You might’ve caught wind of the recent US Level 3 Travel Advisory that was issued on December 10, 2024. And if you’re like me, you probably had a moment of “Wait, what? Is Roatan not safe anymore?” But before you hit the panic button, let’s break it down together!

Is Roatan a Part of This Travel Advisory?

First off, it’s important to clarify that this advisory is mainly talking about Gracias a Dios Department—which is nowhere near the Bay Islands (where Roatan is located). That’s a whole other part of Honduras, far from the paradise that is Roatan!

Now, the advisory does mention that areas around resort areas in the Bay Islands, including Roatan, have a great police presence. This is because there’s a concentrated effort to keep these tourist spots safe, with more resources dedicated to areas where visitors tend to stay. And it works. So many of our clients from different parts of the world, including the States, have told us how much safer they feel here on Roatan than they do in their home cities.

Is Roatan Safe? Our Personal Perspective

As Canadians who made Roatan our home back in 2014, we were asked by tons of friends and family, “You’re moving to Honduras? Is that safe? Is Roatan safe?” From our research before we came, we thought yes, Roatan is safe. But in the last ten years, we’ve gotten to know this island inside and out, and we’ve realized it’s even safer than we thought.

Trust me, the Bay Islands have a great reputation for safety, especially around the popular tourist spots. Locals and expats work together to maintain a secure environment, and the police presence is more prominent in the main areas where most people travel.

We’re from a small town in Canada where crime is virtually zero, so we are more crime sensitive than other expats from larger cities in America and Canada. We feel incredibly safe on Roatan. In our ten years on the island, we haven’t had a single safety issue. We’ve only suffered only the loss of a motorcycle helmet that was carelessly left on our bike while rushing to get into Creole’s before Miss Dola ran out of her famous rotisserie chicken (which honestly would have happened anywhere we’ve ever lived!).

The Long and Short of It…

So, while it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings (whether you’re at home or traveling abroad), there’s no need to let a travel advisory scare you off from the amazing experience that Roatan offers. We’ve been living here for years, and we’re still loving it!

Whether you’re here to adventure and explore the reef or just to kick back and relax, Roatan is still as beautiful and welcoming as ever.

Stay safe, stay smart, and always do your research—but don’t let the headlines get in the way of your island dreams!

And hey, while you’re soaking in all the beauty Roatan has to offer, why not make those memories last forever? Whether you’re getting married, celebrating a special occasion, or just want some amazing vacation photos, booking a photo session is the perfect way to capture the magic of this island. Trust me, the crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant sunsets make for a picture-perfect backdrop! Let’s make your Roatan adventure unforgettable—book a session with us and take home a collection of memories you’ll cherish forever.