Winter is wonderful in Roatan
Wildlife viewing is best in winter
THE FORECAST MAY SAY RAIN — and, yes, it does rain in the winter in Roatan. But winter in Roatan is also the absolute best time of year to take in the Caribbean wildlife that use the sheltered waters of our island for refuge.
And, while winter is our rainy season (the locals call it the “green season”), it doesn’t rain every single day. We have our share of bright, warm, sunny days during the winter — and, even when it does rain, the weather is a far sight more tolerable than it is up north, where snow, ice and below-freezing temperatures are the order of the day.
Don’t shy away from a winter visit to Roatan — the Villa is a great home base for some incredible wildlife watching, and, of course, for a totally chill vacation away from the craziness of the West End cruise-ship vibe. Here, we’re relaxed and life moves a bit more deliberately. Come see us this winter, where you can do as much — or as little — as you like.
Whale sharks of Utila
Every winter, large numbers of docile whale sharks gather off the coast of Utila, an hour-long ferry ride from Coxen Hole. This gathering of these massive sharks provides a unique opportunity for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts to swim with these majestic fish — for many, it’s a life-changing experience.
From Ocean Breeze Villa, it’s a 45-minute ride to the ferry terminal in Coxen Hole, and then it’s an hour-long ride on the ferry to Utila. Once there, guests can connect with a diving outfitter and experience for themselves the wonders of swimming with the largest fish in the world.
Spinner dolphins right off the deck
If the logistics of a trip to Utila seem a bit much — you’re on vacation, after all — winter time at the Villa is an amazing time to see dolphins right off the front deck of the Villa. Spinner dolphins come to our protected waters during the green season where the feed on small fish, squid and shrimp in the deep waters right along the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
From the front deck of Ocean Breeze Villa, it’s not uncommon to see spinner dolphins cruising right along the deep-water dropoff just off the beach, and snorkelers from our own private dock shouldn’t be surprised when these social and playful mammals stop to check them out. The habitat right along our beach is ideal for these inquisitive animals, and up-close encounters happen all the time.
Whales of the East End
Winter in Roatan is also an excellent time to see whales. Both humpback and pilot whales frequent the waters of the East End in the winter, and it’s common to see both, either from the deck of the Villa or by taking a quick tour of the blue water that’s very close to shore.
The whales gather in the warm waters of the Caribbean to calve in the winter months, so you might see big female whales with newborns plying the near-shore waters of the island before making their annual migration back to the north Atlantic, where they gather off the coast of Labrador, Newfoundland and Greenland in the summer.
Winter permit fishing is incredible
Roatan is a trophy fly-fishing destination thanks to its fertile inshore waters and gorgeous turtle grass flats. And, in the winter, fly fishing for big permit is at its peak. Permit are considered among the most challenging angler targets in the world, and Roatan boasts some of the largest permit numbers in the Caribbean.
In addition to the permit, fishing from the Villa for bonefish, tarpon and a host of other fish along the reef is very good during the winter months. Anglers can even step off the deck of the Villa and fish for bonefish and triggerfish in the soft surf break right along the beach.
Come see for yourself
Winter in Roatan is magical. Yes, the likelihood of rain is higher this time of year, but the air temperature is downright perfect. Between September and January, the average temperature in Roatan is in the mid-80s, with night-time lows in the mid- to upper 70s.
And, no, it doesn’t rain every day. We’d love to welcome you to Ocean Breeze Villa this winter. Come enjoy near-perfect weather, do some great inshore fishing and check out the winter wildlife that literally swims right off the deck. Be our guest — we’d love to see you.
