• Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands located about 60 Km off the shore of Honduras. The Islands are the tips of undersea mountains that extend out from the mainland's Omoa Ridge. The islands form the Bonacca Ridge; 30 miles from the mainland and the steep walls of the ridge are one of the most rare and beautifully formed reefs in the world.
• Honduras means " deepwater" and the reef create natural breakwaters and ideal, calm pool for diving, fishing, swimming and sailing.
• The Bay Islands cover about 92 sq.miles and include Utila and Guanaja, the smaller Morat, Barbareta and St. Helena, just east of Roatan.
• About 40,000 persons inhabit Roatan. The people are friendly, easy going and approachable. Native Roatanians speak English.
• The main industries are fishing and boat building but many make a living on harvesting and drying coconut meat. Tourism is growing very fast. The island is approximately 30 miles long and 5 miles wide. Waters are clearest for diving when there is the least rain ( January through mid July).Temperatures are in the 80' all year ( 28/30 degree centigrade). The dress is very casual everywhere on the island.
• Roatan is not as commercially developed as other islands in the Caribbean so you may not have some of the conveniences you are used to but this is part of the charm of this paradise island.

• There are several good restaurants on the beach at a short walking distance from Casa de Paradise.Most resorts on Roatan have dining facilities and are open to the general public.
• In West Bay, well known restaurants are the Bite on the Beach, the Hemingway Beach Restaurant and Bar at the Henry Morgan Resort, the Mayan Princess Restaurant, Paradise Beach Restaurant, and Neptuno's.
• In West End there are several restaurants offering Italian, Thai, International, oriental and local cuisine(Argentinian, Pura Vida, Belvedere, Half Moon Bay, Pinocchio, Lighthouse... just to mention a few). In French Harbour Gio's is famous for its seafood, especially the king crab and Romeo's, both by the waterside. Rick's American Café' in Sandy Bay serving U.S.A steaks, ribs and burger is very popular both with the locals and with the tourists. Roatan is famous for its seafood, with a huge fishing fleet to bring in lobster and shrimps.
• The island is serviced with two shipping companies from the U.S. importing American products, meat and poultry, on a weekly basis. So cuisine is varied and of good quality.

• There are several Dive Shops in West Bay Beach, at walking distance from Casa de Paradise. Banarama is reputed to be one of the best and the oldest in West Bay.
• Decompression Chamber, Clinic and Medical Facilities: Cornerstone Decompression Chambers and Clinic is located at Anthony's Key Resort in Sandy Bay tel. 455 1049 / 445 1003 and is on call 24 hours for emergency medical service. The chamber and clinic are staffed by a doctor and 2 ETM's. Open 8.00 a.m. to 5p.m. for basic medical service.
• The second decompression chamber is located at Fantasy Island at French Key, tel. (504) 455 5128 USA 800 676 2826.
• Woods Medical Centre is new and caters to emergency, maternity, intensive care and surgery. It offers 24 hours service, it is located on the main road in Coxen Hole. Tel. (504) 4451080.

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• Valid Passport.
• U.S. cash in small denomination bills or Lempiras ( the local currency, about 18 Lempiras to 1 US dollar). You can change U.S. Dollars almost anywhere on the island but you may not be able to change any other currency here, so bring U.S. Dollars with you.
• Credit cards are not accepted everywhere and when they are accepted there is an additional charge of 6% to 7%.
• Diving certification card, diving or snorkeling gear ( you can rent them also on West Bay Beach)
• Bathing suits ( at least 2) and cover ups. Lightweight action clothing or easy care cotton blends: t-shirts, shorts, blouses; Comfortable walking shoes, sandals or surf shoes; Lightweight long sleeves top and slacks; ladies might enjoy summer dresses for dining out; A very light sweater or jacket; hats with ample brims.
• Sunglasses
• Personal items and toiletries, medications.
• Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, antihistamines, anti itch cream. You can buy a great island product called" Cactus Juice" which is both a sunscreen and repellent. " "No see Ums " and mosquitoes are around all year.
• Camera, video camera, CDs, favorite videos, lots of film.
• Reading material.