Roatan Riding Spots

The wind on Roatan is a predominantly an easterly tradewind allowing for a lot of the islands coastline to be side shore winds. Because of the high hills of the island there can be some turbulent winds when the breeze is coming over land. When the wind has a fair amount of south in it the south side of the island is side on wind, The southern side has the reef very close to shore and very deep water just beyond. The North side of Roatan has a barrier reef up to a mile off shore with everything between the reef of varying depths from knee high to 5o feet. This bay water tends to be fairly flat. There are various coral heads in parts, so know the area where you are plan to ride and beware of the reef, it is very shallow.

• The wind here is a tradewind from the east rarely over 24 knots, but on average around 13-17.
• These are guidelines.
• Typically, the months of January through April, July through mid September are good consistant wind months.
• May, June can be light and tempramental with maybe 50% of days rideable. Sometimes the wind decides to take a week or two off during these months.
• October through December is the rainy season so it is hard to predict what and which direction the wind may be. Still good wind but may not be for beginers.

East End north side of the mangroves -by St. Helen. large shallow bay, good for beginner lessons.

Punta Gorda - One of the easiest access spots with no boat -Straight East Shoreline, Lots of sand and sea grass, averages 2 - 10 ft. depths and very little coral away from the reef. Its a good spot for a downwinder even if it is not intentional. The oldest town on Roatan stop for a beer or conch dinner at Mama's or shoot a game of pool at Mitch's after your session.

Camp Bay Beach - beautiful white sand beach with deep water just steps off of it. Clean out to the reef - very little coral untill the reef.

Old Port Royal - On the far east end, south side of Roatan is the deepest natural harbor on Roatan. Several sail boats and catamarans moor here. When the wind is coming from the east or has south in it this area is beautiful, however launching and landing areas are few, some of the cays are slightly easier, or a boat is best.

West End, West Bay, Sandy Bay - Good when there is a front from the north or west but from my experience the air is fairly turbulent from the land during the normal east wind. If the wind does cooperate, watch out for the dive-boats and snorkelers.