15 Best Things To Do In Roatan According To Locals

Roatan Island is a Caribbean paradise about 45 miles off the coast of Honduras. A frequent stop for many luxury cruise ships, Roatan offers visitors a captivating blend of pristine beaches, rich culture, and thrilling adventures.

Roatan has grown in popularity over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. Despite its crystal clear waters and powdery sands, Roatan is a surprisingly affordable island destination that caters to both luxury seekers and backpackers alike.

So if you’re contemplating a Caribbean getaway that’s off the beaten path, look no further.

Here are 15 exciting reasons to visit Roatan on your next vacation.

1. Stay in Half Moon Bay

The majority of visitors to Roatan, Honduras, make Half Moon Bay their base during their stay. It is walking distance from the cruise port and many of the attraction and is also home to most of the top hotel, restaurant and beach club options on Roatán Island.

If you’re keen on snorkeling or diving, the dive shops in the bay have all the dive and snorkelling equipment you need and can also arrange a day trip to take you to the best spots. If you prefer lounging on the beach, the soft sands of Half Moon Bay are perfect for working on your tan, and there are beach chairs, paddle boarding and other activities right on the beach.

The bayis also where you will find most of the tour operators where you can book boat tours, a cruise excursion or even an ATV tour around the entire island. The ATV island tour was one of the most enjoyable activities I did in Roatan and my tour guide was full of fun and interesting stories.

2. Go Scuba Diving

Roatan, Honduras is truly a diver’s paradise! Roatan is cradled by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest barrier reef, offering an underwater spectacle like no other. The coral formations here are absolutely breathtaking and there is a hugely diverse range of life from sea turtles to rays to countless species of fish.

Many of the best dive sites including Anthony’s Key Resort and the mesmerizing caverns of Mary’s Place have their own dive shop closeby, and you can also hire a guide to help you scuba dive the secret spots.

For those seeking an otherworldly underwater adventure, a “string of pearl” night dive is a must! As you slowly sway beneath the waves, the waters around you suddenly light up like strings of pearls. The guides explained that it is from microscopic ostracods which glow to attract a mate.

For what it’s worth, Scuba Jay will tell you that Roatan is one of the best – if not the best – places to go scuba diving in all of Honduras.

3. Get Close to Wildlife at Gumbalimba Park

For a delightful encounter with Roatan’s wildlife, Gumbalimba Park is the place to be. This animal sanctuary is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with monkeys by walking the monkey trail canopy which winds around the tops of the trees. These playful primates are used to humans so they will come right up to check you out. Just be careful because they are infamous for stealing sunglasses, wallets, and anything else they can get their hands on!

4. Hit the Beach

Roatan’s beaches, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are perfect for relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. Two of the most popular are West Bay Beach and Camp Bay Beach.

West Bay Beach

Often voted number one on the list of best beaches in Roatan, West Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited. Accessible via a short water taxi from West End (see below), West Bay has powdery white sands, azure waters, and charming palm trees shielding the beach.

West Bay Beach is also home to some of the best beach clubs on Roatan where you can sit back in your beach chair, cocktail in hand, and enjoy the ocean breeze. If you’re looking for a bit more activity, there is horseback riding and excellent snorkeling on the beach with snorkeling equipment available in every beach club.

Camp Bay Beach

For those willing to venture a bit further, a few hours drive to the East Side of Roatan brings you to Camp Bay Beach. Less frequented by tourists, this beach offers a more secluded experience, and is one of the true secret gems of Roatan. Honduras locals usually visit this beach to avoid the cruise ship tourists so there are lots of local Roatan food stands dotted around.

5. Hop a Boat to Little French Key

A slice of paradise located just off Roatan’s coast, Little French Key is a private island retreat that looks like a Caribbean postcard. After a short boat trip from the harbor near the main cruise port, you will be greeted by soft white sands and crystal-clear waters that shimmer in varying shades of blue and green.

The island offers a plethora of activities from horseback riding along the shoreline to paddleboarding on the calm waters. The surrounding coral reefs offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities and you can hire snorkeling gear all along the beach.

After a day of adventure, nothing beats relaxing at a Little French Key cabana. Sip a tropical cocktail and let the gentle sea breeze whisk away all your worries before heading back to Roatan.

6. Lose Yourself in Carambola Gardens

Situated in Sandy Bay, Carambola Gardens offer visitors a serene escape into Roatan’s natural beauty. These botanical gardens showcase a rich array of tropical flora, from vibrant flowers to towering trees, all thriving in the island’s lush tropical forest.

The 40-acre botanical garden also has a number of jungle trails and a small mountain trail which takes around 30 minutes. It is pretty easy going and you will spot loads of butterflies and free-flying exotic birds as you stroll along.

7. Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour of the Reef

Discover the wonders of the underwater world without getting wet! Glass bottom boat tours offer an incredible opportunity to witness the vibrant underwater life and stunning coral formations of Roatan’s surrounding waters, all from the comfort of a boat.

