Life on Roatan - Additional Information

Weather on Roatan

Roatan boasts weather that I personally find wonderful. A few days each year, a cold front sweeps in, lowering temperatures by 10°F/5°C, prompting locals to don long sleeves and trousers due to the chill.

  • Year-round temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
  • Rainy season: October to January
  • Hurricane season: June to November (rarely directly hit)
  • Water temperature: Always warm enough for swimming

Crime and Safety

”One moment of patience may ward off a great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.” - Chinese Proverb

My cardinal rule is to keep a low profile and avoid getting involved. Think of it as being in a big city full of strangers.

Safe Areas

Specific areas where people don’t even lock their doors:

  • West Bay (with Bull Dog security)
  • Pristine Bay
  • Keyhole Bay
  • Parrot Tree
  • Other developments with private security

Is it safe to raise a family? I successfully raised my three children as a single parent here from age 4 until university. Having lived in New York, San Francisco, and Sydney, I encountered more crime in those places than here.

Education on Roatan

Education is the most important factor when moving with children. The educational landscape has evolved significantly over the past 17 years.

Private Schools (Bilingual)

  • Paradise Babies Early Learning Center: Sandy Bay, ages 1+
  • Discovery Bay School: Montessori-inspired, Sandy Bay
  • Guidepost Montessori: Pristine Bay
  • Nuna Academy: Pre-K to K-12, French Cay
  • Bay Islands International School: Pre-K to K-12
  • Island Academy: Calvert curriculum, Pre-K to 8th
  • ESBIR Roatan Bilingual School: Coxen Hole

Pets on Roatan

Important: If bringing pets, be aware it may be difficult or impossible to take them back to your country of origin. Research return requirements BEFORE bringing them!

Volunteering

Numerous opportunities to assist charities and organizations:

  • Clinica Esperanza: Medical services
  • Roatan Because We Care: Community assistance
  • Bay Islands Conservation Association: Environmental protection
  • Roatan Marine Park: Marine conservation
  • SOL International: Education and community development
  • Animal rescue organizations: ROAR and Animal Shelter

Useful Facebook Groups

Essential groups for information and community:

  • Roatan Travel Q & A Group: 41.9K members
  • Ask Anything Roatán (AAR): 11.4K members
  • Roatan Crime Watch: 16K members (residents only)
  • Roatan Garage Sale: 47.3K members
  • Roatan Short or Long Term Rentals: 13.8K members
  • Life on Roatan: 2.6K members

Renting Your Property

Roatan isn’t ideal for purchasing solely for rental income unless running a hotel business. It’s a lifestyle choice.

What Makes a Good Rental?

  • Beautiful views
  • Pool or swimming area
  • Close to entertainment
  • Close to beach
  • Quiet location
  • Clean and well-maintained
  • Security
  • Quality furnishings

Financial Reality

Example: $200,000 unit in West Bay

  • High season revenue: ~$20,000 (5-6 months)
  • Annual HOA: $2,000
  • Electricity with renters: $400/month
  • Management commission: 20-30%
  • 19% tax on rental revenue
  • Realistic ROI: 5-6% maximum

Property Managers

  • Caribbean Colors Rentals: +504-3200-1630
  • Island House Vacation Rentals: +504-9648-5738
  • Roatan Life Vacation Rentals: +1 (970) 300-4078
  • Roatan Island Property Management: +504 9445 6139
  • One Stop Roatan: +504 9951-2933