Roatan Ferry.

Video Overview:

Overview & Seating.

Safe Way Maritime has offered ferry service between the island of Roatan and La Ceiba since 1994. The Galaxy Wave is the oldest ship in the fleet to travel to and from La Ceiba. The Galaxy Wave ferry is a 152-foot catamaran that provides safety, comfort, and luxury seating to travelers.

The Ferry has room for 460 passengers. There are 250 seats for economy class ticket holders in the lower air-conditioned cabin. Also, for economy seat holders, there are 150 seats on the second level for those who enjoy the outdoors. On the same second level, there is an air-conditioned cabin for first-class passengers with 60 seats.

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Brief History.

• Beginnings & Founders

• Economic Vitality

• Ferry Port in Dixon Cove

The Early Days.

It all started in the '90s when the only transport methods to reach Roatan was a boat from La Ceiba or aboard a small aircraft. However, travel was unreliable and, in some instances, unsafe. Given the circumstances, in 1994, Jerry Hynds, along with John and Danny McNab, launched the Safe Way Maritime Transportation Company called Tropical. The first trip was on May 29, 1994. For the early days, John McNab was the captain of the Tropical Wave ferry.

Economic Vitality.

Tropical Wave became an economic, regular, and safe transport that opened up tourism and investment from the north coast of Honduras. The 105-foot boat was originally a crew boat and was adapted to accommodate 115 passengers with a 2-hour and 30-minute journey from the port of Coxen Hole to La Ceiba. In December of 1998, Tropical II started its service, with a capacity for 365 passengers and a travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Ferry Port in Dixon Cove.

In 2002 John McNab turned Galaxy into a family business. As the founder and owner, he gave his daughter Jennifer the general manager position and to his son, Ron, the role of operations manager. As the number of visitors to Roatan increased, Coxen Hole became more congested and difficult to access. In 2005, a municipal official rejected the company's offer to build a port in Coxen Hole. Given this, in 2006, John McNab purchased and built a terminal at Dixon Cove.

Upgraded Fleet.

• U.S. Coast Guard Standards

• Capacity

• Security Standards

Re-Branding & Security.

In August of 2006, the catamaran was upgraded and named Galaxy Wave. The catamaran was designed by Incat Crowther of Australia and built-in Louisiana by Gulf Craft, with a capacity for 460 passengers. Travel time of 1 hour and 10 minutes, and featuring four 1,825-horsepower engines with jet-propulsion, reducing waiting time for passengers.

U.S. Coast Guard Standards.

The Galaxy Wave was built to the U.S. Coast Guard specifications, and the Merchant Marine of Honduras certifies it. Maintenance is carried out by certified CATEP technicians, and boat safety inspections (to certify seaworthiness) are carried out by the Merchant Marine of Honduras. The Galaxy Wave has all the necessary life-saving equipment, including more than 600 life jackets and 24 life rafts with a capacity for 25 people each.

Capacity.

The Galaxy Wave crew does not allow more passengers than are permitted according to the operating permits and safety certificates. The ship also enjoys modern navigation equipment. Furthermore, both the Captain and the first officer have completed the required training by the Merchant Marine of Honduras. Furthermore, staff members have all received training from the Red Cross of Roatan.

Security Standards.

Security is a top priority for the operators of the Galaxy Wave. Therefore, all passengers must go through a security checkpoint before boarding. There are article restrictions similar to those of airlines, so be sure to pack accordingly.

Schedule & Specs.

• Trip Duration

• Reliable Schedule

• Daily Departures

Trip Duration & Amenities.

The Galaxy Wave ferry is arguably the best way to get to Roatan from La Ceiba. The trip duration is only 75 minutes, and the experience is unique. As a disclaimer, the outbound trip from La Ceiba tends to be the most turbulent because the Ferry travels against incoming waves. The Return trip from Roatan to La Ceiba is smooth even through choppy waters. Currently, the Utila Dream and the Galaxy Wave are the only ferry service provider on Roatan.

Reliable Schedule.

The Galaxy Wave Ferry sticks to a fixed schedule with two daily departures regardless of how many passengers are on board. During the weekday, most of the passengers are islanders traveling back and forth. On the weekend and during the holidays most passengers are tourists.

Daily Departures.

The ferry has two daily departures that leave La Ceiba at 9:30 a.m. and a second departure at 4:30 p.m. Conversely; there are two daily departures leaving Roatan, one at 7:00 a.m. and a second at 2:00 p.m. Galaxy Wave offers a wide range of services and amenities for passengers. The catamaran has a small cafeteria, bathrooms, and an LCD TV for entertainment. TV's are located on the second level in the first-class cabin and downstairs at the front of the ferry in the economy class cabin. Onboard, the catamaran offers snacks and drinks, such as chips, baleadas, sandwiches, sodas, juices, water, and more.

Roatan Taxi Services

Be sure to book your Roatan Taxi Service ahead of your arrival. This will allow the driver time to print a sign with your name on it, making it easier for you to connect with the driver.