Available from all the main tour shops and as part if most cruise boat itineraries, the glass bottom tours are definitely a highlight of every Roatan trip. We saw schools of colorful fish dart between corals, stingrays and a couple of huge turtles which swam right under the boat.

8. Cuddle a Sloth at Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout

One of Roatan’s hidden gems, Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout, offers an up-close and personal experience with some of the island’s most adorable (and laziest) creatures.

When we arrived the friendly staff introduced us to the various animals housed in the sanctuary, including capuchin monkeys, parrots, and of course, the famous sloths. All of these creatures have been rescued or are part of conservation efforts to ensure their survival and well-being.

The staff provided educational information about each animal, their habitats, and the conservation challenges they face, and then everyone had the chance to take their very own sloth selfie! A really nice day out, particularly for the kids.

9. Dive into History at Mayatlantis, Little French Key

Take a plunge into Roatan’s rich history, but not as you’d expect. Mayatlantis is not just an ordinary museum; it’s a scenic underwater museum and marine park that offers a unique blend of history, art, and underwater life. I have been scuba diving and snorkeling all over the world but have never experienced anything quite like Mayatlantis.

As you dive or snorkel through the underwater exhibits, you’ll encounter life-sized statues and sculptures representing figures and scenes from the Mayan civilization. These submerged artifacts not only give insight into the ancient Mayan culture but also serve as artificial reefs, providing habitats for a huge range of fish and other creatures.

10. Visit Punta Gorda

If you want to explore the authentic heart of Roatan, then take a trip to Punta Gorda, one of the island’s oldest communities. This tranquil seaside town offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that provides a stark contrast to the more touristy parts of the island.

I spent a wonderful afternoon wandering the streets and meeting the locals from the Garifuna community, an Afro-Caribbean ethnic group with a rich history on the island. Their vibrant culture is evident in their music, dance, and traditional crafts, which you’ll have the opportunity to experience firsthand.

The coastline offers rustic beaches where you can relax without the crowds, and the local eateries serve up delicious traditional dishes that you won’t find in the more commercial areas of Roatan.

11. Tour the Roatan Chocolate Factory

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! A visit to the Roatan Chocolate Factory is a delightful journey into the world of cacao and the art of chocolate-making. Located in the bustling heart of West End, the Roatan Chocolate Factory offers a comprehensive look into the rich tradition of chocolate production in Central America.

But the tour isn’t just educational; it’s also delicious! We felt just like Charlie in Willy Wonka’s factory sampling all the various chocolates, each with its unique blend of flavors and profiles. Don’t forget to pick up a bar or two (or ten!) from their store as a sweet memento of your trip or as gifts for friends and family back home.

12. Take a Mangrove Tour

Roatan boasts a complex ecosystem that includes some of the most beautiful and important mangroves in the region. These intricate networks of water channels and trees play a crucial role in preserving the local environment, acting as natural barriers against storm surges and providing habitats for numerous species.

Navigating the dense maze of mangroves is an adventure in itself which you can do yourself by kayak or paddleboard or take a guided tour. As you venture deeper into the mangroves, the sounds of the outside world fade away, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional splash of water creatures. Idyllic!

13. Learn to Spear Lionfish

Lionfish is a tropical invasive animal that has caused countless damage on the reef for many years. To help combat this, Honduras allows lionfish spearfishing on Roatan and other places where the species is causing environmental issues. You have to do it with a licensed company (you can find one online or at the tour shops on the island) but it is a great way to give back to the island.

14. Check out the Nightlife Scene in the West End

When the sun sets over Roatan, the island comes alive, especially in the vibrant West End. Known for its bustling Roatan nightlife, the West End offers a mix of laid-back beach bars, pulsating dance clubs, and cozy live music venues.

For those looking to relax and unwind, beachfront bars offer a serene atmosphere with the backdrop of the moonlit Aegean Sea while strolling along the main strip and you’ll be greeted by the sounds of reggae, salsa, and everything in between from the open bars. If you’re a fan of dancing, numerous spots also offer salsa nights where you can dance the night away or learn a few moves from the locals.

15. Take a Boat Ride to The Other Bay Islands

While Roatan is the most renowned of the Bay Islands, it’s just one gem in a sparkling set. A short boat ride from Roatan will take you to the other islands, each set in the shimmering Caribbean Sea and boasting its own unique charm.

Utila, for instance, is a diver’s paradise. With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, it’s a perfect spot for both novice and experienced divers.

Guanaja presents a more rugged landscape with dense forests, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. It’s an ideal destination for hiking, exploring, and indulging in the island’s local cuisine.

Exploring these lesser-known islands can give you a deeper understanding of the region’s diversity and the rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and traditions that the Bay Islands offer.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Roatan

With its beautiful beaches, azure waters, and vibrant local culture, visiting Roatan is a tropical dream come true!

Beyond its sandy shores, the island unveils a world teeming with adventures, from the depths of its marine sanctuaries to the heart of its dense forests. Whether you visit Roatan on a cruise or plan an extended stay, you will be absolutely captivated by this enchanting island.

Dive into its incredible culture, immerse yourself in its natural beauty, and enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun goes down.

What could be better than that?

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“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay