Discover Roatan over one of Cayman's long weekend holidays!

Cayman Airways is now flying nonstop from Grand Cayman to Roatan! If you haven’t yet discovered this Caribbean gem, here’s some information that will have you booking your trip there, stat!

ABOUT

Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands. It is a long, narrow, hilly island with a maximum altitude of 900 feet. It is about 37 miles long and only 3 miles wide at its widest spot.

The island is completely surrounded by a large reef system, part of the Mesoamerican reef which boasts the largest marine biodiversity in the world and is part of the second longest barrier reef in the world, extending itself from the Bay Islands in Honduras on the south end to the Mexican islands of Contoy, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel to the North.

The coastline of Roatan has outstanding white sand beaches, iron shore bluffs and mangrove forests surrounding the island. The combination is almost perfect and provides the best of all three worlds: tropical beaches, such as the one in West Bay which is considered the best beach in Central America and one of the best in the world; the iron shore bluffs which offer some of the best oceanfront views on the island; and the mangrove swamps, offering an insight to the tropical wetlands of the Caribbean and Central America.

ACTIVITIES

Going snorkeling and/or scuba diving is a given here. Roatan is known for its fantastic marine life and reefs. However, if you are more of a landlubber and a bit adventurous, going ziplining is a must. There are three companies that offer the opportunity to fly over and through the landscape: Jungle Top Adventures, South Shore Canopy and Pirates of the Caribbean. All are highly rated and give participants a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful island, its topography and vegetation, each offering different experiences.

When it’s not an adrenaline rush you seek, head to the infamous Hole in the Wall bar and restaurant in Jonesville, accessible only by boat. Hole in the Wall is very casual and absolutely a must-do if you’re into rustic adventures into the local community, and the food is great. For a unique cultural experience, head to the oldest permanent settlement in Roatan, Punta Gorda, where you can see Garífuna drummers and dancers casually performing during the day, mostly on weekends.

Another must-do adventure is Little French Key, a private island offering various activities for day visitors, including swim-up bars in the sea, plus interaction with adorable monkeys and other exotic animals.

WHERE TO STAY

You can go fancy or casual in Roatan, depending on your budget and style. Known for its wildlife and lush greenery, the island is home to a number of eco-resorts such as Tranquilseas Eco Lodge and Dive Center with its open verandas sporting comfy hammocks, and the Upachaya Eco-Lodge in Man O’ War Harbour with simple décor, thatched roofs and wooden walkways.

Then, naturally, there are the many dive resorts from which to choose. Anthony’s Key Resort is serenely, breathtakingly gorgeous with stilt huts standing in the water. It’s hard to get any closer to nature than this. Look for amazing sea creatures and land animals, along with an extraordinary assortment of birds.

For an even more rustic hotel experience that emulates the laidback lifestyle of the Bay Islands, you should make the hop to Guanaja island and stay at Graham’s Place for a few days if you have time. Graham Thompson of the Cayman Islands made his home there years ago, and his resort is second-to-none. The fishing is great and the relaxing is better. Ask about their new airfare and hotel packages in partnership with Cayman Airways.

If you’re looking for a more upscale beach resort experience, Infinity Bay Spa and Beach Resort combines upscale condos right on the beach, with easy access to exciting island adventures for the whole family. There's also the luxurious La Verandas Resort with beautiful ocean views.

The Clarion and Cayman Airways package

This exclusive package with The Clarion and Cayman Airways (for two people) starts from just US$473 per person for 3 nights, and includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from Grand Cayman to Roatan, including FREE Rum Punch inflight
• A luxury condo suite
• Private island beach access (Little French Key)
• Airport transfers
• Daily breakfast for two
• FREE wifi
• 20% off spa services
• All applicable airfare and hotel taxes & fees

See hotel link for more details: http://cayman.clarionroatan.com/

NOTE: Reservations can only be made via the Clarion Reservations Department by calling  504-9909-3100 or emailing reservationdesk@clarionroatan.com

*Taxes and fees
Included in quoted package rates

*Taxes and fees
This offer is subject to availability. A US$500 pre-authorization for incidentals is required upon check-in, and a non-refundable deposit for one night is required for promotional rates. Other restrictions may apply.

*Booking deadline
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*Travel period
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*Blackout dates
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