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Logistics · Country Guide

Honduras

Bay Islands walls on the Mesoamerican Reef, plus an easy mixed-group topside plan

Updated Dec 7, 2025 • 14 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

  • Primary airport: Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (Roatan) (RTB)
  • Typical transfer: 15 km drive
  • Entry requirement: Entry rules depend on nationality, but common patterns include: A passport with at least six months validity remaining (many authorities recommend this even when shorter validity is accepted) At least one blank page for entry stamps Proof of onward or return travel A tourist stay that often falls under the CA4 regional rules, where time in Honduras shares a combined allowance (often up to 90 days) with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua Some nationalities may require a visa in advance.
  • Getting around: On the Bay Islands, transport is simple: Taxis and water taxis cover most visitor movement.

Getting There

Most dive trips route through the Bay Islands on the Caribbean side.

  • Fly internationally to San Pedro Sula (SAP) or Tegucigalpa (TGU), then connect onward to the islands.
  • Fly direct to Roatan (RTB) when schedules line up.
  • Use La Ceiba (LCE) as the main mainland staging point for ferries and short flights to Roatan and Utila.

A practical routing for first-timers is: arrive mainland, transfer to Roatan or Utila for diving, then return mainland for any inland add-ons.

Airports

1

Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (Roatan)

RTB • MHRO

15 km • 15 km drive

Primary gateway for Roatan and the easiest entry point for a Bay Islands dive trip.

Transport: Airport taxis, Pre-booked shuttles, Car rentals

2

Utila Airport (Isla de Utila)

UII • MHUT

5 km • 5 km drive

Small domestic airport for Utila. Schedules can be weather-sensitive.

Transport: Taxi, Tuk-tuk, Hotel pickup (when offered)

3

Goloson International Airport (La Ceiba)

LCE • MHLC

10 km • 10 km drive

Mainland Caribbean gateway used for ferries and short hops to Roatan and Utila.

Transport: Taxis, Pre-booked transfers, Hotel shuttles (limited)

Getting Around

On the Bay Islands, transport is simple:

  • Taxis and water taxis cover most visitor movement.
  • Scooter rentals exist but road conditions and traffic vary; only rent if you are experienced.
  • Many dive areas are walkable if you stay near your dive shop.

On the mainland, use pre-booked transfers for longer hops, and be cautious about late-night road travel. Domestic flights can save time if you are splitting islands and inland regions.

Entry Requirements

Entry rules depend on nationality, but common patterns include:

  • A passport with at least six months validity remaining (many authorities recommend this even when shorter validity is accepted)
  • At least one blank page for entry stamps
  • Proof of onward or return travel
  • A tourist stay that often falls under the CA-4 regional rules, where time in Honduras shares a combined allowance (often up to 90 days) with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua

Some nationalities may require a visa in advance. Always confirm requirements with an official government source for your passport before booking flights.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Diving logistics are straightforward in Roatan and Utila: most operators provide tanks and weights, and rental gear quality is generally good in the main hubs.

  • If you travel with cameras, bring a small spares kit (o-rings, charger, extra battery) and use rinse tanks carefully.
  • Pack a compact save-a-dive kit and seasickness meds if you are prone.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen is increasingly expected in marine-park areas.
  • If you are routing through small aircraft, confirm baggage limits and keep regulators, computers, and masks protected in your carry-on.

Practicalities

Currency

Honduran lempira (HNL)

Lempira is the official currency, and USD is commonly accepted in Bay Islands tourism areas. Use lempira for local transport and small vendors; use cards at many hotels, larger restaurants, and dive shops in the main hubs.

ATMs are common in major cities and on Roatan, but they can run out of cash or reject foreign cards. On Utila and in smaller mainland towns, plan for fewer ATMs and more cash-only situations.

Electricity

110V • 60Hz • A, B

US-style plugs are standard. Bring a small power strip and spare chargers if you have camera gear.

Communications

Mobile coverage is good in cities and the main Bay Islands towns, with weaker pockets on remote coasts and some east-end areas. Most accommodations offer Wi-Fi, but speeds vary. If you need reliable connectivity, buy a local SIM/eSIM with data and keep offline maps downloaded.

Language

Spanish is the national language. On the Bay Islands, English is widely spoken in tourism and dive settings, and you will also hear Garifuna communities and culture along parts of the north coast.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation, plus dedicated dive accident coverage if you will scuba or freedive. Save your insurer and DAN emergency numbers offline, and keep a photo of your passport and policy documents on your phone and in cloud storage.

Packing list

Pack for warm water and sun, plus occasional wind and rain:

  • Lightweight exposure protection (rash guard or a thin wetsuit)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • A light windbreaker for boat rides
  • Mosquito repellent for evenings and mainland excursions
  • Dry bags for boat days and a small save-a-dive kit (mask strap, fin strap, o-rings)
  • An SMB and a small backup light if you plan night dives