There are lots of excursions that you can go on to discover different areas of the island, such as the charming Oakridge Harbor, the very tropical Buccaneer, or the enchanting Maya Key Mayan ruin replicas. It escapes the guiding air currents that direct these huge storms toward other Caribbean islands. The prices are reasonable, starting around $110 for a four-hour session supervised by a certified instructor. There are two main ways to get to the island: water and air. At this point you will be ready to go diving. Vietnamese people are nice Because of its location and immense beauty, there are plenty of cruise lines that make regular stops in Roatan. Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun The Dolphin Dive, which requires visitors to present a certification card to participate, begins with a 5-minute boat ride to the reef wall. The living index here is 107.8 which is much higher than the national average of 100. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan is the perfect place to explore and enjoy life. From strategic citizenship planning to real estate overseas, Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,000+ high-net-worth clients double their personal and financial freedom. Heading east on the main road youll come to Sandy Bay, a local neighborhood thats gradually transitioning. Youll find multiple housing options on the island, from lots to homes to condos. There is plenty of entertainment, dancing, and live music to enjoy. 5. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, English is also widely used thanks to its historical link to England (it was once a British colony). You will feel like you are in the Venice of the Caribbean as you wind through the picturesque waterways connecting several communities along the south shore. On the other hand, the cons of living in Honduras include its high crime rate, its lack of economic opportunities, and its inadequate infrastructure. Fortunately, gas and water are much more affordable and only cost about $40 a month. 1- Warm climate If you're a nature lover and are constantly dreaming of living in a place full of sunlight and warm weather, well, Portugal is your destination. Our application cost for residency also cost $2,750. While a retirement visa on Roatan requires you have at least $1500 each month, a couple could live off of $1,200 a month here, per the Global Retirement Index for cost of living. Before we knew it, we counted many more friends on the island than the number we had left behind in Canada. The permit process with the municipality was laidback and inexpensive. The weather is delightful, and the Honduran people are warm and inviting. From its stunning beaches and lush jungles to its laid-back atmosphere and affordable cost of living, Roatan is the perfect place to call home. This town centers around an industrial harbor where fishing, shipping, and shrimp boats dock. If you want to plan a private trip around the island, several companies will sail you around the Bay for a fair price. Pros And Cons of Living in Orlando: Pros: No snowfall in the winter season . 1. Next, youll head to a shallow, confined water area to practice skills and add confidence and control, followed by a short swim around the area. Snowfall can be quite heavy, and raging snowstorms are common as well. Three months became three years. Waiting for the season to die down will mean cheaper flights and more affordable housing. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. How to Get to Roatn No matter what you decide, Roatan is an incredible island paradise with something for everyone. However, there can be some health disadvantages. The Best Nomadic Lifestyle Jobs (and How to Land Them), Digital Nomad Lifestyle: All Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind, St Kitts Travel Guide for Families and Couples, 44 Digital Nomad Visas to Get: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa List, Traveling to Antigua: Our Favorite Luxury Hotels. Getting active is also a great way to pass the time on the island. Great job market. Living in Honduras PROS 1. You can snorkel a reef full of tropical fish right from the beach. Get a quote from a few healthcare providers to see which package best fits your needs. Its relaxed and casual. They were the planners, those who carefully studied various Caribbean retirement options and settled on Roatn. 2. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. You can always look around for deals, but dont hold your breath too long especially if youre booking during summer months. Depending on how close you want to be to the water, youll find a good range of prices that are surprisingly affordable. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. Just because you are on a small island in the middle of the Caribbean doesnt mean that you wont be able to look after yourself. Pro: It's a natural paradise From forested slopes to desert peaks, if you're living in the mountains, you're living in a place of idyllic beauty. Ottawa has been ranked as "the best place to live in Canada" for over 10 years now. Dublin is a great place for people who come to Ireland to work, as well as being home to Ireland's top 2 universities Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. This pristine beach has soft sand and calm shallow waters where you could spend all day here. For expats averse to traffic, driving in Lagos will not be fun. Boats zip in and out of the bay, picking up divers and taking them to a favorite drop-off spot. These are on the top of our short list