Semana Santa in Roatan

Sometimes travelers are caught unaware by holidays in the country that they're traveling.  If you'll be traveling during the week leading up to Easter, this is a huge holiday in Central America, called Semana Santa.  Schools are out all week, government offices are shut, banks shut by mid-day Wednesday, and pretty much everything closes down on Good Friday (including the ferry and buses).  There are a few prime destinations in Central America that everyone heads to, and Roatan is one of them.
What does that mean for you as a traveler?  

1. Book ahead!!!  Don't just turn up expecting to find accommodations, because you'll be in for a bad surprise if you do.  Prices increase during these dates, there are minimum stays, and everything gets booked up.
2. Check into transportation schedules, and arrive earlier than you normally would- the ferry between La Ceiba and Roatan adds in a couple of extra trips each day, and the boats are always full.   Sometimes website information is not accurate- for example, I just checked, and the website for the ferry is not showing their holiday schedule, but it's been posted on Facebook.
3. Stock up on groceries near the start of the week.  As more and more people come to the island, it gets to be pretty slim pickings!
4. Be prepared for crowds, especially in West Bay.  In the rest of the island, you can find areas that aren't so crazy, but West Bay gets packed.

Doesn't sound like your scene?  If you have date flexibility, there's a mass exodus on Easter Sunday as everyone starts making their way home, so just come the next week!
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West Bay crowds at Semana Santa (source: Hondurastravel.com )