Blue Wave Radio · The Roatan Directory
Independence Week Edition
Food, events, services and people worth knowing
HELLO, FRIENDS
First, a quick thank-you to all the businesses that support Blue Wave Radio and The Roatan Directory.
Living on the island, it can be difficult to keep up with everything happening around us. This is simply a quick rundown of what some of our business supporters - and the island - have going on this month.
SHANNON HAS THE GOLF MOJO
Some people just seem to know how to put on an event.
Shannon Shuman at Sun Divers apparently has the golf-tournament mojo.
This Saturday's SOL Foundation Golf Tournament at The Black Pearl is SOLD OUT — and if you've watched these tournaments over the years, that's probably not much of a surprise.
Putting together a successful golf tournament on Roatán takes a lot more than picking a date and finding some golf balls. Sponsors, players, prizes, logistics, volunteers — and somehow making the whole thing feel like fun instead of work.
Shannon seems to have figured out the formula.
So while the rest of you lucky golfers are out at The Black Pearl this Saturday, we'll simply say:
Congratulations, Shannon, on another great job — and on doing it year after year.
Apparently, he's got the mojo. ⛳
Jungle Water
Sandy Bay
Interior Design, Island Style, Things for your home. Extraordinary ideas for your environment.
SEAFOOD SEPTEMBER
Island Chicken and Soups Bar & Grill
Island Chicken & Soups Bar & Grill is serving up Seafood September all month long - and you should see the spread they have created!
Their enormous seafood platter features grilled lobster, shrimp, calamari, conch, octopus and whole fried fish. Finish the platter with your crew and you will be entered to win the grand prize. Each challenger also receives one free beer.
Island Chicken & Soups Bar & Grill is located on the second level of Mall Mega Plaza in French Harbour, next to Mega Cinema.
NEW TACOS IN WEST END
There is a new taco truck in West End serving Monterrey-style tacos - and it deserves some island love.
Stop by, give it a try and help welcome another new locally operated food business to the neighborhood.
NEW SLOW-SEASON HOURS AT DRAGONFLY ROLLS
Dragonfly Rolls Sushi
If you love sushi, Dragonfly Rolls is ready to satisfy that craving at two convenient island locations. Please make a note of its modified slow-season schedule.
Sandy Bay:
Monday through Friday
12:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-9:00 p.m.
French Harbour:
Tuesday through Saturday
12:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Stop in for fresh sushi, creative rolls and teppanyaki - but remember to check the day and location before heading out.
Belafonte's Italian Restaurant
East Island
Great Views and Amazing Food
Max Shipping
Brick Bay
AMAZON, Temu, get your things shipped by MAX for the fastest service and consolidation.
SOMEONE ASKED US… SO WE DID SOME HOMEWORK
SOMEONE ASKED US — WHAT IS ST. JOHN'S BAY?
What exactly is St. John's Bay — and what happened to Pristine Bay?
Someone asked us about the name St. John's Bay, which seems to be popping up more and more around Roatán. So, naturally, we got curious and did a little homework.
Here's what we found.
First, Pristine Bay isn't exactly disappearing. Our understanding is that the established assets within the development — including Pristine Bay Resort and The Black Pearl golf course — are keeping the names people already know.
St. John's Bay appears to be the name being used for the larger master development.
And if you're wondering whether St. John's Bay is some forgotten historic name for this part of Roatán that everybody somehow missed… we wondered the same thing.
We couldn't find evidence that it is.
In fact, the paper trail takes us back to Próspera. The company now known as St. John's Bay Development Company was originally incorporated in 2019 as the considerably less romantic-sounding Próspera Land SPV 1 LLC.
Even more interesting, documents from 2021 already refer to plans for the "Pristine Bay Golf Resort conversion into City of St. John's Bay (a Próspera City)."
So this isn't a name that suddenly appeared last week. St. John's Bay has apparently been part of the larger development plan for at least five years.
What we haven't been able to find is the answer to the question we really wanted answered:
Why St. John?
