It is located on the southern edge of the Caribbean, forming part of the south eastern boundary of the Gulf of Honduras.

Every year, on the third or fourth Saturday of May, the city holds its famous carnival to commemorate Isidore the Laborer (Spanish San Isidro Labrador).

Over time, more and more people from present-day Honduras (especially the departments of Olancho and Santa Barbara), and from around the world settled in La Ceiba.

Due to its northerly aspect, there is a peak between October and February when the trade winds are strongest and extreme orographic rainfalls occur.

The average annual rainfall is about 3,200 millimetres (130 in), making it one of the wettest cities in Central America, second only to Colón, Panama among urbanised areas with more than 100,000 people.

Since its development in the late 20th century, the La Ceiba seaport has played an ever-increasing role in the economy of the city.

Known as the La Ceiba Shipyard, this company offers a complete group of marine services for all types of seagoing vessels.

Among the largest is Escuela Francisco Morazán along Avenida San Isidro, which is considered the main street of the city.

La Ceiba has long been known as the tourism capital of Honduras, due to its proximity to the beach, active night life, and a variety of parks and recreational areas in and around the city.

This park's most recognised feature, Pico Bonito on the Nombre de Dios mountain range, is 2435 meters high and provides a back drop for the city.

The busiest tourist season by far is the week leading up to the internationally renowned "Gran Carnaval Internacional de La Ceiba" which is a citywide celebration in honour of the city's patron saint, St. Isidore (San Isidro).

On Saturday afternoon the big parade with elaborate floats takes place along Avenida San Isidro, the city's main thoroughfare.

After the parade, the locals and tourists all have a celebration along that same road, where stands sell food, beer, drinks, and souvenirs.

There were trains running through La Ceiba to bring the bananas from the plantations but they are not active any longer although traces of the old railroad tracks can still be seen.

From one sector to the next, the cost is an additional 10 Lempira ($.40) The pier to the east of the city offers transportation via ferry to 2 of the 3 major islands that make up Islas de la Bahia; Roatan and Utila.

La Ceiba is the home of two clubs of the top division of the Honduran National Professional Football League, Vida and Victoria.