Roatán is the largest of Honduras’s Bay Islands, a long, hilly island in the Caribbean about 60 km (37 miles) off the north coast, ringed by the Mesoamerican Reef. Its reef starts just a few meters from the beach, so you can snorkel straight from the sand at West Bay or West End, and dive walls, wrecks and coral gardens a few minutes by boat from the dock. West Bay has the island’s most famous white-sand beach and resorts; West End is a laid-back village of dive shops, guesthouses and seafood restaurants on a sandy road; and the quieter east end has mangrove canals, fishing villages and the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda. English is the first language of many islanders, descendants of Caribbean and British settlers, and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Roatán is also one of the busiest cruise ports in the western Caribbean, and the whole island lies within the Bay Islands National Marine Park.
Right now in Roatán (West End)
- Tue 27–30°C 81–85°F 5 mm Partly cloudy
- Wed 27–30°C 80–85°F 5 mm Partly cloudy
- Thu 27–30°C 81–85°F 2 mm Partly cloudy
- Mon 12 Oct Columbus Day
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Holidays: Nager.Date
Top tours in Roatán
See all tours for Roatán →
From local operators, with prices and reviews; you check availability and book on Viator, our partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money
Roatán at a glance
- Best for: snorkeling from the beach, diving and dive courses, white-sand beaches, boat trips, and an easy, English-speaking island stay.
- How long: four or five nights for beaches and a few dives; a week or more for a dive course or a trip to Utila or Cayos Cochinos.
- Best time: February to August for the calmest seas and least rain; October to January is the rainiest period, with cold fronts and rough crossings.
- Getting there: direct flights from the United States to Roatán’s airport (RTB), domestic flights, or the Galaxy Wave ferry from La Ceiba.
- Before you go: entry rules, the CA-4 agreement and money are in our Honduras travel guide.
The island: where things are
West Bay
At the island’s western tip, a long white-sand beach with clear, calm water and coral right off the shore, lined with resorts, restaurants and beach clubs. It is the island’s showpiece and gets busy on cruise-ship days.
West End
A village a few kilometers north-east of West Bay, along a sandy road by the water, with dive shops, guesthouses, bars and restaurants, and the best snorkeling from the shore at Half Moon Bay. Water taxis and a road connect it with West Bay.
Sandy Bay
Between West End and Coxen Hole, a quieter, residential stretch with small hotels, dive resorts, the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences and the Carambola Botanical Gardens.
Coxen Hole and French Harbour
Coxen Hole is the island’s main town, with the government offices, banks, the cruise port and the airport nearby; French Harbour, further east, is a fishing port with supermarkets and some resorts.
The east end
Beyond French Harbour, the island becomes greener and wilder: Punta Gorda, the oldest Garifuna settlement in Honduras; Oak Ridge, a fishing village built around the water; mangrove channels; and Camp Bay Beach. The small island of Santa Elena and the Pigeon Cays lie off the far east end.
Top things to see in Roatán
The reef and the marine park
Roatán lies inside the Bay Islands National Marine Park, declared a marine protected area on June 10, 2010, which covers 647,153 ha of coral reef, seagrass, wetlands and beaches around Utila, Roatán, Santos Guardiola and Guanaja and is the largest marine protected area in Honduras, according to the Roatán Marine Park, the nonprofit that helps manage and patrol the reef. Dive shops usually collect a small marine park fee from divers; ask what is included. Don’t touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
West Bay Beach
A long, sheltered white-sand beach with calm, clear water; snorkel from the shore at the south end, where the reef comes close. Arrive early or visit on days without cruise ships to avoid the crowds.
Snorkeling at West End
Half Moon Bay at the north end of West End village has an easy entry and reef a short swim from the beach; the reef along the coast between West End and West Bay is also good. Watch for boat traffic, and use a buoy or go with a guide.
Diving
Roatán has dozens of dive sites on the wall that drops off just outside the reef, with coral, sponges, turtles, eagle rays and wrecks such as the El Aguila. Dive shops in West End and West Bay offer certification courses and fun dives; prices are among the lowest in the Caribbean. See our diving guide.
