Why Go to Roatán
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Roatan is barefoot island living with world-class reefs just offshore. The largest of Honduras' Bay Islands, about 40 miles long, sits on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, making it one of the best and most affordable places in the Caribbean to dive and snorkel.
Spend your days on the powdery white sand of West Bay Beach, where you can snorkel right from shore over colorful coral. Head to lively West End Village for dive shops, beach bars and casual restaurants, or explore the quieter East End, where you can kayak through mangrove tunnels. Zip-line through the jungle, meet sloths and monkeys at local sanctuaries and take a boat out to tiny cays.
Nonstop flights reach Roatan from Houston, Miami, Atlanta and other U.S. cities, and it's a popular Western Caribbean cruise stop. From the window, watch the bright blue shallows drop off into the deep reef. I'll find you a beachfront resort or villa and line up the dive, snorkel and island tours.
BEST FOR
Divers, snorkelers, cruise travelers, families and budget-savvy beach lovers
BEST MONTHS
March to June
EXPLORE
- West Bay: The island's top beach, lined with resorts.
- West End: A laid-back village of dive shops and bars.
- Sandy Bay: Quiet and popular with divers.
- Coxen Hole: The island's main town and cruise port.
- East End: Fishing villages, mangroves and Garífuna culture.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Roatán
North America › Central America › Honduras › Bay Islands
Reef diving, white-sand West Bay and Garífuna culture in the Bay Islands.
Beach & Resort
Diving
Snorkeling
Tropical
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Snorkel straight from West Bay's southern end, where the reef starts just steps off the sand. Visit early or late on cruise days for calmer water.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Arrive early on cruise days to secure loungers and a good snorkel spot.
West Bay Beach
Roatán's most famous beach, with soft white sand, calm turquoise water and coral reef just offshore.
Take the water taxi from West Bay for a fun ride between the two.
West End Village
A relaxed strip of dive shops, restaurants and bars along a sandy road, perfect for sunset drinks.
Book with a PADI-certified dive shop; beginners can earn their certification here.
Diving the Reef
Walls, wrecks and colorful coral make Roatán one of the Caribbean's best and most affordable dive destinations.
Pay the small marine park fee to support reef protection.
Roatán Marine Park
This nonprofit protects the island's reefs and offers education, moorings and conservation programs.
Go early to see the animals when they're most active.
Gumbalimba Park
A nature park with monkeys, macaws, gardens, caves and a zipline, popular with families.
A stylish, modern resort on West Bay Beach with pools, a spa and several restaurants.
Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa
West Bay
Hotel Tags
A beachfront resort with spacious condo-style suites, pools and a dive center.
Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort
West Bay
Hotel Tags
A family-friendly beachfront resort with suites, a pool and easy reef access.
Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort
West Bay
Hotel Tags
A legendary dive resort with cabins in the trees and over the water, plus a dolphin program.
Anthony's Key Resort
Sandy Bay
Hotel Tags
A luxurious resort with villas, golf and a beach club on the island's southern coast.
Pristine Bay Resort
French Cay Harbour
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Roatán
High 85°F · Low 77°F · Rain 14.5 in
Rainy, windy weather is common, but dive resorts remain open.
The best time to visit Roatán is March through June, when the weather is dry and sunny and the sea is calm. Winter can bring cooler, windy days with rain, while hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in September and October.
Best Times to Visit Roatán
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Roatán's food mixes Caribbean seafood, Honduran classics and Garífuna flavors.
- Seafood: Order grilled lobster, conch, fish tacos and coconut shrimp.
- Local favorites: Try baleadas, a Honduran flour tortilla stuffed with beans, cheese and cream.
- Must-try: Garífuna tapado (seafood coconut soup), fried plantains and a cold Salva Vida beer.
06
Rental Cars
Rental cars and scooters are useful for exploring the island's east side.
05
Taxis
Taxis are available everywhere, but agree on the fare first, as there are no meters.
04
Water Taxis
Water taxis run between West Bay and West End, a scenic and convenient way to travel.
03
Ferries
Ferries connect Roatán with La Ceiba on the mainland and the island of Utila.
02
Cruise Ports
Cruise ships dock at Mahogany Bay or the Port of Roatán in Coxen Hole, about 20 to 30 minutes from West Bay.
01
Flying In
Juan Manuel Gálvez International (RTB) has nonstop flights from several U.S. cities, as well as connections through San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.
Most travelers arrive by cruise ship or fly into Roatán's airport. Taxis are the easiest way to get around, water taxis connect West Bay and West End, and a rental car opens up the quieter east side of the island.
Getting Around Roatán
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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