Planning a trip to Roatan usually comes with a few questions — and that’s a good thing.
Most of our guests start in the same place: gathering details, comparing options, and making sure they’re choosing the right experience.
Below are answers to the most common questions we hear before booking and before arrival — so you can feel confident, informed, and relaxed every step of the way.
We’ve broken the questions into two groups: Questions that are specific to Hummingbird Casitas, and the second group is about Roatán in general.
Many of these questions come directly from past guests — and often reflect the same things people are wondering right before they decide to book.
Yes, your stay must be at least 7 nights.
The 1st and 2nd-floor casitas are pretty much identical, with the only significant difference being that the 2nd-floor unit has a vaulted ceiling, while the 1st-floor unit has a generous nine-foot ceiling.
The first-floor casita is about six feet above the sand (nine stair steps) and tends to get better breezes, while the 2nd-floor casita is (twenty-eight stair steps) above the sand.
Both units have spectacular ocean views.
All the photos we have are located HERE.
We are working to obtain drone photos and expect to have them shortly.
First things, first. By federal law, every beach on the island is public.
So, the beach in front of our property is not our beach; it is a “public” beach.
Unlike most properties on the island, we pay to have the public beach (along with our property) maintained.
In addition to monthly professional extermination, we have our beach team spray for bugs every two weeks.
And, more importantly, we deep-rake the sand (on the public beach and our property) every other day.
Turns out that sand fleas don’t live very long, and they lay their eggs just below the surface of the sand. So deep ranking every other day kills their eggs, thus limiting their existence.
We are not perfect, but we are much better than most beach areas.
Three great small-boat dive shops are within easy walking distance, just down the beach from us. Some will even work out packages based on your stay with us.
No, our tap water is filtered, so it works great for showers, washing dishes, cleaning, etc.
We provide you with bottled drinking water throughout your stay and recommend using it for drinking, ice, and brushing your teeth.
Yes, we can accommodate one vehicle per Casita on our property.
Please let us know prior to your arrival whether you plan to occupy a parking space for the duration of your stay.
Less than one and one-half miles. We provide free daily drop-off in West End for our guests.
We are on a sandy beach. You can walk the beach easily, about 1km. If you’re adventurous, you can extend that walk, depending on the tide, to over 2km.
As for the water, it’s clear, calm, shallow, and has a slight current based on the day. There are sandy-bottom areas and turtle-grass-bottom areas.
We provide water shoes if you want to adventure into the turtle grass areas without fear of stepping on something.
No, ALL beaches in the country are public by LAW!
The good news is that because we are not in West End or West Bay, the traffic on the beach in front of our property is typically limited to an occasional local family or two.
No. These websites charge way too much money in fees. And either you or we have to pay those fees.
We work directly with our guests to help control the cost of our accommodations and ensure we understand and meet our guests’ expectations.
No, at this time, we do not. Our Casitas typically fill up during the busy season, so there is no need.
And while lots of people ask about this during the busy season, no one has asked about an extended stay during the off-season. If you are interested in an extended stay during the off-season, let us know; we “may” be able to work something out with you, depending upon the time of year, our availability, and the length of your intended stay.
No, and that’s precisely why we didn’t want to buy a property in West End or West Bay. Our beach is seldom impacted by cruise ship traffic. Three cruise ship ports on the island mean we can easily add 15,000 people to our island for the day, and most visitors flock to the beaches. Most days are cruise ship days; the better question is, how many of the five available docks are in use on any given day?
The reef is located about 100 yards or so off our shoreline. The water depth from the shoreline to the reef (depending upon the tide) is typically about 5 feet or so. This pretty much means you can walk out to it under most conditions.
As you approach the reef, the water gets deeper. The bottom changes to coral, and the marine life starts to appear in abundance.
There is an RMP-registered dive site (Melissa’s Dive Site) directly offshore from our property. This means dive boats bring divers here because they feel it is a great place to explore. And while the divers pay to see this area, you get to enjoy it for free. And when you get tired, you can head into shore and relax with a cold beverage of your choice.
For much more information about snorkeling, see our Snorkeling page.
Not at all. While the reef is just offshore, many guests come to relax, enjoy the beach, explore the island, and unwind. Snorkeling is there if you want it — but it’s never required.
For a few ideas of other fun activities on Roatán, check out our Why Visit Roatán webpage.
No, unfortunately, we do not. Even our first-floor unit is nine steps up from the sand, and we are located on a sandy beach. Combined, this can be challenging for anyone with walking or standing disabilities.
In fact, I would argue that most, if not all, of the places on the island will be a challenge for these people as well.
Even places that are quick to say they have a ramp don’t mention that the ramp has such a severe slope that almost no one will be able to get up it, even with assistance.
Grocery stores on the island fall into two categories.
The big international grocery stores carry both brand-name products from North America and local brands.
The local grocery stores have mainly local products from the mainland. The closest grocery store is about a kilometer away. It is a local grocery store. There are several other local grocery stores within a couple of kilometers.
