Geography: Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, and is located approximately 35 miles off the northern coast of Honduras. Roatan is 32 miles long and varies in width from one to three miles across. The highest point of Roatan is roughly 900 feet above sea level. The island's topography includes white sandy beaches, mangrove wetlands, rocky shorelines, rainforest-covered hills, and lush valleys. Roatan is rimmed by a spectacular section of the second largest reef system in the world. In places, the reef is only a short swim away from the shoreline. Much of the reef falls within the domain of the West End and Sandy Bay Marine Reserve. The reserve contains 38 world-class dive sites and a variety of marine life that is among the most diverse in all of the Caribbean.

Population: The population of the Bay Islands is estimated at around 80,000, with about 60,000 of those on Roatan. Roatan is also home to a sizable expat community.

Visa Requirements: Cruise ship passengers do not need to be concerned about visa requirements. Other vacationers, however, will be issued a Honduran visa when they arrive. A valid passport is the quickest means of securing a visa. Another option is available to US citizens. They can bring a birth certificate (with a raised seal) and a driver's license. Due to recent changes in U.S. regulations, Americans traveling by airplane are required to present their passport at U.S. airports in order to re-enter the United States.

Money Matters: The official currency is the Lempira. The rate versus the US dollar fluctuates. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, and especially in Roatan and the Bay Islands. Credit cards are accepted in the larger tourist areas and at most restaurants, hotels and stores. Cash advances can be taken on Visa cards at many banks. Also, ATM machines can be used in the larger cities throughout the country. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks or hotels. It is NOT recommended to bring any currency otherthan US dollars, since other currencies can be difficult or impossible to exchange.

Local Taxes: A 12 percent value-added tax is added to the price of all services and merchandise. Also, many restaurants or hotels will add an additional 10 percent service charge as a tip. This is not compulsory to pay. Check your bill before tipping as it may have already been included.

Food and Drink: Traditional Honduran food varies from the coastal to inland regions. Through the inland regions meals consist of beans, rice tortillas, vegetables and chicken, beef or pork. In the coastal region seafood, bananas, salad and a variety of tropical fruits are more common. Most restaurants will serve a variety of traditional and Western-style foods. Tap water is generally not recommended to drink in Honduras. All good restaurants and hotels will provide purified water or use purified water in food preparation. Purified water can be bought easily throughout the country.

Electricity: Throughout Honduras and the Bay Islands, 110 volts, 60 MHz, is the standard -- ths same as the United States and Canada. (Electrical outlets are the same too.) Voltage drops and irregularities in quality of electricity can occur, so consider bringing a surge protector.

Medical Facilities: Roatan is home to several clinics, two hospitals, and a recompression chamber for divers. One of the hospitals is private and generally serves foreign visitors and expats. Modern state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained doctors are on call 24 hours a day. Ambulance service is also available on Roatan.

Time Zone: Honduras is in the Central Time zone and does not observe daylight saving time. Honduras is 6 hours behind Greenwich mean time (GMT).

Climate: Roatan enjoys a balmy tropical climate throughout the year. The median temperature is 80 (F). Trade winds generally blow from the southeast, cooling the island both day and night. Rain falls throughout the year, keeping the island vibrantly green. The rainy season typically spans October and November. Otherwise, rain showers tend to be brief. Water temperatures average about 78 (F) in the winter and 82 (F) in the summer.