Punta Gorda and the island’s cultures
Roatán is a mix of peoples: English-speaking Afro-Caribbean islanders whose families came from the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, Spanish-speaking Hondurans from the mainland, foreign residents, and the Garifuna, descendants of West African and Indigenous Caribbean people who were deported by the British from St. Vincent and landed at Punta Gorda on Roatán’s north coast in 1797. The village celebrates the anniversary every April 12 with drumming, dancing and food, and visitors are welcome to watch traditional punta dancing and try Garifuna dishes at other times too. A visit here, combined with the stilt houses of Oak Ridge, shows a side of Roatán far from the resorts.
Other things to do in Roatán
- Boat trips and island-hopping: glass-bottom boats, sunset cruises, the east end’s mangrove canals, and day trips to Cayos Cochinos. See our boat trips guide.
- Snorkeling tours: to the reef off West Bay, Mary’s Place and the east end. See our snorkeling guide.
- Gardens and wildlife: the Carambola Botanical Gardens’ trail to a viewpoint, and parks with iguanas, sloths and parrots.
- Garifuna culture: visit Punta Gorda for traditional food, drumming and the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations on April 12.
- Fishing: flats fishing for bonefish and permit, and deep-sea fishing.
- Beaches beyond West Bay: Camp Bay and Paya Bay on the quieter east and north coasts. See our beaches guide.
Food and drink in Roatán
Island cooking is Caribbean, built on seafood and coconut. Look for coconut bread, sold warm by island bakers, conch soup (“conch chowder”) with coconut milk, green banana and cassava, and rice and beans with fried fish or chicken. The Garifuna kitchen adds machuca (mashed plantain with fish soup) and tapado, a rich seafood stew. Mainland Honduras supplies the everyday snack, the baleada, a flour tortilla folded over beans, cheese and cream, sold from stalls everywhere. A dish to try with a clear conscience is lionfish, an invasive species that eats reef fish; the marine park encourages divers and restaurants to catch and serve it.
West End has the most varied restaurants, from cheap baleada stalls and beach shacks to Thai, Italian, sushi and steak, and the liveliest bars along the sandy road; Friday and Saturday nights bring live music. West Bay’s beach clubs and resorts are pricier, and many resorts are all-inclusive. Supermarkets in French Harbour and Coxen Hole are useful for self-catering, but imported goods cost more than on the mainland. Drink a local Salva Vida or Port Royal beer, or a rum punch at sunset. Tap water on the island isn’t for drinking; most hotels supply purified water. Bills often add tax and a service charge, so check before tipping.
Day trips from Roatán
- Utila: the smaller, laid-back neighbor known for budget dive courses and whale sharks, reached by air or boat via La Ceiba.
- Cayos Cochinos: a marine reserve of small cays and Garifuna fishing villages between Roatán and the mainland, reached by boat tour.
- The mainland: with an early ferry to La Ceiba you can raft the Cangrejal River or hike in Pico Bonito National Park.
Nearby destinations
- Placencia208 km
- Caye Caulker228 km
- Ambergris Caye242 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), near Coxen Hole, has direct flights from US cities including Houston, Miami, Atlanta and Dallas, many on weekends only, and seasonal flights from Canada; check current schedules with airlines. Domestic flights link it with San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa (Palmerola), La Ceiba and Utila, and regional flights go to Belize City. The airport is about 15–20 minutes from West End and West Bay by taxi.
By ferry from La Ceiba
The Galaxy Wave ferry connects La Ceiba on the mainland with Roatán. According to the operator, it leaves La Ceiba at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Roatán at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. The crossing takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and can be rough, especially from October to January; take seasickness pills if you need them. Check in early, check large bags, and keep valuables with you. The UK government notes that there have been criminal attacks on visitors, including on the ferries to and from the mainland, so use official taxis to the terminals.
By cruise ship
Ships dock at Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay. Passengers of some nationalities that normally need a visa can go ashore on a “short pass” for the hours the ship is in port, according to the UK government.
Getting around the island
A main road runs along the island. Taxis are plentiful; agree on the fare first, and note that “colectivo” taxis pick up other passengers, while “privado” means a private ride. Minibuses run between Coxen Hole and West End and to the east end. Water taxis link West End and West Bay. Renting a car or scooter is possible, but avoid remote side roads, which can be poorly maintained and unsafe at night, according to the UK government.
