TJ's BuyRoatan.com Blog

Roatan is a "Thumbs Up" for Most Visitors...

From time to time I like to post a collage of peeps commenting about their experiences, thoughts and first impressions of our little growing island…. here's a few that you'll enjoy.

 

After the Rains… the Sun Comes Out on the Islands!

So after 4 days of being pummeled by Mom Nature it's time to take a stroll along the beach and enjoy a bit of sunshine once again…. check out the hotels and see what's happening… come along!!

 

 

What's Between West Bay and West End?

How about a lot just off the beach for under $60k???   It's been called No Man's land.. that little piece that is still relatively undeveloped that you can't quite get to yet… unless you know the secret road of course, or take a relaxing stroll down the beach!  The great thing about this area on Roatan is the location, the privacy… and the PRICES!!

 

Fun, Food and Fast Times - Plenty to Do on Roatan!

Even if you're not a diver there is still lots to do and explore on Roatan.  From golfing to fishing, shopping to museums, hiking to touring there's something for everyone!!  And if you live here, it's all that much better!!  Oh, the food is fantastic… with a few side effects at times.

 

Arena Soccer Comes to Roatan… Minus the Arena!

Football is a favorite pastime in Latin America… it's fun, fast and great exercise!  Whether you're here visiting or you plan to live here… you can always find a scrimmage going on.  At the beach, the playground and NOW… at at least 2 newly built "arena" facilities here on Roatan!!

 

West Bay Beach 2010 - Boys, Bikinis and Best Times!

Rated one of the Top Ten beaches on the planet by more than one ex-patriot rag, Roatan's West Bay is home to high end resorts, dive shops and sun worshipers.  Today, I take one last stroll through the Christmas crowds to show you what you're missing…. there's always next year..right?

 

Give a Gift this Christmas to Roatan's Kids!

Help make this year the very Merriest yet for Roatan's kids!!  If you're coming down for the holidays to the Bay Islands, here's a simple way you can put a smile on the face AND in the heart of some very special children that need your love...

 

Roatan's Less Fortunate Need Your Support!

Just like back home where you live… go a few miles off the beaten track and you'll find individuals and families barely scraping by with very, very little.  Roatan is no different.  There are some very poor people living here and they can always use a helping hand!  Enter "CEPUDO and Food for the Poor"-- an NGO based out of San Pedro Sula which receives donations of all sorts… and distributes them to Honduras' less fortunate.  Our Bible Study group on Roatan was blessed with a truck load of goods from CEPUDO and last Saturday we distributed much needed food and clothing to about 100 families in need.  If you'd like to be a part of this, contact me by email [email protected] or bring something to donate down with you on your next visit.

 

BuyRoatan.com Gear is Here!!!

Just in time for Christmas.. now you can order BuyRoatan.com Gear for yourself or someone special!! So many of you have asked me for this and it's now available for purchase! Part of EVERY PURCHASE GOES TOWARDS local Roatan Charities so don't delay!! Get yours today!! Here's the link Get BuyRoatan.com Gear Here!

 

Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Roatan!!

Roatan has so much to offer both tourists, investors and re-locators alike!!  From great beaches with fine white sand, to awesome seafood restaurants, to fun activities like snorkeling and diving!!  Here are some of my favorite sights and sounds of the island mon!!

 

Check out West End's Newest Night Spot - Besos!!

From time to time I like to see what's new on the island and Roatan seems to have a never ending supply of entrepreneurs trying their hand at the hospitality business.  Restaurants, clubs and tourist attractions seem to be popping up every week almost!!  Today, I check out one of West End's newest and nicest evening jaunts! Besos (which means Kiss in Spanish) promised to be different.. and they sure are….

 

Exploring Roatan's Coastline by Air - West Bay, The Mansion & Pristine Bay Golf Course!

If you've been to Roatan and flew in by air, you are quite familiar with the incredible coastline the Island boasts with it's deep bays (bights), shallow reefs, and ever changing water colors….. well.. today, I got to go up once again and see it…. woo hoo!!! A great friend of mine from Chicago flew down to stay with us at The Mansion and took me for a scenic tour of Roatan in his airplane…

 

Excursions, Tours and Rental Cars… Ya just Gotta see Roatan!

There's lots to see and do on Roatan and renting a car, a scooter or taking a guided tour are great ways to learn about the history and future of our small Caribbean Island!

 

Lichee's Cousin on Roatan - Tropical Delights in Season!

There's certainly an abundance of tropical fruits all year long on Roatan and as the seasons change, so does the selection.  Today, I showcase one of my fall favs….

 

Happy Tourists on Roatan's West Bay Beach!

Every once in a while I like to interview peeps off the cruise ships about their experience on Roatan… and today the EPIC is in.. so tons of sun worshipers are adorning West Bay's picturesque beach and enjoying the 86º waters of the Caribbean!!  Is it me or are the bathing suits getting smaller and smaller?  Anyways.. watch what some visitors to the Bay Islands have to say today….