The closest international grocery store is just over nine kilometers away.
Please realize that we stop at the international grocery store after we pick you up at the airport and while on the way here.
Some convenience stores also carry essentials (think 711, Circle K, etc.). Three or more of these are within a couple of kilometers of our location. And finally, roadside stands are plentiful, selling fruits & vegetables.
NOTE: All the grocery stores and convenience stores sell alcohol.
My impulsive answer is to say no, but that is because you are “on vacation.” HOWEVER, yes, it is very possible to work remotely from here.
We have high-speed (very reliable) internet, and even a backup generator to keep you supplied with power and internet during a power outage.
Your ocean-view porch has an outlet, a table, ceiling fans, and comfortable chairs. You will have to blur the background on a video call. 😉
The challenge will be when you return home, you’ll be very disappointed in the change in your office conditions.
The ironic part is that we did bring bicycles. However, we will not use them, nor will we let a guest use them, because I personally believe it would be suicidal to ride them anywhere near one of the main roads on the island. Driving on the island is truly an adventure.
From dodging taxis that suddenly stop in the middle of a main road because there “may” be a fare nearby to watching drivers stare at their phones while passing cars in a no-passing area, every day behind the wheel is an adventure. Add in all the motor scooters with five (no exaggeration) passengers on them and the guy carrying a six-foot pipe on his motorcycle, combined with the fact that there are ZERO stop lights and only one stop sign on the entire island, and we have a regular vehicular rodeo.
To date, we have not had any issues at all. We feel safer here than in many US cities. However, common sense comes into play. We recommend not leaving valuables, such as phones and iPads, on the beach or in plain view. And you should keep your door locked when you’re not in your Casita.
We leave our windows open to allow the breeze to work its magic and cool the Casita interior while we are out.
We have a security camera system that watches over the outdoor areas of our property at night. Since our property is in a residential area, there is not much traffic here.
There are three restaurants and a pizza place within effortless walking distance that we feel comfortable recommending.
Two are located just down the beach, and the third is across the main road. The pizza place is just up the main road. All three restaurants are open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serve alcohol, and consistently serve good food. The pizza place is open mid-afternoon and evening.
Some more “local” hangouts are also within walking distance, although consistency is challenging. Remember, West End is just over a kilometer away, and there you’ll find many restaurants, bars with snacks, and you won’t run out of places to eat and drink.
No, the only way to West End is via the main road or water. And while I guess you could walk along the main road, I don’t advise it.
Yes, there is a Gold’s Gym within a kilometer of our property.
We meet our guests at the airport and personally drive them back to our place. We will even offer to stop at the big International Grocery Store (Eldons) on the way back so that you can load up your kitchen with some goodies for your stay.
Yes, we are right next to West End, and most reputable companies know exactly where we are and will pick you up at our doorstep.
We ask our previous guests to share feedback on their experiences with tours, events, restaurants, and more.
This means you get their opinions, as well as ours.
If you’re finding yourself checking off a lot of these boxes, you’re not alone — this is often the point where guests realize this is exactly the kind of stay they’ve been looking for.
Some Big News For Canadians: Air Canada has announced that starting in December 2027, it will be offering non-stop flights from both Toronto and Montreal
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and it’s so important that we created an entire webpage to help you decide for yourself. Visit Our Where To Stay In Roatan Page Here
It depends a lot on where you are staying and where you plan to visit.
For example, we (Hummingbird Casitas) are in Gibson Bight, and we do have parking available for our guests. Many locations on the island do not have places for you to park your rental car. That is hurdle number one.
If you plan to visit West End and West Bay, I recommend not renting a car. I say this because West End is only about a mile away, and we offer to drop our guests off daily at no cost.
Parking in the West End can be a serious challenge, especially during high season or on cruise ship days. If you’d like to visit the best beach on the island, West Bay Beach, the preferred mode of transportation is arguably a short, scenic $ 5-per-person water taxi from West End to West Bay.
The cost of a taxi from West End to our locations is about $2 per person.
If you want to go out to dinner, and it’s a bit of a hike, or it’s raining, taxis are very affordable and easy to find. If you’d like to tour the entire island, I suggest you first identify a taxi driver you’d like to hire and then hire them for a day to take you on a personalized tour.
Most taxi drivers were born on the island, so they know the best places to guide you. We did this several times when we first visited the island and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
A fair rate for a tour service is about $85 to $100 for the day.
WARNING: After several wonderful tours of the island, we ended up purchasing property here. You have been officially warned!
Should you decide to rent a car, I suggest renting locally for a couple of days at a time rather than at the airport. You won’t likely need a car every day, so rent one only when you want one, rather than paying for an entire stay.
We do have ample parking available when you need it.
Roatan is a vacation destination, not a business destination, and the airlines recognize this as an opportunity to enhance their profitability.
There is an option to fly to San Pedro Sula (mainland Honduras – airport code SAP) instead of flying directly to Roatan.
Flying to San Pedro Sula is typically cheaper, about half the cost of flying directly to Roatan.
