Oakridge and Punta Gorda Villages on Roatan Island

[ Coxen Hole ] [ Sandy Bay ] [ West End ] [ French Harbour ]

Located on the southern end of the island to the east of French Harbour is Oakridge.  Oakridge is a small and very picturesque community from the hill.  Most tourist do not venture in to Oakridge since there are no tourist activities there.  The Reef House Resort is located on a small key just across from the main dock at Oakridge.  The Reef House does have restaurant service.  The Blue Bayou Hotel is also located here.  On the opposite side of Roatan is the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda.  Punta Gorda was the first Garifuna settlement in Central America where the Indians were marooned by the British in 1796.  It did receive significant damage during Hurricane Mitch.  Locals commemorate their arrival on Roatan with a  carnival every year on April 12.  The paved road at the Oakridge cut off becomes a dirt road and leads further west towards Camp Bay, Port Royal, Old Port Royal and other communities.  These communities are lacking in infrastructure of any kind and therefore appropriate only for the adventuresome tourist.  If you venture to the far eastern end, you will only find great scenery and isolated beaches.

Paya Beach is a very exclusive restaurant in a very beautiful setting.  To get there, you must continue on the dirt road leading east from the Oak Ridge to the Punta Gorda detour.  Bring your swim suits, as there is a good beach just below the excellent restaurant.  Near Paya Bay is Camp Bay, with a large tract of unspoiled, natural white sand beaches.  There are no tourist services at Camp Bay but it does have a great beach.