007 for a reported 19 Million dollars, RC has put another 20 mil into infrastructure, re-design, enlarging and building more shops and things to do. Located just outside Coxen Hole, on the way to Flowers Bay, I have to say that this port is my favorite. The staff and security speak english, they are friendly and the prices are reasonable.  Check it out…

 

Tropical Storm ALEX - Later that same day...

Waking up Saturday morning to blowing rain, high winds and waves and nobody out and about…. Tropical Storm ALEX was right upon us here in the Bay Islands.  Winds up to 50 mph were warping trees, pushing rain sideways and making big surf on the beaches along Roatan's north coast.  But by about 4 in the afternoon… it was all but gone.. and THIS is what I emerged from my bunker (JK) to find...

 

TJ's Top Travel Pick of the Week - T.S. Alex Blows by Roatan!

Tropical Storm Alex formed off the coast of Honduras overnight and is hitting us with 40 mph winds, lots of rain and big surf!  See first hand video of the storm...

 

Summer Rains Brush the Bay Islands… a Little Early!

Typically, July is a month of thunderstorms, lightning and winds… not all the time, but maybe a couple days here and there.  This week, off and on, it's been trying to rain.. and today, the skies are gray and wind is up… showers are on the way!

 

Sand Sculptures on the Beach in West Bay!

One of my favorite pastimes bar none is to walk along West Bay Beach and people watch.  There's people from all walks of life here enjoying the warm water, hot sun and cold beverages!  You can shop with the local beach vendors, kayak, jet ski, scuba dive… or, build sand castles!! Our sand is perfect for all you would-be artists out there!  Maybe someone will even sponsor a "Sand Castle Competition" here one day… hmmm, now there's an idea!

 

From HGTV Star to Roatan Resort Mogul…St. Louis has a lot to Say!

HGTV's mega-popular travel/real estate show House Hunters International© has been to the Caribbean many times!  Personally, I've been involved in two episodes here on Roatan.  In one particular episode, Louis St. Louis and his beautiful wife, Jamie come to Roatan in search of not only a new family home for them and their young daughters, but a thriving business venture as well.  That was in 2007.  Fast forward to today and we interview Louis on how his family's investment has faired, life in the tropics and what he sees in Roatan's ever-emerging future.

 

1st Time Roatan Buyer Warns "Get a Good Realtor"

She came to Roatan first on a cruise ship.  She returned to spend more time.  She fell in love.  Lynda Burton is not alone - so many feel the same way she does.  Even after exploratory trips to Costa Rica and other tropical places, Lynda's heart was still in the Bay Islands.  Listen to her story...

 

TJ's Top Travel Pick of the Week - Passports, Pets & Pepperoni

Planning a trip to Honduras?  There's some important information in today's Blog…. before you book your trip!

 

Straight Talk from an Islander - Ever-changing Roatan, Tourism and the Future!

Getting the perspective of island life first hand from someone born and bread here, as well as someone who lives off the tourism trade in Honduras is powerful stuff.  Gary Lee Diaz offers some unique insight into life on Roatan and where he thinks we'll be in the future.  As a business owner, Gary Lee has a lot to say...

 

TAXI - The Roatanian's Four-Letter Word!

There's close to 500 little white imports running around Roatan with 3 numbers painted on them… which usually means it's a taxi in these parts.  Most are operated by inexperienced drivers who stop anywhere for whatever reason, seemingly oblivious to the world around them, let alone the rights of other drivers.  They are banged up, falling apart and totally unsafe to park in a driveway, let alone drive on the streets carrying passengers… but they do, and it's part of the Honduran culture it seems. They will overcharge you, race like mad to your destination with little concern for yours or anyone else's safety, and are the first to join any Island "cause" that's worth demonstrating for.  The truth of the matter is that there are too many of them here and they all fight for the next fair.. and rightly so.  They are a necessary evil and, despite the love-hate relationship they sew, can really come in handy when you need to get somewhere fast… I guess.

Here's some tips if you're planning on using this mode of transportation on Roatan…

 

Another Beautiful Morning on the Beach in West Bay!