 

Calabash Bight - Serenity on Roatan's East End!

Many people come to Roatan but few venture to the other end (East) of the island.  For one, it's a dirt road past Oakridge, often in poor condition.  You need to rent a car or take a tour bus to go there.. but believe me, it is well worth it!!  It's like a completely different side to this amazing Bay island!  Come with me today as I journey out there...

 

Job Opportunities Abound on Roatan!!

Calling all Entrepreneurs…  Roatan is prime and ready for your business!!  Not sure what to do?  Tourism is picking up and will continue to be the dominant income base here….give it some thought… or better yet.. watch this and get some ideas...

 

An Amazing Roatan Sunset - Double Time!!

One of the most precious moments of life on Roatan is watching the sunsets… they are truly spectacular most days and well worth the 2 for 1 Happy Hour rituals…. Watching the sun go into the sea is breathtaking… and I've captured one for you and sped up the reel for you… it's quick, and it's worth watching… enjoy!

 

Duct Tape on the Propeller - Flying Around Honduras!

On occasion you may have to go to the Honduras mainland to renew your passport at one of the Embassies, see a doctor about something or even just for shopping.  There are 2 ways to leave the island.. by boat and by plane.  Today, I need to go to the nation's capital, Tegucigalpa… and you're coming with me… that is, if the duct tape on the propeller holds up...

 

Lightning Over Roatan… Shot in Slow Motion!

July and August means the rainy season for the Honduran coast… and with being only 30 miles from Roatan, it makes for a spectacular show most evenings.  Last night, I shot this video of a great performance in the sky from my place.  Edited in Slo-Mo shows detail the human eye just can't pick up….

 

Snorkeling Roatan's Barrier Reef - World's 2nd Largest!

Since the 60's avid divers have been coming to Roatan in hopes of finding virgin waters… and back then there was little development on the Bay Islands and not even an airport.  Now, with 2 Cruise Ship terminals, a world class golf course and major hotels on the drawing books.. Roatan is fast becoming a Class A resort playground!  The Bonacca Ridge is the 2nd largest barrier reef system in the world and extends over 125 miles from Roatan to Belize.  Today, the boys and I go snorkeling that reef system… and you're coming along!

 

Ridin' the Banana Boats of West Bay Beach!!

Thrills, spills and chills!!  That's what this fun activity is all about on Roatan's pristine beaches!  Just another of the fun, cheap tourist and local alike things to do on West Bay Beach!  About $5 each for a 12-15 minute thrill ride, this deep water rocket ship tour is sure to get the adrenaline pumping and a bit of water up the nose too!

 

Pool Parties Make Roatan Weekends a Blast!

There are some great properties available on Roatan for events from weddings to birthday parties!  One such property is the pool at Keyhole Bay, located in West Bay Beach!  What an awesome place for a fiesta! Yesterday, local Flex Appeal Gym owner, Dale Rickman put on a birthday bash for himself.. and here's what it looked like...

 

New Kid's Activity on Roatan - Robyn's Ocean Adventures!

More and more families are coming to Roatan these days and that means more activities for them here… from zip lines to nature parks, hiking to kayaking… Roatan offers more things for families today than ever before. Now when Mom and Dad want some "alone" time, or want to go on a dive together.. what to do with the kids? Wonder no more… for Robyn Keys has the solution.  It's fun, educational and affordable.. and it's now on Roatan!  To book.. go to www.robynsoceanadventures.com

 

What's a Kid to do for Free? Lot's on Roatan's Beaches!

You don't need to spend money on touristy gizmos… see what Jayson and Grady find to do with a little imagination and with all the wild ambition of their young boy's hearts.  It's amazing sometimes… to see the world through your young son's eyes.  Thank you Grady and Jayson for sharing that privilege with me today.

 

"Ants on the Ground… Ants on the Ground…"

It's a jungle out there! Check out enormous termite nests, lizards and leaf cutter ants... all native to the tropical island of Roatan, Honduras!  Come along with Jayson Lynch and his friend Sam… both natives of the Island, mon! and see how they interact with the nature around them.

 

Forth of July Party on West Bay Beach!

There were no parades.  There was sun, sand and surf.  There were no soldiers in uniform.  There was an all-you-can-eat BBQ with live Caribbean music.  There were no reciting of the "Declaration of the…".  There was people of all countries joining in the celebration.  There was unity.  There was pride.

 

Canucks Party During Canada Day Celebrations!

Happy Canada Day!  I've heard that about 1M times today!! Oh, and shaken more hands than Obama during his hypnotizing of the American public…I mean, during his election campaign.  And Canadians living on Roatan really know how to celebrate!  Local watering hole, Sundowners in West End hosted an all-out pig roasting, sailboat trying, beer swiggin good time for July1st here today… and digging up the pig was just the beginning of it...

 

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!

 

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…