West Bay Beach
A long arc of pale sand at the western tip of the island, with calm turquoise water, beach bars and reef right off the shore. Roatán's most famous beach and the default day for a port visit.
Half a dayDetails →
Honduras
Roatán
Roatán is the largest of Honduras's Bay Islands, a long, narrow, green island that sits on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
Warm, clear water and healthy coral are the reason most people come, whether that means a snorkel stop at Turtle Crossing, a certified dive off the cruise port, or an afternoon on the pale sand of West Bay Beach. The island also holds sloth and monkey parks, a canopy zipline, private-island day passes, a botanical garden climbing a hillside, and the Garifuna village of Punta Gorda, the oldest permanent settlement on Roatán. This guide is built for week-long stays and for the many travelers on a cruise-port day stop at Mahogany Bay or Coxen Hole, with ten attractions, five hotels and two planning guides.
Don't miss
West Bay Beach
A long arc of pale sand at the western tip of the island, with calm turquoise water, beach bars and reef right off the shore. Roatán's most famous beach and the default day for a port visit.
West End Reef Snorkel by Boat
A private boat trip from West End Village to three snorkel stops on the Mesoamerican Reef: Turtle Crossing, the Aquarium and Blue Channel. The classic way to see Roatán's reef.
Gumbalimba Park and Beach
A beachfront wildlife and garden park near West Bay with macaws, parrots, capuchin monkeys, a freshwater pool and a beach pass. An easy, family-friendly mix of nature and sand.
Scuba Diving on the Roatán Reef
A half-day, two-dive excursion for certified divers, with gear and transport from the cruise port. Walls, wrecks and coral on the edge of the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
Things to do in Roatán
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
West End Reef Snorkel by Boat
A private boat trip from West End Village to three snorkel stops on the Mesoamerican Reef: Turtle Crossing, the Aquarium and Blue Channel. The classic way to see Roatán's reef.
Scuba Diving on the Roatán Reef
A half-day, two-dive excursion for certified divers, with gear and transport from the cruise port. Walls, wrecks and coral on the edge of the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
Gumbalimba Park and Beach
A beachfront wildlife and garden park near West Bay with macaws, parrots, capuchin monkeys, a freshwater pool and a beach pass. An easy, family-friendly mix of nature and sand.
Little French Key Private Island Day Pass
A small private island resort off the south coast with packages for snorkeling, kayaking and lounging, plus transfers from both cruise ports. A turnkey beach day with the logistics solved.
Maya Key Private Island Day Pass
A small private island a few minutes from the cruise piers, with two beaches, a freshwater pool, dock snorkeling and a wildlife center. Quick to reach and easy on a short stop.
Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences Dolphin Programs
Dolphin programs run by the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences at Anthony's Key Resort, from a short encounter to longer swims and courses. Read the details and decide what suits you.
Zip n Dip Canopy Tour
A guided zipline canopy course with a swim break and port pickup, rated 4.8 by nearly 380 travelers. Roatán's best-reviewed single-activity adrenaline outing.
Carambola Botanical Gardens and Nature Trails
Forest trails climbing Carambola Mountain through orchids, spice plants and fruit trees, with an iguana cliff and a summit view toward Utila. Roatán's green, shady counterpoint to the beach.
Punta Gorda Garifuna Village
The oldest permanent settlement on Roatán, founded in 1797 by Garifuna people. A slow, friendly village on the east side for culture, food and a sense of the island beyond the beaches.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort and Spa
West Bay
A new, luxury beachfront resort beside West Bay Beach with four restaurants, a spa and a beachside infinity pool. Roatán's modern splurge.
Check rates →Infinity Bay Spa and Beach Resort
West Bay
A big, beachfront West Bay resort with two pools, a spa, free breakfast and a free airport shuttle. A well-reviewed mid-range base for beach and reef.
Check rates →Mayan Princess Beach and Dive Resort
West Bay
An all-inclusive beach and dive resort on West Bay with four restaurants, two pools and diving and snorkeling included. A good fit for water lovers.
Check rates →Fantasy Island Beach Resort Dive and Marina
French Harbour
An all-inclusive resort on its own cay near French Harbour, with a marina, three pools and diving. A quieter, away-from-it-all option with mixed reviews.
Check rates →Posada Arco Iris
West End
A small, well-reviewed beachside inn in West End with apartments, cabins and an on-site grill. A budget-friendly base for divers and snorkelers.
Check rates →Roatán guides
First-Timer's Guide to Roatán: What to Book, How to Get Around and How Many Days
What to reserve ahead on Roatán, how to get around, how many days you need and how the reef trips, beaches and island sights fit together, including a cruise-port day.
Where to Stay in Roatán: West Bay, West End and French Harbour
Compare the main places to stay on Roatán, West Bay, West End and French Harbour, and match them to hotels for couples, families, divers and all-inclusive stays.
