Roatán rental income: Airbnb occupancy and realistic yields in 2026
Roatán holiday rentals average about 43% occupancy at roughly $209 a night, according to AirDNA, which means around $32,800 a year in gross revenue for a typical listing. Local agents quote net yields of about 5–8% a year after costs. The supply of rentals fell by about half over the past year, which has pushed occupancy up.
Key facts
- 1,002 active short-term rentals on Roatán, down 48.7% year on year (AirDNA).
- Average occupancy 43% and average nightly rate about $209 (AirDNA).
- Net yields of about 5–8% a year, as quoted by local agents.
- 1.7 million cruise passengers visited in 2024, and direct flights connect Roatán to 8 North American cities.
The market in numbers
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Active short-term rentals | 1,002 | AirDNA |
| Change in listings, year on year | −48.7% | AirDNA |
| Average occupancy | 43% | AirDNA |
| Average nightly rate | ≈ $209 | AirDNA |
| Cruise passengers (2024) | 1.7 million | Revista E&N |
Worked example
A listing at the island average earns about $209 × 365 nights × 43% ≈ $32,800 a year in gross revenue. From that come platform fees, cleaning, a property manager (often 20–30% of revenue), utilities, HOA, insurance, maintenance and property tax.
On a $400,000 condo, a 5–8% net yield means about $20,000–$32,000 a year. Treat the top of that range as a well-run, well-located unit, not the norm.
What drives returns on Roatán
- Location. West Bay and West End command the highest rates; the east of the island rents less often.
- Season. High season runs roughly December to April, when North Americans travel south.
- Management. Most owners live abroad, so a good local manager matters more than any single feature.
- Access. Direct flights from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Toronto and Montreal bring guests straight to the island.
Before you buy for rental
Ask the seller or agent for real booking history, not projections. Check whether the building or community allows short-term rentals, and what share of revenue its rental programme takes. Remember that you will pay the island’s closing costs and a 10% capital gains tax when you sell.
Browse listings tagged Rental income on Hogarli.
Important
Figures are third-party estimates for the whole island and change month to month. They are not a forecast for any particular property.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbnb profitable in Roatán?
It can be. AirDNA reports 43% average occupancy at about $209 a night, roughly $32,800 a year in gross revenue for a typical listing. Local agents quote net yields of about 5–8% after costs.
What is the best area in Roatán for vacation rentals?
West Bay and West End have the strongest tourist demand and the highest nightly rates on the island.
When is high season in Roatán?
Roughly December to April, when North American visitors escape winter.
Sources
- AirDNA: Short-term rental data: Roatán, Islas de la Bahía
- Revista E&N: Two of the world’s largest cruise ships arrive in Roatán (March 2025)
- FlightConnections: Direct flights to Roatán (RTB)
- The LatInvestor: Roatán Island real-estate market analysis, 2026
See what is for sale on Roatán
Homes, condos and land from island agencies, each linked to the agency that holds it.