What is the IronShore of Roatan?

Although the island of Roatan is known for its white sand beaches and easy access to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, it also boasts flora, fauna and geological characteristics that are rarely found anywhere else in the world.  One question that new visitors often ask is, “What is the Iron Shore of Roatan?”  To help describe this topographical anomaly to new guests, we’ve come up with a short article.

IronShore Composition

Simply speaking, Iron Shore is a fossilized coral reef that was deposited over a million years ago.  It’s characterized by a blackened, pitted and sponge-like surface of pinnacles and ridges that extends out from the water and several yards onto the shore.  In many ways the Iron Shore looks like cooled lava along the water’s edge that’s grown stalagmites.

IronShore Origins

The present day appearance of the Iron Shore is the result of the limestone component of the ancient coral reef being dissolved by microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi.  What remains is known as biokarst with its characteristic pitted, black surface and a greyish, white interior that wasn’t reached by the hungry microbes.

Experiencing Roatan’s IronShore

You’ll find examples of the visually striking Iron Shore all around the island of Roatan, including West Bay and West End and by us at L’Alize.   Because it’s actually the remnants of ancient coral beds, the Iron Shore can give you an idea of how much the ocean has receded over the past million or so years.

How to Actually Relax on your Roatan Vacation

It may seem funny to worry about relaxing while on vacation, but just because you have some time off work doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to relax.  How many people have come back from holidays only to say that they need another holiday just to recuperate?  To help ensure your time away plays a role in recharging, rather than draining your batteries, we’ve come up with some tips on how to actually relax on your Roatan vacation.

Schedule In Time For Rest

Of course you’ll want to go out and see the sights when you’re on vacation, but make sure you don’t have every minute of every day pre-planned.  Allow yourself to get a good night’s sleep - whether that means going to bed early or sleeping in late.  Take time to enjoy your meals, your morning coffee or your post-meal dessert.  It’s very easy to always be in a rush while you’re away.  Resist the temptation.

Include Some Physical Activities

You don’t need to run a marathon (unless that’s something you really want to do!) but including some physical activities to complement your time by the pool or in the local cafe can surprisingly increase your sense of relaxation.  It can be as easy as going for a walk or trying a local sport.  Anything that gets you moving a bit will make your down time even more relaxing.

Try Something Different

Vacations provide the perfect environment to do something you’ve never done before.  Not only will this give you a new experience, it’ll also take your mind away from everything you’ve got going on back home.  By focusing on a new activity, old burdens will melt away and allow your mind a chance for refreshment.

Finding the Best Roatan Souvenirs - Lalizeroatan.com

Almost all tourists and travellers love souvenirs.  But being conscious of the local economy and environment has been, until recently, sadly ignored.  Luckily it seems like there’s been a dawn of a new era of tourism where supporting the locals and their environment is becoming more of a concern when it comes to spending money.  More travellers these days want their tourist dollars to go directly to local initiatives rather than ending up with importers and exporters with no local footprint.  With this in mind, we’ve come up with a list of Roatan shopping and souvenir ideas to remember their wonderful Roatan vacation.

Roatan Marine Park

The Roatan Marine Park is a non-profit organization whose goals are to protect the island’s marine and coastal habitats.  By selling mostly locally sourced and eco-friendly souvenirs, the organization helps fund itself while promoting environmental sustainability and stewardship.  Your money will help initiatives such as plastic and invasive species reduction, community education and marine patrols that enforce environmental laws.

Roatan Chocolate Factory

Roatan Chocolate Factory makes 100% organic chocolate using Honduran cacao seeds.  They don’t use the palm oil, lecithin or preservatives that are found in most mass produced chocolates.  In fact, their dark chocolate contains only cacao and cane sugar while the milk chocolate adds only milk to the two main ingredients.  Part of the company’s proceeds go to the protection of Honduran rainforests which are under pressure from the cattle industry.

Rusty Fish

Rusty Fish is a social enterprise with four island locations that recycles metal, wood, plastic and glass to create sea life inspired souvenirs.  Their slogan is, “We Have Nothing From China!”  They hire and train local workers to create the mementos they sell.  Buying form Rusty Fish not only benefits the local people, it benefits the local environment.

The Roatan Iguana Sanctuary

Arch’s Iguana And Marine Park is a Roatan-based tourist attraction that prides itself on conservation and preservation education by providing a natural area for thousands of iguanas to live without fear of being hunted.  In the past, the Roatan iguana was almost made extinct on the island due to hunting.  Sometimes known as the “chicken of the trees” its meat was used to make a popular local stew.

The iguana sanctuary was established in the late 1990s and is comprised of 12 acres of land featuring forest, jungle paths and docks that lead out to the sea.  There are as many as 4000 iguanas on the property and visitors are able to feed, touch and hold the lizards.  Every year, a certain number of iguanas are set free to bolster the wild population on the island.

The sanctuary is also home to many educational efforts.  Local students and teachers can visit the park free-of-charge and learn about sustainable agroforestry practices, conservation of the island’s flora and fauna and reforestation techniques.  The park donates plants to school-run plant nurseries and local reforestation projects.  It also runs a recycling program which makes use of donated and found plastic containers to be used as planters and construction materials.

The Roatan iguana sanctuary is also home to white nosed coatis, white faced monkeys, land turtles and sea life such as tarpon and lobsters.  The park is open from 8am to 4pm, costs $8 for entrance and is fully accessible with pathways for wheelchairs. 

The Nature of Roatan - Roatan House Rentals

Nestled in the string of the Caribbean Sea you will come across an island that has gone by many different names. Guanaja or the “Island of Pines” as it was named by Christopher Columbus will allow you to see some incredible sites. While also experiencing some life-changing adventures.

When visiting Roatan the one thing you will not be missing out on is the abundance of mother nature. Between the naturally beautiful orchids to the bountiful fruit trees, you will feel as though you have stepped into another world. Perfectly crafted to surround you with natural beauty as you enjoy one of the many Roatan House Rentals. Be sure to check out the mangrove forests. It may look like some of the other amazing plants found on the island, but they actually play a crucial role in keeping the island free from damage during tropical storms.

If animal life is more of an interest to you, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the 40 reptile species, largely consisting of snakes, lizards, and frogs. The 120 bird species will surely keep you entertained as you walk through the tropical forests. Their exotic sounds and colors will have you in awe as they fly from branch to branch above your head.

While all of this can surely amaze even the most seasoned traveler, the coral reef is still the most prized gem of Roatan. There are plenty of sites to snorkel and meet friendly fish. If you wish to go deeper, you are sure to find one nearby with there being 38 locations at the West End Marine Reserve. Each dive location is a little different with shallow options for divers who are just learning or more advanced option. Where you can witness drop-offs, canyons, and caverns. No matter which option you choose, you are sure to find a bustling sea life.

If you are looking to escape the big city or just want a change of scenery, Roatan is certainly going to be a location like no other. Visit the Roatan house Rentals to surround yourselves with some of the most beautiful landscaping the Bay Islands has to offer. Discover new plant life and sea creatures that redefine paradise. It will without a doubt be a vacation you will never forget.