Roatan Island has been home to quite a diversity of cultures over the centuries such as Afro Caribbean, English settlers, Garifuna and Latino, including the original inhabitants, Paya Indians. Christopher Columbus "discovered" the Bay Islands and claimed them for Spain.

During the next century, Port Royal Harbor, on the Eastern end of the Island was home to many buccaneers. Stories of buried treasure and sunken galleons abound, especially among the locals who call Port Royal home. Today, the English, Spanish, Payan Indian, Garifuna, Antillean, and Spanish Honduran Islanders have been joined by a host of USA and European residents along with tourists from around the world. Still Roatan retains its native "Islander" charm which allows the tourists to experience local culture on a personal level.

Islanders main industries are commercial fishing and tourism. The weather is warm- usually between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Trade winds keep the climate comfortable year-round.