Roatan is the ideal Caribbean island destination for budget travellers. Many other islands in the region are more developed, with expensive hotel chains and overpriced tourist activities. Luckily, Roatan has stayed more under the radar in comparison. This gives budget travellers in Roatan more options.
Get to Roatan on a Budget
While there are plenty of direct flights to Roatan from several U.S. and Canadian cities, those won’t be the cheapest options around. If you have flexibility with your time, you can get to Roatan for less.
First, check flights into the hubs of San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa instead of direct to Roatan. Domestic flights from either city to the island are frequent and cheap.
Alternatively, the Galaxy Wave ferry offers the cheapest route if you’re already on the mainland. Leaving from La Ceiba twice per day, the ferry offers an easy way to get to Roatan without breaking the bank.
Stay in Roatan on a Budget
Roatan offers a wide variety of accommodations, including budget hostels and cheap hotels. You don’t need to splurge on an expensive island villa or condo – you’ll be spending most of your time outside anyway!
Save on your vacation by booking a hostel in West End or Sandy Bay, or by checking out more basic hotel options throughout the island. If you’re traveling in a group, renting a vacation home might be a good way to divvy up costs.
Dive in Roatan on a Budget
If you’re going to spend more on an activity in Roatan, you simply cannot miss out on scuba diving. It’s what we’re known for!
Before booking your dives, check for hotel/dive packages available through every dive shop. Ask for their partner accommodations, and check during low season for great specials and discounts at the bigger hotels and resorts if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Get Around Roatan on a Budget
Buses will get you wherever you need to go in Roatan. The regular route between West End and Coxen Hole grants you access from most accommodations and activities on the western side of the island to grocery stores, banks, and all transport hubs in town.
Taxis are cheapest if you ride colectivo, meaning you will pick up and drop off other passengers along the way. It’s a slower ride, but you’ll save money.
Eat in Roatan on a Budget
If you’ve been traveling elsewhere in Central America, you’ll recognize some familiar dishes in Roatan. Baleadas are your cheapest option for meals and snacks, but you can also check out the varieties of tipico (usually rice, beans, and chicken). Street vendors and small mini-marts are plentiful.
Activities in Roatan on a Budget
There are plenty of free or cheap activities that you can enjoy while visiting Roatan. First and foremost: the Caribbean Sea. Take advantage of our beautifully clear waters and enjoy wading or swimming every day.
Beaches are all public, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef rests just off the shore. If you don’t have your own snorkel gear, you can rent it from a variety of shops around the island for cheap. Snorkeling is a great alternative to diving if you just can’t splurge that much.
Other activities are available at low cost, from ziplining to animal parks, botanical gardens to island tours. Decide what your total budget is and talk to your accommodation provider for assistance planning your trip.
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