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Roatan - a diver's paradise and more!
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Roatan is an idyllic island just off the north coast of Honduras. It is the most populated of the three main islands that make up the Bay Islands - although there are over 70 islands and cays in total. Long known to divers as one of the top dive destinations in the Caribbean, Roatan is now being discovered by vacationers looking for somewhere a little different, a little off the beaten track, yet with all the convenience of direct flights and all inclusive resorts.
Nolitours offer weekly non-stop flights to Roatan and feature six resorts which range from 3 to 4 ½ star accommodation and all of which offer dive packages. As well as professional scuba activities you can also expect a variety of included features such as a kids’ clubs, beach and water sports, and restaurant choices. And, as you would expect for one of the world’s top diving destinations, non-divers can also enjoy fabulous snorkeling.
At nearly 50 km long, less than 8 km wide at its widest and reaching elevations of 244 m (800 ft), visitors to Roatan will experience everything from flat sandy beaches to volcanic rock shores, mangrove forests, lush valleys and steep rainforest-covered hilltops.
The beaches on Roatan are classic curves of white sand adjacent to turquoise warm waters, with the second largest barrier reef in the world just offshore. Roatan's barrier reef, sea grass beds and mangroves house the island’s complex marine ecosystem. The Sandy Bay-West End Marine Reserve is a protected area where you will find many of Roatan’s exceptional dive sites.
Divers may see dolphins and sharks, sea turtles and moray eels, and these waters are one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, especially between May and September. Caves, 1000-foot coral walls and spectacular sea sponges await those who venture under water.
You can also take excursions to explore the island, including eco-tourism, ziplining, sport fishing, glass-bottom boat tours, the Carambola botanical gardens, and a visit to an iguana farm!
Roatan Trip Showcase
Nolitours offer weekly flights from both Toronto and Montreal between November to April. On this small island none of the resorts offered by Nolitours are more than 18kms from Roatan airport.
The Henry Morgan Hotel and Beach Resort is a lively 3 ½ star property offering 140 rooms and villas. Rooms have a balcony or terrace with hammock. The hotel provides babysitting at an additional cost and there is a kid’s playground.
There is a dive centre on site offering diving courses for all levels from beginners to PADI Advanced divers. If you are just learning to dive, you can test out scuba diving with the Discover Scuba introductory course or, for those who know they are going to love it, you can undertake the 4 day PADI Open Water Certification.
The beachfront Media Luna Resort and Spa is a 4 star property and features 126 comfortable rooms with full bathrooms and a balcony or terrace.
The Media Luna Resort and Spa has one à la carte restaurant (seafood and grill) and what could be more romantic than to pay a little extra for a lobster dinner on the beach? The hotel also has a spa offering massage treatments, a daily activities program and nightly entertainment. There are two pools, including a kids’ pool. The hotel also features a dive centre.
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