As our slow season draws to a close, I thought I'd take a minute to show you the outstanding weather we're getting this time of year.  Warm and in the high 80's, a cool trade wind blowing and blue skies are the norm for June.  See for yourself…

 

Hail the Queen of Roatan's Coral Reef! She's a Beauty too!

If underwater fun is your gig.. then Roatan's your playground!  Surrounded by the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, the Bonacca Ridge, The Bay Islands are home to many colorful species!  Recently, my dear friend, Dr. Timothy Thurber was down and shot this vid of a spectacular Queen Triggerfish doing what she does best.  Thanks to local recording artist and conservationist, Guillermo Anderson for the music!

 

Celebrate Roatan's Kids - Culturally Diverse, yet Amazingly Unified!

White Islander, Black Islander, Gringo, Spaniard, Europa or Chino… it really doesn't matter what your nationality or ethnic background is… to other kids, you're just one of the gang!  How refreshing that would be if adults played the same way in their larger, much more complex sandboxes, right?  I thought I'd assemble some pics I've snapped over the years of the children of Roatan and show you just how much love there is amongst them…. sit back, crank up the volume and enjoy!

 

TJ's Top Travel Pick of the Week - Don't Loose your VISA!

Hope you're all having a super weekend!  From time to time people ask me about coming to Roatan and that little paper they staple into your passport when you arrive.  Today, I show you the process of landing in Roatan AND what the heck that paper is for.  If you're planning a trip here, DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

 

Carnival's Cruise Ship Port on Roatan - Mahogany Bay!

Like a page out of Disneyland, Carnival's new $62M facility located here on Roatan's south shore is truly an amazing development!  Restaurants, shopping, a chair lift and more!  Check it out...

 

Americans Look to Roatan to Invest and Retire Someday

It's not just Canadians who buy on Roatan… although there certainly are a lot of Canucks down here! Americans, who are coming out of an incredible economic downturn, are finally looking once again to invest outside the USA…. for investment, retirement, income among other reasons.  Watch the testimony of John and Lizeth Fowler from Kentucky as they describe the reasons and the process of buying here.  Roatan is prime real estate, undervalued and ready for you to find your dream!

 

TJ's Top Travel Pick of the Week - Be Aware!

Travel plans from now until November should be well thought out.  It's hurricane season in the tropics and you don't want to be caught with your pants down… or blown off for that matter!

 

Key Things to Consider Before you Buy on Roatan!

Sure, there are lots of reasons to buy in the tropics… and there are a lot more things to consider rationally before you pull the trigger though.  I sit down with my clients and try to address EXACTLY what it is they hope to accomplish with their purchase.  Investment, retirement, revenue stream… will they be using it often throughout the year?  Do they have family that will be using it?  Condo or home?  View or beachfront? The list is quite extensive… and what area of Roatan suits you?  Watch as I give you some pointers I provide to all my clients…

 

The Gibraltar - The Rock of Honduras' Coffees!

Whether you are buying for export, you're own a restaurant, or like me, love the stuff…. buying premium coffee can get expensive.  NOT.  When you know where to go, you can buy almost ANYTHING on Roatan wholesale - direct from the supplier.  Today we visit the MV Gibraltar, a shipping company who's owner also sells the best coffee in the world! Well, that's my opinion anyways….

 

Among Great Restaurants in West End - Argentinian Grill Stands Alone!

Among the dozens of mediocre restaurants lining the streets of West End town, there are a few standouts that are sure to bring pleasure to the senses, and the pocketbook!  The Argentinian Grill has been around for more than 7 years now and continues to be one of the top eateries on all of Roatan!  Tonight, we journey to West End with clients John and Lizeth Fowler from Kentucky!  See how we rate tonights performance...

 

Yachties Love Roatan! Can you Blame them?

Yachties… those well-to-do people that cruise around the world in their mega-yachts… floating homes.  Many come to Roatan for a few days, weeks and even months.  From the safe moorage within the reef system, to the diving, to the people -- Roatan has a lot to offer the rich and sometimes famous!