A commuter airline, CM Airlines, flies from the mainland (SAP to RTB) to Roatan a few times daily. They use a small (possibly a 10- or 12-passenger) plane for the 40-minute flight.
The cost is typically about $100 (or less) per person in each direction, BUT check the length of your layover in SAP. It is a small airport with very little to do, so that extended layovers can seem like an eternity.
Roatan is considered a safe destination for travelers, especially in the main tourist areas like West End, West Bay, and Sandy Bay.
Like any popular destination — whether it’s a beach town in Florida or a major U.S. city — it’s important to use basic common-sense precautions.
How It Compares to the U.S.
Many of the concerns travelers have about Roatan are similar to what you’d expect in familiar places back home.
In fact, most visitors find that:
👉 In practical terms, visiting Roatan is a lot like visiting a coastal town or tourist area in the U.S. —
You’ll feel comfortable, as long as you stay aware of your surroundings.
Simple Safety Tips
Like anywhere, a few easy habits go a long way:
At Hummingbird Casitas, we’ve welcomed guests from all over the world, and one of the most common things we hear is:
“We felt completely comfortable here.”
We’re always happy to share local tips and help you feel at ease from the moment you arrive.
This is one of the most common questions travelers ask. It’s so important that we created a webpage that addresses this issue. Check out our “Snorkeling in Roatan: Best Spots, Tips & Shore Access Guide” page.
The standard answer is that most places on the island happily accept US dollars. Most restaurants and larger stores, dive shops, etc., also accept standard credit cards. Your biggest concern is the small shops, and as mentioned, most will take US dollars, BUT some tend to round off the exchange rate a bit. Paying in US dollars also identifies you as a tourist, and sometimes, when you’re trying to purchase goods, you are better off looking like an expat on the island who pays in Lempira and knows how much things should cost.
No. Although the locals drink it all the time, your body is not used to it, so you should not drink it.
At Hummingbird Casitas, we provide our guests with about 20 or more gallons of bottled drinking water per week.
And, we encourage our guests to use this water for drinking, brushing their teeth, rinsing fruits and vegetables, and cooking.
We recommend using only tap water to bathe, wash dishes, and clean items such as snorkel/dive gear.
We are in the Caribbean, typical rain is in the form of quick (15-minute) showers, and then the sun appears once again. So, if you see rain on the forecast, don’t worry, it rarely rains for an entire day, except during our rainy season.
Our rainy season starts in October and typically ends in January. Even during this season, more rain falls in the evening than during the day, and when it’s 80 degrees outside, the rain isn’t all that bad.
We are in the Caribbean, and Roatan is a “very casual” island. So guys will find that a T-shirt and shorts work almost anywhere. Bring an island-style, short-sleeved shirt with a collar if you’d prefer to dress up a bit more.
Ladies will do well with a blouse and shorts or a sundress. Either of these will work anywhere you end up. But, of course, nothing prevents you from dressing to impress, so have fun.
As for jewelry… Roatan is a Caribbean Island in a third-world country, and I feel safer here than in most major US cities. However, it probably isn’t a great idea to stroll through town with lots of sparkling diamonds, announcing that you’re a tourist and possibly making you more of a target. Leave the sparkle and glitz at home. The Joneses don’t live here, so there is no need to keep up with them.
Enjoy the water, the sunshine, and the culture. A simple life is the best in Roatan, so you don’t need to impress anyone.
The going rate from the airport to Sandy Bay is about $35 per person each way, and West End is only about $5 more.
At Hummingbird Casitas, we pick our guests up at the airport, stop at the big grocery store (Eldon’s) on the way back, and deliver them to their Casita at no charge.
We also shuttle them back to the airport when their stay is complete.
Sandy Bay is a fairly big community. From the western part of Sandy Bay to West End is just over one mile. From the eastern part of Sandy Bay to West End is six miles or more.
At Hummingbird Casitas, we offer to drop our guests off in West End at no charge, once per day.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. We built an entire page to help you decide what’s best for you. Check out our Best Time To Visit Roatan page.
Depends on where you go. Some areas have soft sandy bottoms, and others have sea (turtle) grass bottoms.
The locals will never wear water shoes even in the most extreme areas.
At Hummingbird Casitas, we provide our guests with complimentary water shoes to use during their stay. So they can decide for themselves and not worry about packing more items.
I would suggest that it is quicker and cheaper to take a taxi to West End and then take a water taxi to West Bay. Taking a taxi from the western part of Sandy Bay to West End will cost about $2.00 per person.
A water taxi from West End to West Bay is $5.00 per person and is a picturesque, fun, and cheap way to get there.
Guests at Hummingbird Casitas get a free ride to the West End, so their cost would only be the Water Taxi fare.
Roatán observes Central Standard Time (CST) year-round, so we do not change the clocks when the USA does.
No, Roatan relies on tourism. So, at a minimum, most locals speak some English. English is quite standard throughout the island and the default language in tourist and even semi-populated areas.
Stay Up To Date!