Things to Do in Roatán: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Roatán is the largest of Honduras's Bay Islands, set on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-longest reef in the world. Its white beaches, laid-back West End village and some of the cheapest diving in the Caribbean draw divers, cruise passengers and beach lovers alike.
This guide covers the best things to do in Roatán, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with West Bay, Punta Gorda, Pigeon Cay and Utila, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Roatán
West Bay Beach
White sand and reef from shore.
West End
Village of bars and dive shops.
Mesoamerican Reef
Walls, wrecks and turtles.
Gumbalimba Park
Monkeys, parrots and gardens.
RIMS
Marine institute at Anthony's Key.
Punta Gorda
Oldest Garifuna town in Honduras.
Pigeon Cay
Tiny sandbar islands.
Utila
Neighboring island known for whale sharks.
Roatán in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · West Bay
Spend your first day at West Bay Beach, snorkeling straight from the sand over coral heads and colorful fish. Have lunch at a beach bar. In the afternoon relax in a hammock or take a glass-bottom boat ride. End the day with sunset and a seafood dinner in West End.
2Day 2 · Diving
Join a two-tank dive or a snorkeling boat trip to the walls and wrecks of the reef, where you may see turtles, eagle rays and moray eels. Have lunch in West End. In the afternoon take a water taxi back to West Bay and enjoy live music in the village in the evening.
3Day 3 · Wildlife and culture
Visit Gumbalimba Park for capuchin monkeys, parrots and a hanging bridge, then the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences at Anthony's Key. Have lunch nearby. In the afternoon drive to Punta Gorda for Garifuna culture, drumming and cassava bread, then return for dinner.
Roatán in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · East End
Explore the quieter east of the island by boat through the mangrove channels of Jonesville and Oak Ridge, stopping at a stilt restaurant for lunch. Swim at a secluded beach and return in the late afternoon.
5Day 5 · Pigeon Cay
Take a boat trip to Pigeon Cay, two tiny sandbars with shallow turquoise water near Utila, with snorkeling on the way. Lunch is often fresh fish on the cay. Return for a relaxed evening in West End.
Roatán in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Utila or adventure
Ferry to Utila for its backpacker village, dive sites and, in season, a chance of whale sharks, or stay on Roatán for zip-lining and a canopy tour. Have lunch on the island and return in the evening.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast by the sea, buy local crafts, coffee and hot sauce, and enjoy a final swim before lunch. Roatán's airport is about twenty minutes from West End, with flights to the United States and the Honduran mainland.
What to do in Roatán on a weekend
For a weekend in Roatán, combine West Bay, a snorkel trip and West End.
Add Gumbalimba and Punta Gorda with a third day.
What to do in Roatán in the evening
Evenings mean sunset bars in West End, beach bonfires, live music and grilled lobster.
Night dives are a local highlight.
Roatán for couples
Couples will enjoy a sunset catamaran, a dive together and a beachfront villa in West Bay.
Roatán with kids
With kids, try snorkeling from West Bay Beach, Gumbalimba Park, a glass-bottom boat and the dolphin center at Anthony's Key.
What to eat in Roatán
Baleadas
Flour tortillas with beans and cheese.
Coconut bread
Island favorite.
Lobster
Fresh in season.
Fried fish
Served with plantains.
Machuca
Garifuna fish soup with mashed plantain.
Where to stay in Roatán: best areas
West Bay
Beachfront resorts.
West End
Lively and walkable.
Sandy Bay
Quieter and central.
East End
Remote lodges.
What to do in Roatán when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Roatán Museum, a chocolate factory, a spa or do a dive, which is good in any weather.
How much does a trip to Roatán cost?
Expect $100–250 per night, $10–25 for lunch and about $90–120 for a two-tank dive.
Practical tips for Roatán
Best time to visit
March to August.
Getting around
Water taxis, island taxis and rental cars.
Our practical tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Bring US dollars and lempiras.
- Agree on taxi fares first.
- Avoid cruise-ship crowds at West Bay.
- Book dives with certified shops.
- Check the marine park fee.
Mistakes to avoid
- Touching coral.
- Walking alone at night in remote areas.
- Rainy season from October to January.
- Unlicensed tour boats.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Roatán?
Snorkel West Bay, dive the reef and visit West End.
How many days do you need?
Four days to a week.
Is Roatán good for diving?
Yes, it is one of the cheapest places to learn.
When is the best time?
March to August.