Was it named for someone? Was there some historical inspiration? Was it simply a branding decision?
So far, we haven't found a reliable answer.
And rather than make one up, we'll leave that part of the mystery unsolved.
For now, if somebody tells you they're going to St. John's Bay, don't start looking for another island. You probably already know the place.
Although… it's probably too late, but if you're still open to suggestions:
Can we name it after Larry McLaughlin?
ST. LARRY'S BAY.
Come on. Tell us that doesn't have a certain Roatán ring to it.
Bifat Center
French Harbour, Bay Islands
Cutting Edge Science to help you Lose Weight, Heal Muscles, and counter aging.
Naviera Hybur
French Harbour
Moving to Roatan, Shipping a Container, Need advice on customs and getting materials here? Naviera Hybur has the history and expertise since 1958.
THIS IS SO COOL, WE HAD TO MENTION IT
There are motorcycles - and then there are works of art that happen to be motorcycles.
If you appreciate beautifully engineered machines, this custom 2016 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle deserves your attention. Sadly, its owner is parting with it, which means someone else now has the opportunity to own an exceptional, collector-grade bike already based here on Roatan.
It has covered only 1,263 miles and has been meticulously maintained by one of Roatan's most trusted mechanics, who is available to answer technical questions directly for serious buyers.
This Ducati has been thoughtfully upgraded, not simply ridden. It features premium Ohlins suspension in the front and rear, a Termignoni racing exhaust and a hand-made leather seat imported from Thailand. It is a Scrambler that has already been carefully dialed in for someone who appreciates performance, craftsmanship and serious attention to detail.
2016 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle
Mileage: 1,263 miles
Price: $9,500 USD
Location: Roatan, Honduras - local viewing only
Title: Clean, with all documentation in order
VIN: Available upon request to serious buyers
See the upgrades or inquire about the motorcycle at:
https://roalabs.com/
DON'T FEEL LIKE GOING OUT?
Ricoya
Stay home and let RicoYa bring dinner to you. Browse your choices, place your order and have your food delivered - because some nights, the couch wins.
FLIGHT ANGELS FLEA MARKET AT ROATAN ISLAND BREWING CO.
It is time to clean out your closets! The Flight Angels of Roatan Flea Market takes place Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Roatan Island Brewing Co.
Come to buy or sell vintage finds, antique furniture, handmade crafts, books, clothing, collectibles, jewelry, home decor, fresh-baked goods, artisan foods and just about anything else your heart desires.
Advance registration is required for sellers. For registration and additional information, email roatannurse@aol.com.
Come find a treasure while supporting the Flight Angels of Roatan Cats!
Dan Horn - Real Estate on Roatan
Sandy Bay
Expert Real Estate Service backed by results.
Petrosun
Airport Area
Gas Up. Grab Some Food, PetroSun Gas and Convenience Stores.
PIRATES? ON ROATÁN? OH, ABSOLUTELY.
Long before Roatán had beach bars, dive boats and traffic jams, the Bay Islands were a very convenient place to be a pirate.
Think about the geography.
You're sitting just off the Caribbean coast of Central America, surrounded by protected bays, reefs, small islands and places where a ship could disappear from view. Meanwhile, Spanish ships carrying valuable cargo were moving through the western Caribbean.
For pirates and privateers, this neighborhood was basically location, location, location.
During the 1600s, English, French and Dutch privateers and buccaneers operated throughout this part of the Caribbean, and the Bay Islands became associated with their activities. Roatán offered something particularly valuable:
A place to hide, repair ships, take on fresh water and wait for another opportunity.
Which inevitably leads to the question everybody really wants answered:
Did they bury treasure here?
Maybe.
But before you start digging up your neighbor's yard, pirate treasure stories have a funny habit of becoming considerably more detailed about 200 years after the pirate is dead.
Still, somewhere beneath a condo, restaurant, road or perfectly innocent-looking coconut tree…
There could be a chest of Spanish gold.
And frankly, that's the version we're choosing to believe.
