Is Roatan safe? Absolutely

Tourism is our business 

Every year, 1.9 million tourists come to Roatan from abroad to experience our island. And, while Roatan is, indeed, in Honduras, we are physically, economically and culturally separate from the mainland. Roatan’s entire economy is based on tourism – keeping our visitors safe and happy is a priority. 

We’ve operated the Villa for two decades on our wonderful little island in Oak Ridge, and, honestly, we’ve never experienced an issue where guests were in danger. In fact, Roatan is far safer than visiting some U.S. cities – guns are illegal here, and every ferry and plane that visits the island is carefully inspected.

Roatan is your destination

Certainly, there are some crime problems on the Honduran mainland. It’s a third-world country in Central America experiencing the growing pains common to other countries like it. But visitors to Roatan never set foot on the mainland – all flights from the U.S., Canada and Europe come directly to Coxen Hole. 

And once you’re here, you’re important. Tourism is vital to us, so all of our islanders go to great pains to ensure you enjoy your visit and that you feel perfectly safe while you’re here. At the Villa, for instance, we have a caretaker on the property at all times. Additionally, we’re on an island – the only way to get to us is via boat. We may be in the safest little corner of one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. 

So, yes, Roatan is safe. 

Tips to stay safe

Just like any tourist-centric destination, there are some annoying petty crimes that occasionally happen. But there are ways to protect yourself. Here are some tips:

• Don’t engage in hard drugs or prostitution. This is hardly a problem on the quiet East End of Roatan, but near the glitzy resorts, these illegal activities exist. And if you choose to engage in these activities, know that you’re increasing your risks when it comes to safety.
• Don’t flash a lot of cash. Just like anywhere in the world, cash attracts attention. 
• Dress down a bit, and don’t flaunt wealth. You’re on vacation. Shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops are the island uniform – if you sport an Armani bag, you’re telling would-be criminals that you might be a worthwhile target. 
• Don’t go to unfamiliar places after dark. Again, the Villa is on an island, and you’ll be just fine walking between the Villa and the bar at the Reef House, or even just taking a stroll. But near the resort on the West End, it’s best not to press your luck. 
• Just as you would in any big U.S. city, be smart. Take in your surroundings, and keep your wits about you.  If you feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation. Again, this won’t ever be an issue at the Villa, where we are diligent about guest safety. 

Feeling at home in the Villa

We really do take our guests’ safety seriously. That’s why, when you book a package at the Villa – a fishing or a diving adventure, for instance – we’ll meet you at the airport and we’ll take you directly to the Villa in an air-conditioned van. Once at the Villa, we’ll help you get around the East End via boat, and we’ll make sure that any tour or experience you book is perfectly safe.

And the Villa? Again, we’re on an island and we have a caretaker on the property 24/7. Once you’re here, you’ll be able to make yourself at home, and you should feel perfectly safe. We take your safety seriously because your business is important to us. 

Come see us on the East End, and let us show what a safe, enjoyable and authentic Caribbean vacation looks like.