When to go and how long to stay
Roatán is warm all year, with daytime temperatures of about 27–31 °C (81–88 °F) and the sea at about 27–29 °C (81–84 °F). Unlike mainland Honduras, the islands’ rainiest season usually runs from about October to January, when cold fronts from the north bring wind, rain and rough seas; February to August has the calmest seas and best visibility. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, and the UK government notes that Honduras’s hurricane season normally runs from May to November. Follow COPECO, the civil protection agency, if a storm approaches.
Roatán month by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds and prices | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Rainy spells; cold fronts, wind and rough seas | Busy early in the month | Diving between fronts |
| February | Drier; seas calming | High season | Diving, snorkeling, beaches |
| March | Dry and sunny; calm water | High season | The best visibility |
| April | Dry and sunny | Busy at Easter; Garifuna arrival celebrations on April 12 | Beaches, Punta Gorda |
| May | Hot and calm | Moderate | Diving, snorkeling |
| June | Hot, mostly calm, some showers | Moderate | Diving; lower prices |
| July | Hot and mostly calm | Busier with family vacations | Diving, family trips |
| August | Hot and calm; some showers | Moderate | Diving, whale sharks off Utila |
| September | Hot and humid; peak hurricane risk | Quiet; Independence Day on September 15 | Quiet stays |
| October | Rains begin; hurricane risk | Quiet | Deals |
| November | Rainy, with cold fronts | Quiet | Deals between fronts |
| December | Rainy, windy | Busy at Christmas and New Year | Holidays |
| Season | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| February–May | Dry and sunny; calm water; busy at Easter | Diving, snorkeling, beaches |
| June–August | Hot, mostly calm, some showers | Diving, family trips, lower prices |
| September–October | Hot and humid; peak hurricane risk; rains begin | Quiet stays |
| November–January | Rainiest; cold fronts, wind and rough seas; busy at Christmas | Holidays, deals between fronts |
4 days in Roatán
Day one, settle in at West End and snorkel Half Moon Bay. Day two, two morning dives or a snorkeling boat trip, then an afternoon on West Bay Beach. Day three, a tour of the east end’s Garifuna village, mangroves and Oak Ridge. Day four, beach time or a dive before you leave.
A week in Roatán
Add an open-water dive course, a day trip to Cayos Cochinos or Utila, the Carambola Gardens trail, and a sunset cruise.
Where to stay in Roatán and the hotel taxes
- West Bay: beachfront resorts and condos on the island’s best beach; the most expensive area.
- West End: guesthouses, small hotels and dive lodges in a walkable village with restaurants and nightlife.
- Sandy Bay: quieter dive resorts and rentals between West End and the airport.
- The east end: secluded lodges, private-island resorts and fishing villages, far from the crowds.
Hotel bills in Honduras carry 15% sales tax and a 4% tourism tax, about 19% in total; many Roatán hotels quote in US dollars before tax, so compare totals.
What a day in Roatán costs
Roatán is one of the cheapest places in the Caribbean to dive, but resort prices at West Bay are close to those in the United States. Most tourist prices are in US dollars, which are accepted almost everywhere; local shops and buses charge in lempiras. These are our estimates for 2026, not official prices, converted at about L26.9 to US$1, the rate published by the Central American Monetary Council in early October 2026; hotels add about 19% in taxes.
| Item | Lempiras (L) | About (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Baleada at a stall | L30–70 | US$1–2.60 |
| Lunch plate at a local restaurant | L200–350 | US$7.50–13 |
| Dinner at a West End restaurant | L540–1,080 | US$20–40 |
| Local beer at a bar | L60–110 | US$2.20–4 |
| Minibus, Coxen Hole to West End | L30–60 | US$1–2.20 |
| Water taxi, West End to West Bay | L110–190 | US$4–7 |
| Two-tank boat dive | L2,150–2,950 | US$80–110 |
| Open-water certification course | L9,400–13,500 | US$350–500 |
| Dive-lodge or guesthouse double room | L1,600–3,200 | US$60–120 |
| Beach resort double room at West Bay | L4,000–8,000+ | US$150–300+ |
Budget travelers and divers staying in West End can get by on about US$50 to US$80 (L1,350–2,150) a day before diving; a mid-range West Bay stay with restaurant meals and two dives a day is closer to US$250 to US$350 (L6,700–9,400) per person.
