Roatán: The Jewel of the Caribbean

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dies)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [say-ees]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyes]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs moh-strar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Before the arrival of Europeans, Roatán was inhabited by the Pech (or Paya) people, an indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. They relied on fishing and agriculture and left behind various artifacts that offer glimpses into their daily lives.

In 1502, Christopher Columbus arrived on the island during his fourth voyage to the New World. This marked the beginning of European interest in the region, although the Spanish focused more on mainland territories initially.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Roatán became a notorious haven for pirates and privateers. Figures like Henry Morgan and Blackbeard used the island as a base for their operations against Spanish ships and settlements. The island's many coves and bays provided perfect hiding spots for their ships.

In the mid-18th century, the British briefly occupied Roatán and other Bay Islands to challenge Spanish dominance in the Caribbean. They established small settlements and forts, remnants of which can still be seen today.

In 1797, the Garifuna people, descendants of West African, Carib, and Arawak peoples, were exiled from the island of St. Vincent by the British and settled in Roatán and other parts of Central America. Their unique culture, language, and traditions have significantly influenced the island's identity.

In 1859, the British ceded Roatán and the other Bay Islands to Honduras through the Wyke-Cruz Treaty. This marked the beginning of the islands’ integration into the Honduran nation, although they retained a distinct cultural identity.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the banana industry boomed in Roatán and the Bay Islands. American fruit companies established plantations and infrastructure, bringing economic growth but also leading to significant environmental changes.

Starting in the late 20th century, Roatán began to transform into a major tourist destination. Its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life attracted visitors from around the world. This shift has brought economic opportunities but also challenges related to sustainable development.

Roatán is accessible via Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), located on the island itself. Direct flights are available from several U.S. cities and mainland Honduras. Alternatively, you can travel by ferry from La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Roatán offers a variety of transportation options including taxis, rental cars, scooters, and local buses known as 'colectivos'. Taxis are plentiful but agree on a fare before starting your journey. Scooters and rental cars provide flexibility for exploring the island at your own pace. Colectivos are an economical option, though they may not adhere to fixed schedules.

The official currency is the Honduran Lempira (HNL), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in major areas like Coxen Hole and West End.

Roatán is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay cautious. Areas like Coxen Hole have higher crime rates, especially after dark. Avoid isolated areas and be vigilant with your belongings in crowded places. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and use registered taxis or reputable transport services.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Roatán has several medical clinics and a public hospital in Coxen Hole. It's strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies are available across the island.

Fashion: Do dress in lightweight, breathable clothing, but avoid overly revealing attire, especially in local communities. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in places of worship. Dress modestly and remove hats when entering churches. Public Transport: Do use registered taxis and negotiate fares in advance. Don't use unmarked or unregistered vehicles. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Roatán like a local, visit the local markets in Coxen Hole for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Try traditional dishes like 'baleadas' and 'conch soup'. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and happy to share stories about the island. Don't miss the Garifuna cultural performances in Punta Gorda and take a guided tour to explore the island's lesser-known natural beauties.