Sailing Routes & Procedures.

Navigating to Roatan.

You can find Roatan about 30 miles off the north coast of Honduras, between the Island of Guanaja and Utila. 

Many sailors depart from Florida and Texas as they set their sails on Roatan. Sailors may consider the Windward Passage through the Bahamas instead of cutting across from Florida and through the Gulf of Mexico. 

Currents and Distance.

Undoubtedly, boats departing from Northern Florida may find it easier to navigate the outer Bahamas and Windward Passage to destinations in the Western Caribbean. But for those from Southern Florida may find this route more challenging. Both routes have their pros and cons. Cutting across the Gulf of Mexico through the Yucatan Channel is a popular route to take for sailors heading to the Bay Islands, Guatemala, or Belize. Still, while this route may be shorter, it is arguably more difficult to navigate, due to contrary currents. Knowing this, the roundabout route through the Bahamas and Windward Passage is longer, but enjoys favorable winds and currents - it also offers the possibility of several interesting stops along the way. Sometimes, the shortest way there is the longest way round.

Sailing in the Winter.

In winter, when strong east and northeast winds are common in the Old Bahama Channel, a direct route through the Yucatan Channel is preferred. To avoid the total strength of the current (which can be up to 2.5 knots), you may consider sailing close to Dry Tortugas or cross to Cuba and follow it's northwest coastline. Be careful not to deviate towards Cuba's territorial waters. The best time to sail the Caribbean is from December to May. Also, note that tropical storms and weather systems frequently form between June to November.

In short, sailing to Roatan from the US is best through the Windward Passage and continuing to the south of Cuba and the north of Jamaica. This route can be joined by sailors that depart from the South and North of Florida. Passages beginning from the latter must navigate an initial offshore route to the outer Bahamas and continue south to the Windward Passage. Since this route passes near the north coast of Jamaica, an intermediate point has been established northeast of Montego Bay. This can be a convenient stop as there is a marina with good repair facilities and there is also an international airport. 

Upon reaching the Gulf of Honduras, there is a wide variety of easily accessible destinations, whether in Honduras, Guatemala or Belize. The closest port of entry to Honduras is Guanaja, one of the Bay Islands, but to get directly to Roatán, you must set a course northeast of Roatán, and then follow the Island's south coast to Coxen Hole, the main settlement and administrative center, where the procedures are completed at the commercial port.

Documents and Procedures.

Required Documentation:

1. A complete crew list (4 copies in Spanish)

2. The passports of all on board (4 copies)

3. A photograph of the sailboat/yacht

4. The boat papers (4 copies)

5. Zarpe from the las country visited

A cruising permit is required in Honduras, which is issued by the Port Captain at the port of entry. Permits are issued for 90 days and can be extended.

Procedures once you reached to Roatan:

1. Arriving sailors must fly the yellow flag. 

2. The captain and crew must report first to Immigration and then the Port Captain. No other authorities are required. 

3. Port Clearance is done in Coxen Hole (you can take a taxi or bus from French Harbour to Coxen Hole to check-in).

4. Each office requires photocopies of each passport and the ship's papers (4 sets)

5. The port Captain requires the Zarpe from the last country visited plus copies of the completed forms.

6. A cruising permit is required to stay in Honduras, issued by the Port Captain. 

7. On departure, Customs will issue a Zarpe, to be completed by the Port Captain. In most ports, this can only be issued on the day of departure. Immigration must also be visited for an exit stamp.

Official check-in billing rates appear to vary from port to port and it is worth checking the rates before selecting your port of entry. Be sure to receive receipts for check-in fees so you don't have to pay these fees again on departure.

Official fees:

1. Immigration: Between $3.00 and $5.00 per passport, depending on where it is authorized (both for entry and exit).

2. Port Captain: Up to $30.00 per ship to clear in, $20.00 per boat to clear out (depending on where you clear).

3. Overtime may be charged for dispatch outside business hours and, of course, there will be Agent fees if an agent is used. Customs may charge a fee for each Zarpe (approximately $2.00- $3.00).

French Cay Harbour and West End are the two favorite anchorages for sailors on Roatan. There are several marinas in both places and around the Island.

Roatan Marinas:

1. Barefoot Cay Marina (Coxen Hole)

2. Brick Bay Marina (Coxen Hole)

3. Fantasy Island Beach Resort Marina (French Cay Harbour)

4. Gibson Bight Marina (less than a mile away from West End)

5. Turtle Grass Marina (Calabash Bight, Southside of Roatan)

6. Brooksy Point Yacht Club (French Cay Harbour)

New procedures are in place to dock sailboats/yachts due to Coronavirus:

1. Apply for permission to enter by SINAGER 14 days in advance from your country of departure.

2. Have the required documents mentioned above.

3. Head to Public Health to take the COVID-19 test.

4. Each person who enters will be quarantined for 14 days, where Public Health assigns them.

5. If you come infected, you will be returned to your country.