As a seasoned cruiser for over 30 years, I’ve always been drawn to exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Last year, when planning our latest cruise, I noticed the itinerary included the island of Roatan, which was apparently a “hidden gem” in the Caribbean. The question that lingered in my mind, and probably in yours as well, was: is Roatan safe?
Want the short answer? Let me assure you, Yes, Roatan is safe, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable stops on my cruise itinerary on our latest cruise on the Wonder of the Seas. Roatan is one of the nicest places I have visited.
Roatan is a beautiful island and it is easy to see why more and more of the major cruise lines are including the island in their itineraries.
Roatan is part of Honduras in Central America and that is clearly where most concerns come from. However, it should be noted that the crime on Roatan is much lower compared to its mainland counterpart, Honduras.
I felt a greater sense of safety during my time on the island than I do in some major cities back home.
The island’s population predominantly consists of friendly locals and many US and Canadian ex-pats, who’ve chosen Roatan as their home due to its tranquility and natural beauty.
Of course, like any tourist destination, crimes can be avoided with basic precautions, some of which I will share with you in this guide.
How Safe is Roatan Honduras? – What You Need To Know
The Growing Appeal of Roatan, Honduras
The island of Roatan has been increasingly catching the attention of cruise companies and travelers alike and for good reason.
Its turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush landscapes make it a paradise for cruise ships to drop anchor.
The island has seen a surge in popularity with American expats too, thanks to its affordable property prices and direct flight connections.
It’s no wonder that in the year before the Covid pandemic, Roatan welcomed a staggering 720,000 tourists, and that’s not including the many cruise ships that docked at its picturesque ports of Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay.
In fact, Coxen Hole is undergoing a massive expansion and there are plans to build a Sea Life and Wildlife Center and Lazy River experience right at the port.
Why Roatan is a Must-Visit Destination for Cruisers
Roatan is a cruise passenger’s dream, offering the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture.
The island’s diverse marine life and pristine beaches are a haven for water sports enthusiasts.
With cruise ships offering a variety of excursions tailored to different interests, there’s something for everyone in Roatan.
Oh and do I even need to mention Sloths? Everyone loves a Sloth, right? More on these delightful creatures later.
Where is Roatan?
Roatan Island is situated off the northern coast of Honduras, nestled in the Caribbean Sea.
It’s the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, yet remains less crowded than some of the more commercial Caribbean destinations, adding to its charm and appeal.
The Unique Attractions of Roatan
Roatan is not your typical Caribbean destination. The island is famed for its world-class scuba diving and snorkeling sites, thanks to the incredible Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that surrounds it.
It’s also home to the Gumbalimba Park, where you can interact with capuchin monkeys and free-flying macaws. You can also find the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, where you can swim alongside dolphins in their natural habitat.
These unique attractions set Roatan apart, making it a truly special stop on your cruise itinerary. And Sloths! (Can you tell we like Sloths LOL).
Let’s Get Down To Basics: Is Roatan Safe for Tourists and Worth Visiting?
As an avid traveler and cruise enthusiast, I always believe in ensuring the safety of the destination before planning any trip. However, I’m also pretty streetwise and know how the news media love to keep us in an almost perpetual state of fear as it helps their ratings.
Roatan, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, is also associated with the Honduras mainland, which to be fair does not have the best reputation.
Therefore. It’s often asked, “Is Roatan safe for tourists?” And the simple answer, in my humble opinion, is yes! But just like any other destination, it comes with its own set of precautions and safety measures to be considered. Especially outside the main tourist areas.
Key crime statistics for Roatan
When we talk about safety, it is of course to look at the key crime rates for the country that we are visiting.
Fortunately, Roatan has a lower crime rate compared to other regions of Honduras.
The most prevalent crime on the island is burglary.
It’s also worth noting that violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. The island authorities have made concerted efforts to minimize crime and ensure the safety of the tourists and expatriates who call Roatan home.
Roatan: A Safe Destination or a Risky Adventure?
So if Roatan can be perceived as a safe destination by many, does that mean it’s completely devoid of risks? Of course not. But the same can be said for anywhere.
While the crime rates are low, it’s still necessary for tourists to be mindful of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions.
It’s an exciting and safe destination as long as you stick to the tourist areas and follow the rules. However, it’s also worth mentioning that many travelers, including myself, have felt safer in Roatan than in major cities like Miami and New York.
Roatan is an Island – It is Not on the Honduras mainland
It’s important to remember that Roatan is an island and not part of the Honduras mainland.
This distinction is crucial because the crime rates on the mainland are significantly higher than in Roatan.
The Roatan locals, understanding the importance of tourism as a significant source of income, strive to maintain the island’s safe reputation.
On my recent visit, the local hospitality and the island’s serene environment certainly made me feel safe and welcomed.
A Deeper Look into Safety Concerns And What To Know Before You Visit Honduras
Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into the safety concerns in Honduras as a whole.
The United States Department of State has currently listed Honduras at Level 3 (out of 4), advising Americans to reconsider travel due to potential safety risks.