Practical tips for Roatán
- Money: US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and change may come in lempiras (about L26.89 to US$1 in October 2026). Ask your hotel which ATMs to use, as the UK government advises; machines in banks and shopping centers are safest.
- Cruise days: West Bay and popular tours are busiest when several ships are in port; check the port schedule and plan beach days around it.
- Sandflies: they bite on some beaches at dusk and dawn; bring repellent.
- Water: drink bottled or filtered water.
- Diving safety: choose a reputable dive shop; Roatán has a hyperbaric chamber, but emergency medical facilities on the islands are extremely limited, according to the UK government, so buy insurance that covers diving and evacuation.
- Safety: petty theft occurs; keep valuables locked away, avoid isolated beaches after dark, and use a reputable guide for excursions. For emergencies, call 911.
What to pack for Roatán
Bring swimwear, a rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, sandals and water shoes, light clothes, insect repellent effective against sandflies, a light rain jacket from October to January, a dry bag, seasickness tablets for the ferry, your dive certification card and logbook, and US dollars in small notes. Plugs are the US type.
Roatán travel FAQ
How do I get to Roatán?
By direct flight from the United States, by domestic flight from San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa or La Ceiba, or by the Galaxy Wave ferry from La Ceiba, which runs twice a day.
What time does the ferry leave La Ceiba for Roatán?
At 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and from Roatán to La Ceiba at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., according to the operator.
Can you snorkel from the beach in Roatán?
Yes. West Bay and Half Moon Bay in West End have reef within a short swim of the beach.
Is Roatán good for learning to dive?
Yes. It has many dive shops offering certification courses at some of the lowest prices in the Caribbean.
When is the best time to visit Roatán?
February to August, when the sea is calmest. October to January is the rainiest period, with cold fronts.
Do I need lempiras in Roatán?
Not really. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, though change may be in lempiras.
Is Roatán safe?
The Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras. Watch for petty theft, avoid isolated beaches at night, and use official taxis and reputable guides.
What food should I try in Roatán?
Coconut bread, conch soup, rice and beans with fried fish, Garifuna machuca and tapado, baleadas from street stalls, and lionfish, an invasive reef species that restaurants serve to help protect the reef.
How much does a day in Roatán cost?
By our estimates, about US$50 to US$80 a day on a budget before diving, and US$250 to US$350 mid-range at West Bay with two dives. A two-tank dive costs about US$80 to US$110.
What is Punta Gorda in Roatán?
The oldest Garifuna settlement in Honduras, on the island’s north coast, where Garifuna people landed in 1797. It celebrates the anniversary every April 12 with drumming, dancing and traditional food.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. The Bay Islands National Marine Park’s date, size and municipalities: the Roatán Marine Park; ferry times and the La Ceiba terminal: Galaxy Wave (operator); the lempira rate: the Executive Secretariat of the Central American Monetary Council (SECMCA); hurricane season: NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; the Honduran hurricane season, cruise short passes, ATM advice, ferry and road safety, the hyperbaric chamber, limited medical facilities and emergency number: the UK government; Roatán’s airport: the Honduran Institute of Tourism. The island’s size, areas, dive sites, the El Aguila wreck, Punta Gorda’s history and Garifuna Settlement Day, the ferry crossing time, US flight routes, taxi times, temperatures, island seasons, hotel taxes and the marine park fee for divers come from secondary sources or general knowledge and are flagged for checking. Prices change, so check with operators before you go. For entry rules and money, see our Honduras travel guide. Punta Gorda’s history and celebration, the food notes, the lionfish program, the month-by-month table and the daily costs come from general knowledge or our own estimates and are flagged for checking.
Plan your trip
Partner links: TravelerCenter may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
🇪🇸 Useful Spanish phrases for Roatán
All 38 Spanish phrases: restaurant, hotel, emergencies, romance (printable) →