Roatan

Roatan provides visitors with an unspoilt vacation alternative and is said to be much like the eastern Caribbean was before commercialization.read more

Utila

Utila is the flattest of the Bay Islands, and is accessible by small aircraft or by ferry from La Ceiba. read more

Guanaja

Guanaja, the eastern-most of the Bay Islands, has spectacular beaches on its northern side and magnificent reefs on all sides. read more

Cayos Cochinos

The Cayos Cochinos, also known as the Hog Cays, is a small archipelagoand is a marine reserve. read more

Some time during the course of their lives, most people dream of living on a tropical island, surrounded by magnificent crystal clear water, swaying palm trees and powder white sand…. For some of these people, dreams do come true.

Most times, people have a very distinct image of themselves in these dreams; seeing themselves operating a charter fishing company, or maybe owning and running a bar on the beach, or even writing a book under the shade of a coconut tree…

This image is so clear that some forget to see the realities… where will they do their shopping, what about the language barriers, medical facilities, difference in culture, etc. Island living is magnificent, but not for everyone, and certainly not the same as life where you came from, so make sure that you speak to people and maybe even try it for a while before you invest.

Here is a little information on the facilities and services that are available on the islands, please email us if you require any additional information… and see you in paradise!

Owning land in Honduras

It is legal to purchase and own land in Honduras if you are a foreigner, and there are various ways of doing this.

If you are purchasing a property that is less than three quarters of an acre, you are entitled to purchase and own that land in your own name. If you are purchasing a property that is more than three quarters of an acre, you will need to form a Honduran corporation, through which to purchase it. This is a very simple procedure and is easily handled by a local lawyer.

The best way to do this is to interview two or three recommended lawyers and find the one that best suits you. The lawyer will research all the documents to ensure that the titles are valid and up-to-date and to check that the property is registered at the relevant municipality. Ask your real estate agent to recommend two or three lawyers to meet.

Your legal property deed is called an ‘Escritura Publica’, and you will receive this once the purchase has been approved.

Most foreign homeowners on Roatan have used the above procedure to purchase their properties (most are above ? acres).

Banking

There are a number of reputable and efficient banking institutions in Honduras, and most of these are represented on the Island.

Although behind international banking standards, more-and-more banks are introducing computerized banking and most offer services including US dollar accounts, credit cards and wire transactions. It would be wise to check the rates at the various banks, as these may vary from institution to institution.

Property financing, if needed, is best done through your country bank, as interest rates in Honduras are incredibly high.

Visas and residency

If you are visiting Honduras, you may stay for up to 30-days without a visa if you are a member of the US, UK, most European countries and Australia. After that, you may extend your stay for up to six months, after which you will need to leave the country for three days before reentering, a simple procedure. Monthly visa extensions are handled at the immigration office at Coxen Hole.

Becoming a resident is a little more complex, but can be done with the help of a Honduran lawyer. Start by contacting the Honduran Embassy or Consular Office closest to where you live, and ask them for some information on becoming a Honduran resident – remember to ask for a list of incentives offered.

Electricity

Most of Roatan’s electrical service is provided by Roatan Electric Company (RECO), which provides 110-volt electricity. A converter is not needed for US appliances, but you may want to consider a voltage regulator or surge protector for any delicate electronics. Areas outside of RECO service use a combination of solar electricity and wind generators.

Electrical service on Utila is provided by Utila Power Company (UPCO) and is generally only serviced between 5am and midnight. Most resorts and hotels have their own generators.

Medical services

Roatan has two small hospitals and several smaller clinics that will be able to handle smaller general ailments and medical problems. There is a fair amount of really good, and some international, hospitals on the mainland, in La Ceiba (15 minutes from Roatan), San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.

In case of emergency, there are air ambulance services, which are able to transport you to the mainland in under 30 minutes. It should be noted that the cost of medical supplies is about 40% less than in the US, and you could expect to pay in the region of $15 for a consultation with a doctor.

Decompression chambers for scuba diving enthusiasts are located at Anthony’s Key Resort in Sandy Bay or Fantasy Island Resort close to French Harbour on Roatan and at the Utila Lodge in Utila.

Shopping

Shopping on the islands can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you’re living in remote areas of the islands, where it becomes inconvenient to just ‘pop’ over to store. For this reason, it is important to know when the fresh produce arrives at the stores, where to get meat, chicken and seafood.

There are large supermarkets on Roatan, Guanaja and Utila and in these you will find everything from imported cheeses to bathroom rugs and office supplies to material.

You will also, once more familiar with the islands, visit some of the smaller, local, stores. Although this is becoming a thing of the past, it is important to note that many stores still close for lunch between 12h00 and 13h30 every day.

Mainland shopping

You will find that shopping on the mainland, in La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, or Tegucigalpa can be a little cheaper than on the islands. There are wonderful malls in these cities, and there is also a Price Smart in San Pedro Sula.

Many people use this as an excuse to ‘get off the rock’ and escape to the city for a few days. Fact is, although we know people who have not left the islands in years, it is easy and convenient to visit the mainland, and most people need a little change of scenery every now and again. Visits to the mainland can coincide with trips to Copan, La Moskitia, Pico Bonito and the many other beautiful places there is to visit in Honduras.

Mail & shipping services

Both Naviera Hyber and Jackson Shipping offer a mailing service from the US. Hyber ships from Miami and Jackson Shipping from Tampa. A monthly mailbox at Jackson will cost you about $20 per month.

If you prefer to have mail sent directly to the island, you may want to lease a post office box from the postal offices on each island – you may have to wait for a mail box to be freed by the postal services.

Marketing, writing and web design services

Bay Island Marketing offers professional public relations, marketing, news writing and web design services. The company services all islands.

Caretaker & estate manager services

After you buy property on the Island, you will want to ensure that you hire professional caretakers to manage and look after your property while you are away.

Click here.