However, this rating is similar to other countries you might not think of as being dangerous.
Interestingly, many of you will have visited Royal Caribbean’s delightful private beach at Labadee in Haiti.
But did you realize that Haiti has a level 4 “Do not travel” advisory? Does that mean you have to cancel your trip that includes that stop or stay on the ship? No.
Labadee is quite some distance from areas of unrest in Haiti and is also a secure armed fenced-off area, so it is very secure and safe.
As a seasoned traveler, I suggest doing your own research and taking necessary precautions, irrespective of the destination. The most important thing is ultimately your level of comfort when visiting a location.
Honduras: The Country with a Troubled Reputation
Of course, we can’t look at Roatan without considering Honduras as a whole. Unfortunately, it has somewhat of a troubled reputation when it comes to safety.
As mentioned earlier, the United States Department of State currently rates Honduras safety at Level 3 (out of 4), suggesting Americans reconsider travel to the country. Based on that guidance, I certainly wouldn’t plan a side trip over to the mainland.
For a different perspective, the United Kingdom’s government travel website states that most serious crime in Honduras does not affect tourists and the Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras.
Myth Buster: Is Honduras the Murder Capital of the World?
There’s a common misconception that Honduras is the murder capital of the world. It’s not. That distinction lies with Tijuana, Mexico.
Now does that make you stop and think about visiting Costa Maya or Cozumel, two very popular cruise port destinations in Mexico?
Of course, it doesn’t, as they are miles away from that area. And that is my key point about Roatan. It is very isolated from any issues that might be affecting mainland Honduras.
If you look at the murder rate, Honduras is indeed very high – one of the worst in the World, at 38.2 per 100,000.
But did you know that the US Virgin Islands which includes the very popular cruise port of St Thomas has a murder rate of 49.6, That’s the second worst in the World.
Or if we take things to a City level, what about St Louis, Missouri which has a murder rate of 66.07!
Unveiling the Dark Side: Understanding Roatan Crime
Roatan welcomed more than 720,000 tourists in the year prior to the pandemic, a testament to its appeal. But like any other destination, Roatan has its share of crime, albeit much lower than many other places.
It’s important to be aware of these realities to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Petty Crime in Roatan: What to Expect
While Roatan is considered generally safe to visit, petty crime does occur, with burglary being the most commonly reported. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. Ask any locals and they will tell you it is the safest place in Honduras.
Most incidents can be avoided by following basic safety tips, such as not flaunting valuable items and being mindful of your belongings and surroundings.
Roatan’s public transportation is also considered safe to use during the day but tends to stop running around 6:30 p.m. Fortunately, this won’t impact cruise visitors.
Taxis are readily available. Just like anywhere, always agree on the fare in advance and be absolutely clear about the currency you are paying in and your actual destination before entering the vehicle.
The Elephant In The Room: Drugs and Prostitution in Roatan
Drugs and prostitution are illegal in Roatan, and involvement in such activities can lead to severe consequences. This doesn’t stop the occasional rogue trying to offer such products and services, however.
When my wife and I were wandering around Coxen Hole, we did get lots of offers for island tours, but not once were we offered any illegal products or services.
However, I do know at least one male passenger on our cruise was offered drugs and sex within 100 feet of leaving the port area. (And no he didn’t in case you are wondering LOL).
While these issues might exist, as they do in many parts of the world, the general consensus among the fellow passengers that I spoke to, was that they all felt quite safe and would definitely come back for another visit in the future.
Safety Tips For Roatan: Your Guide to a Secure and Enjoyable Stay
Safety on Roatan, or any destination for that matter, isn’t just about crime rates or the presence of law enforcement. It’s also about being proactive, aware of your surroundings, and following some basic safety tips.
And that’s what this guide is all about – helping you navigate through different areas of the island while ensuring you have a secure and enjoyable stay.
Beating Petty Crime: How Not to Be an Easy Target
While Roatan generally has a low crime rate, petty crimes like theft can still occur, even in touristy areas. But don’t worry, there are ways to avoid becoming an easy target.
First, keep your valuables out of sight. Don’t flaunt your fancy cell phones, cameras, or large amounts of cash.
In fact, it’s best to leave your valuables and excess cash in a safe back on the cruise ship.
Also, be discreet if using ATMs, and don’t flash your cash around.
Navigating Roatan: Transportation Safety Tips
When it comes to getting around Roatan, the first thing you need to know is that the main town, Coxen Hole, can be hectic, especially during peak tourist season. The roads are uneven and sidewalks and paths are sometimes non-existent.
When the cruise ships arrive almost all of the island’s taxis, minibuses, and tour buses descend on the town looking for business. So it can be total gridlock with traffic at times.
So be very careful when walking through or alongside traffic. Walk on the side of the road FACING oncoming traffic.
You’ll see a lot of scooters in Roatan, so you might be tempted to hire them for the day. However, scooter accidents are not uncommon in Roatan, mainly due to the uneven terrain and sometimes reckless driving by others.
For this reason, if you do choose to rent a scooter, always wear a helmet, and avoid driving too fast or on unfamiliar roads. Similarly, if you rent a car – watch out for those potholes! You don’t want a burst tire impacting your ability to get back to your ship on time!
These travel tips are not just for staying safe in Roatan, but they apply to any destination you visit.
[RELATED POST: A Guide To The Port of Roatan]
Is Roatan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Clearly, as an adult male, I am not qualified to answer this question.
I do however think that like many destinations, Roatan will come with its unique set of challenges and concerns for female solo travelers, and that saddens me greatly.
Essential Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
My advice is to follow similar precautions to those outlined above but with a heightened sense of your own vulnerability. Sadly as in any country, there are nasty characters out there who will try to exploit a situation. Be streetwise and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
My Own Experience Traveling Around Roatan and the Experiences of My Fellow Cruise Travellers
Recently (September 2023), I had the pleasure of visiting the Port of Roatan on a cruise aboard the majestic Wonder of the Seas.
Like many Caribbean islands, the locals were quite eager to sell their wares and offer excursions.
At first, their energy might seem a bit overwhelming, but it’s essential to understand that this is part of their livelihood.
I found that they were friendly and respected a firm “no” when I was not interested in their goods or services.
Overall, I felt completely safe during my stay and had no safety concerns whatsoever. Outside the port there was a visible police presence, but they seemed more focused on managing the traffic going by.
The consensus among my fellow cruise ship passengers was that Roatan was a safe and enjoyable destination.
During our day on the Island, we took an independent Tour with Victor Bodden Tours via Viator which included a trip to an Animal Sanctuary on the opposite side of the Island from the cruise ship.
This gave us a great opportunity to see the island and it was apparently there is a lot of growth in the economy. There was building work going on everywhere, which is great to see.
We also wandered around Coxen Hole outside the cruise port and spent some time in the local bars and restaurants.
Yes, there were a bit “rough and ready” but the prices were great and the locals were very friendly. We loved it!
On our Island tour, the Animal sanctuary we visited was well-maintained and I could see that the animals were well cared for.
We were told that the animals we saw were all “rescued” from various locations on the island where they had been abandoned as young or their natural environment was destroyed by building work.
We were able to see and interact with various types of Monkeys, Parrots, Iguanas, and the highlight of our trip – the Sloths. They were so cute.
Our Roatan island tour included a stop at a beach at West Bay, but we decided we wanted to spend time in Coxen Hole to experience more of the Roatan culture, so our driver kindly skipped that part of our tour and drove us back to the ship.
When is an Animal Sanctuary Not an Animal Sanctuary? when it is a Tourist Attraction!
Now, since returning from this excursion, I discovered that we did not visit the only “sanctuary” on the Island.
It turns out that there are many of these sanctuaries all owned by different tour operators. The one we visited was owned by Victor Bodden Tours.
Now that does make me think that perhaps the sole reason for these sanctuaries is not animal welfare, but actually tourist dollars?
I did discover however that Sloths are not native to the island and most were brought over as pets from the mainland. So the animal sanctuaries are recognised as a good home for them.
Next time I visit, I will certainly research this particular shore excursion activity a little bit closer. I would hate to think that these animals were being deliberately captured from the wild for our enjoyment. However it is clear to see they are being well looked after.
If you are planning a trip to Roatan, I have put together a list of things to do in Roatan that I hope will find useful.
Is Roatan, Honduras Safe in 2024? Is Miami Safe? It’s all about perspective
It’s interesting how we perceive safety. Often, we worry about the safety of travel destinations, such as Roatan, while overlooking the crime rates in some of the cities we may have passed through to get to our cruise destination.
For example, many cruise travelers start their journey in Miami, a city notorious for its high crime rates. Yet, they worry more about their safety upon reaching Roatan, an island with considerably lower crime statistics. Doesn’t that seem a bit ironic?
In my experience, I felt safer in Roatan than I do in some places in Orlando or Miami. The key is to maintain awareness of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings, just as you would in any other city.
I suggest using the same common sense in Roatan as you would in Miami or any other city. Don’t leave your drink unattended in beach bars, use public transportation wisely, and avoid poorly maintained areas.
Stay Safe
So, yes Roatan is a safe island and is definitely worth visiting. I felt it was one of the safest Caribbean islands I have visited.
But just like safety anywhere in the world, it is about personal responsibility and common sense. It’s not just about asking, “Is Roatan safe?” but also, “Are my current surroundings safe?”. And that is something you should be aware of anywhere!
So, relax, chill, and get down with the island vibe. Follow the safety tips above and be aware of your surroundings and you’ll have a great time.
Enjoy and stay safe!
Before booking a tour in Roatan we asked many of our friends who had previously visited the island. Everyone who had booked with Victor Bodden Tours had great things to say about them.
As a result, we used them for our Roatan Island Tour and they were outstanding! Great service and they have lots of different tours available.