Infinity Bay
West Bay
The West Bay Legend Infinity Bay... Dining, Beach, Entertainment
STOCK UP ON LOCALLY ROASTED COFFEE
Bad Ass Java
Remember, Bad Ass Java is Roatan's roaster. If good coffee is part of your morning routine - or your survival plan - stop by and stock up on freshly roasted island coffee to enjoy at home.
You will find Bad Ass Java at Coconut Tree Plaza in West End and Windward Terrace in West Bay.
Support local, drink better coffee and make sure the cupboard does not run dry.
FREE SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC
A free spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats will be held September 24 through 27 at the Christian Radio Station in Gravel Bay.
Clinic hours:
September 24-26: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
September 27: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
The service is completely free. Pet owners are reminded not to give their dog or cat any food or water after midnight on the night before the procedure.
This community clinic is hosted by RTR Spay & Neuter, with support from local animal-welfare organizations and donors working to create a healthier future for Roatan's animals.
MEGA BODEGAZO — 20% to 50% OFF
Elements Furniture
The biggest clearance sale of the year is here at ELEMENTS FURNITURE. From September 14 through October 10, save from 20% all the way up to 50% OFF. Offer valid with payment in full and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Shipping from San Pedro Sula to Roatán is not included; restrictions apply.
Eldons Green Market
French Harbour
Green, Gluten Free, Healthy, and Specialty Foods next to Eldon's in French Harbor
THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
WHO MAKES ROATÁN'S BEST BALEADA?
Forget politics. Forget potholes. Forget whether West End traffic should go one way or twelve ways.
We have a question that could actually start an argument:
Who makes the best baleada on Roatán?
Everybody seems to have a favorite.
Maybe it's a restaurant. Maybe it's a little roadside place. Maybe it's a woman with a griddle who doesn't have a Facebook page, website, sign — or any particular interest in having one.
We want names.
And for visitors who have somehow made it to Honduras without eating a baleada yet, we should probably explain what you're looking for.
Wait… isn't a baleada just a burrito?
No. And please don't say that too loudly around a Honduran.
A burrito is generally a Mexican-style flour tortilla wrapped around any number of fillings — meat, rice, beans, cheese, vegetables and whatever else is going along for the ride.
A traditional Honduran baleada starts with a thick, soft flour tortilla, folded rather than completely rolled, with refried beans, crema and cheese at its heart.
Then things can get serious.
Add scrambled eggs and avocado. Add meat. Add chicken. Add whatever your favorite baleada maker believes belongs inside.
But here's the other big difference:
The tortilla matters.
A great baleada isn't simply ingredients wrapped in something that keeps them from falling on your shirt. That warm, handmade flour tortilla is a major part of what makes the whole thing work.
So here's your assignment:
Where do we find the best baleada on Roatán?
Tell us the place — and, even better, tell us exactly what we should order when we get there.
We'll collect the answers.
And yes… we may have to investigate this personally.
Strictly for journalistic purposes, of course.
Ace Hardware
French Harbour
Visit Ace new location in Coxen Hole and still in French Harbour.
Roatan Provision
Coxen Hole
Roatan Provision provides top quality foods, including high end USDA Grade A meats, as well as Fish, and restaurant grade quality.
ELITE SECURITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
We have recently seen several island businesses asking where to find dependable, professional security services on Roatan.
Phoenix Security International provides elite-level protection for businesses, properties and individuals. Its services range from commercial property protection to professional personal guards, all delivered with high standards, discipline and accountability.
When the security of your business, employees, guests or family is at stake, experience and professionalism matter.
Phoenix Security International Facebook group page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/332263153826445/user/61550741106183
THE "GALLERY OF MUD"
Galería de Barro
Galeria de Barro literally translates as "Gallery of Mud," but what you will find there is much more impressive than the name suggests.
They offer beautiful handmade clay pots in every imaginable size, created in traditional styles. Whether you need one statement piece or several pots to transform a patio, garden or entrance, Galeria de Barro is well worth a visit.