and we realize October is not ideal but it's the only time that works for us. John worked as an automobile and marine mechanic. Since the government has experienced its fair share of fraud and embezzlement, the public health sector isnt exactly in tip-top shape. She and her husband had built a house in Port Royal, to the east of Oak Ridge. Okay, I promised to provide both the pros and cons of living in Scotland. Thailand is one of my favorite places in the world. There are countless events, and we receive more invitations to outings than we can accept. Roatan is a destination that is made for expat living. What are Living-Learning Communities? If youre concerned about the environmental repercussions of the diesel-powered generators, you can always incorporate some sustainable energy options into your home. The air is clean, the water is safe to drink and the living standard here is higher than in most other cities. Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale are other big cities that have a good connection to this Caribbean island. With a fantastic view, fully-stocked bar, and cigars for smokers to enjoy, this could be a good place for you to wind down after all that scuba diving. In the tourist town of West End, there is a wide variety of choices at a wide variety of prices. In West End you can swim, snorkel, and parasail (jet skis are still frowned upon on Roatn), attend a baseball game, enjoy a massage or yoga or simply lie back and soak up this tropical paradise. If you want to be on your own to enjoy the tropical forest and your own patch of private beach and the clear Caribbean, you have your pick. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. There is also the possibility of catching a flight from Quebec with Air Transat. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine Pros and cons of living in Laos 2. I'm simply presenting some food for thought so you know what you're getting into should you move to Scotland someday soon. But before you make the move, its important to explore the pros and cons of island life so you can make an informed decision. 1. Then, a boat will take you to your final diving destination. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You will usually board a small boat for the ride to the nearby reef where you will follow an anchored line up and down a few times, getting more comfortable. Roatan is a sunny place for shady people. Foreigners are walking targets for locals to try to somehow get money from. There are no servicesno electricity, no mains water, and no garbage pickup. Expect to see parrotfish, rays, sharks, lobster, tangs, puffers, jacks, eels, conch, damselfish, just to name a few species. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. Others, like West Bay and West End, are packed with people, with resorts, condos, beach bars, and vendors abundant, with a soundtrack of Latin music and reggae. If you have an accident or fall ill, you need to know how healthcare works on the island when medical attention is required. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. Consider beachfront lots in established developments for under $100,000. Many visited by cruise ship, fell in love, and returned for an extended stay. Bear in mind that some parts of Roatan are more developed than others. Some are residential and virtually privatebut its a quick walk for you if you live in the community. Decide on a song and sign up fast because the request list fills up quickly. However, that's 17% lower than Manhattan, New York. Should you decide to continue your learning, you can sign up for a certification class that will cost you around $400. Not only is the island fun and beautiful, but it's extremely affordable and accessible as well. These rentals are usually on the sea, or have a sea view. But dont forget that you will almost always receive credit for the money you spent on your introductory dive. Luckily, down South, the value of a dollar still goes a long way. And then depending on your business model, you will have to pay a fee. In communities like Sandy Bay on the northern shore, which is mostly residential, as well as those further east you can still find beachfront lots and homes, some with their own dock for your boat. Alongside overpopulation and increased car ownership, there are many cars on the road, poor road infrastructure and undeveloped public transport. The rainy period on Roatan begins in October and ends in January with the heaviest rains falling in November and December. Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. Or head to the highlands. So let's jump into the negatives. This Caribbean paradise offers a great variety of things to see and do. But, if youre not ready to make that commitment yet, you can always find yourself a place to rent. Honduran law favors locals when it comes to real estate. Then theres Coxen Hole, the capital, where most hospitals and offices can be found. Even if you don't have insurance, you're not gonna go broke. Roatan is a haven of beauty and tranquility, making it a prime destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Lets start with housing. However, because of its size, chances are that the trip may cost you a pretty penny. From poor roads to limited public transportation, Roatan is still very much a developing destination. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. The Honduran Embassy in the United States provides a list of legal medication online. In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. When you fly in youll see volunteers, mostly retirees, helping confused tourists get through the customs and immigration area of the airport. Last updated on Feb 18, 2023 Summary: The pros of living in Honduras include its tropical climate, its diverse culture, and its affordable cost of living. With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. We concluded that Roatan was " a great place to visit, but you don't want to live there". Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. Waiting out the long winters in Ontario, Canada for the too-short boating season each year, had my husband, John, and me dreaming of heading south. Accommodation is inexpensive, either hotels or small apartments. It had 141 feet of clean, sandy beach, and an artesian well with a cistern. This can make communicating with locals more challenging. And, of course, just spending an afternoon on the clear turquoise water is nice too. So lots of pros and cons, but ultimately we ended our visit after 3 1/2 months. The Dolphin Snorkel, in addition to the initial 25 minutes with one dolphin, offers an additional 30 minutes of snorkeling time with a dozen or more dolphins. Additionally, healthcare is limited and the island can be prone to power outages and water shortages. Animal rescue is another opportunity, as is working in a health clinic that provides low-cost care for those in need. With fixer-uppers starting as low as $70,000, its no surprise why people flock to the island. You will need to fill up some required papers by the state. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. Youll find a good selection of rental homes and condos priced from $1,000 to $1,500a month in most areas of the island. There are some people who see the state of Montana as a rugged wonderland that is filled with many outdoor adventures that are available throughout the year. This is one of the pros of living in America if you are an entrepreneur. Just off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatan is a thin stretch of land that measures only 40 miles long and a mere 3 miles wide. BJs is an icon on the east end of the island, serving as a hub for both residents and east end resort owners picking up guests from the airport. This covers the applicant and a spouse as a dependent. Those looking to live the island life have found solace in the beach towns of Roatan. With its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, its no wonder that many people are considering living in Roatan. Of course, there are still those Caribbean classics like fresh coconut water to quench your thirst and fried plantain, or tostones, to fill your stomach. Usually, these classes provide a four-hour session under the close, direct supervision of a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified instructor. Go inland and you pay closer to $50,000, or less. Sitting off the coast of Honduras, the island paradise has something for everyone. Roatan, the largest and most well-known of the Honduras Bay Islands, has often been referred to as the best-kept secret of the Caribbean. Here are ten pros and cons of living in Alabama to consider before making this state your home. Healthcare. Living In Roatan is great! The west side of the island is almost always perfectly calm as it is sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. However, the island is still developing, and this means it has limited infrastructure and healthcare. Pros And Cons of Living in Fort Myers Florida: Pros: This place is best for people who are looking for an affordable and cheap place. Alabama has a plethora of white sandy beaches. Cost of living is high: The cost of living in Japan is among the highest globally. $722 / month. 4. 1. Although Honduras exports plenty of fruits, finding good quality fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. The cost of living in Roatan is, for sure, lower than the cost of living in North America or Europe. Local restaurants compete for prizes offered for the best lionfish dishes. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. I had major surgery in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. The marine life is also stunning with plenty of species like rainbow fish, coral, and even Moray eels. Hi all, this has probably been asked before, if anyone knows of a thread about this topic please let me know. A full time vet - in addition to the traveling vets which come every couple of months there's a vet full-time on the island. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. After a day of diving, the 20-year-olds hit the bars, cafs, and discos, looking for evening diversions. I was less keen on spending time tied to a dock than he was. Another thing to keep in mind is that you may not be able to buy all your usual comforts at the store like youre used to. Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors, Use our decades of experience to invest in foreign real estate, Work exclusively with Mr. Andrew Henderson, Click here to see all our products and services. But you can rent a house on a hill, with an exceptional view, for $1,000 a month for a long-term rental. But things have changed since 1999Ambergris Caye was voted the best island two years running by Trip Advisor members and the cost of property has consistently increased since 2010. Your bill could be between $120 $160 if you live alone or with another person. Being one of the best beaches in Roatan, it is worth the $3 water taxi ride to West Bay Beach. December to April sees an increase of visitors on the island, and places get booked up fast.