Dental Care Center
French Harbour
Dental Care from Dr. Carlos Middence. Expert in Dental Implants
SOMETIMES THE ROOM ISN'T THE PROBLEM. IT'S THE WINDOWS.
Sybaris Designs
You can change the furniture. Paint the walls. Move everything around three times.
And somehow the room still doesn't quite look finished.
Sometimes, it's the windows.
Sybaris Designs, located at Coral Stone Center in Sandy Bay, specializes in custom window coverings — something that can completely change both the appearance and comfort of a home on Roatán.
Because here, window coverings aren't just decoration.
There's the Caribbean sun. Heat. Glare. Privacy. And, of course, making the room actually look the way you imagined it would.
We recently sat down with Sybaris Designs to talk about what they do, the options available, and how the right window treatments can transform a space.
Take a few minutes and meet Sybaris Designs for yourself.
Sybaris Designs — Coral Stone Center, Sandy Bay.
Paradise Beach Hotel
West Bay
Stay in the Garden Heart of West Bay... On the Beach.. Spend a day.
GET READY FOR RAINY SEASON
Upholstery Art
If you have been putting off repairs to your outdoor awnings, patio furniture, upholstery or boat cushions, now is the time to take care of them.
Rainy season will be rolling in soon, and small tears, loose seams and worn materials rarely improve once the heavy rain begins. Upholstery Art can repair, recover and refresh the items you depend on before minor damage becomes a much more expensive problem.
This is especially important for resort and Airbnb owners. Your outdoor spaces and furnishings are part of your guests' first impression, so make sure everything is ready for the coming season.
For awnings, indoor and outdoor upholstery, boat cushions and more, check with Upholstery Art.
LOOKING FOR AN UPPER-TIER BUILDER?
DPaints
If you are planning a construction or finishing project and Wendell Dixon is not already on your list, he should be.
Wendell is the owner of D'Paints and Dixon Building Construction and Finishes. He grew up in an island building family, knows Roatan from end to end and brings a thorough, disciplined approach to every project.
Many islanders will also remember him as a former skipper of the ferry boats operating between Roatan and La Ceiba. He is professional, dependable and buttoned-up - the kind of person you want overseeing important work.
For quality construction, painting and finishing, we highly recommend contacting Wendell Dixon.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066753896369
Sundowners Beach Bar
West End
Free Beer during Happy Hour 5-7 daily. Just know the secret word.
Eldons Super Market
French Harbour
Visit the New Location in Coxen Hole. You'll always see your friends at Eldon's
ISLAND TIME — NAME THE DATE
We don't want to jinx this.
We REALLY don't want to jinx this.
But it looks like the road project between Coxen Hole and the T between Sandy Bay and Mud Hole is getting very, very close to being finished.
From what we can see, there isn't much left: finish the section coming down the hill, take care of that one stubborn little dirt patch near Spanish Town and…
Could it actually be DONE?
So it's time for the official On The Wave completely unscientific:
ISLAND TIME OVER/UNDER
Name the date.
Not the month.
Not "before Christmas."
We want an actual date.
What day will you be able to drive the entire stretch and say:
"Yep. They finished it."
Come closest to the actual completion date and we'll take you out for a burger — or anything else you'd like from the menu at SUN Food Court in Coxen Hole.
After all, now you'll be able to drive there without a hassle.
Right?
We did consider offering the winner a glamorous trip to Amalfi, Italy, but apparently the budget for that is still being investigated by our accountant.
So…
SUN Food Court it is.
Put your date in the comments.
And please, nobody tell the road crew we're doing this.
We don't want to scare it.
Welcome Plumbing and Electrical
Coxen Hole, Bay Islands
Plumbing and Electrical Supplies from a family owned business. Save with Welcome
SIX LAYERS OF PROTECTION FROM BULLDOG SECURITY
Bulldog Security International
Protecting your home or business does not always require a full-time security guard. Bulldog Security International offers state-of-the-art smart alarm systems built around its Six Layers of Protection.
Each layer works with the others to create stronger, more complete security, helping protect your property, family and business around the clock.
Watch Bulldog's video to see how the Six Layers of Protection work together and learn which equipment package is right for you.
For additional information, call +504 9915-0293 or email admin@bulldogsecurityintl.com.
Bulldog Security International - Elite Protection. 24/7.
HEALTH CONCERNS? CMQ ROATAN IS READY TO HELP
Clinica Medico Quirurgico Roatan
If you are dealing with a health issue of almost any kind, CMQ Roatan offers convenient medical care at two island locations.
Services include general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, gynecology, internal medicine, hospitalization, laboratory testing, X-rays, electrocardiograms, dental care and house calls.
Brick Bay - on the main road, in the yellow building across from Island Shipping. Call or WhatsApp 9889-8899.
Sandy Bay - on the main road, across from Sol y Mar. Call or WhatsApp 3199-4095.
From everyday illnesses and injuries to diagnostic services and specialist care, CMQ Roatan is ready when you need medical attention.
PROFESSOR KNOW-IT-ALL'S ROATÁN MINUTE
HONDURAS WAS INDEPENDENT — BUT NOBODY HAD TOLD THE CAPITAL
On September 15, 1821, representatives in Guatemala City signed the Act of Independence, breaking Central America away from nearly 300 years of Spanish rule.
There was only one small problem:
Nobody in Honduras's capital knew it had happened.
There were no telephones. No radio stations. No internet. And, as anyone who has ever waited for a road to be finished can appreciate, transportation wasn't exactly speedy.
The news had to travel the old-fashioned way.
It finally reached Comayagua, then the capital, on September 28 — 13 days after the Act had been signed.
In other words, Comayagua had technically been part of an independent Central America for nearly two weeks before somebody showed up with the paperwork.
And things didn't exactly become simpler from there.
Honduras was briefly part of the Mexican Empire, then became part of the Federal Republic of Central America, where Honduran Francisco Morazán would become one of the great champions of Central American unity.
When that federation fell apart, Honduras declared itself independent of the former federal government on November 5, 1838.
So Honduran independence wasn't exactly one clean breakup.
It was independence from Spain, a Mexican detour, a Central American federation…and eventually complete sovereignty.
And that's Professor Know-It-All's Roatán Minute.
You may now return to pretending you already knew that.
Roatan Sotheby's International Realty
Real Estate Expertise, International Connections
RELAXATION DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
Martina's Mobile Massage
Don't forget Martina's Mobile Massage. Martina brings customized therapeutic massage directly to your home, hotel or vacation rental - no driving, no traffic and no need to leave your relaxed state afterward.
Massages begin at $55 for 60 minutes, with 75- and 90-minute sessions and specialty treatments also available. Options include hot stone massage, cupping, lymphatic drainage, wood therapy and more.
Book through WhatsApp at +504 9668-8631, or visit Martina's Mobile Massage on Facebook for complete details.
Sunset Pilates & Full Moon Dinner
Kimpton Grand Roatan
Join Kimpton Grand Roatán on September 26 at 5:30 PM for Sunset Pilates on the new rooftop, followed by a Closing Sunset Circle, welcome cocktail, and an intimate Full Moon Dinner under the stars. The complete experience is $90 plus tax per person. Spaces are limited; reservations are available by email at info@aleraroatan.com or WhatsApp +504 9292-4515.
ROAR — Roatan Operation Animal Rescue Mobile Surgery Center
Jonesville Point, Bay Islands
The Solution to the Roatan Pet problem is here. Roatan Mobile. Find out more.
VISIT ROAR — ROATAN OPERATION ANIMAL RESCUE MOBILE SURGERY CENTER
Pristine Bay
French Harbour
Pristine Bay, Home of the Beach Club and The Black Pearl Championship Golf Course by Pete Dye.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT ROATAN
Thank you again for supporting the businesses that support Blue Wave Radio and The Roatan Directory. When you visit one of them, please let them know you heard about them from us. It genuinely makes a difference.
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Blue Wave Radio and The Roatan Directory
Keeping Roatan informed, connected and entertained.