My Plan In Roatan, Honduras

Roatan is an island in the Caribbean, located about 65 kilometers off the Northern coast of Honduras. It is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras. The airport on Roatan, the Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (code RTB), receives flights throughout the year from both domestic and international airlines.

Roatan is home to pristine white sandy beaches, tropical jungle covered hills, a diverse reef ecosystem, and Caribbean charm. West End is the tourist hub of Roatan where you will find restaurants, bars, dive centers, and gift shops. West End Village is a mile long strip within the northwestern coast consisting of a paved road lined with shops and small hotels. Half Moon Bay is the largest stretch of beach with a few commercial properties and great sunsets.

West End Vs. West Bay

West End consists of the West End Village and a more down to earth backpacker vibe. There are tons of cheaper dining options and tours available at the West End. The reef starts 200 yards off the beach at the West End with no set snorkeling area. West Bay is a mile long beach full of soft white sand and a more luxury hotel vibe. The reef on West Bay Beach starts 20 yards off the beach. West Bay has a specific snorkel area without boat traffic.

Bananarama Dive & Beach Resort

Bananarama Dive & Beach Resort is a family-friendly resort located on West Bay Beach. They offer private cabanas, 2 bedroom apartments, 2 story beach villas, duplex and 4-plex buildings and modern condos. A PADI 5 star dive center is located on site with 4 boats available to guests. There are 3 on site restaurants: Pizzarama, The Thirsty Turtle (beach bar and grill), and the Vintage Pearl Restaurant and Wine Cellar (finer dining and wine). The Bananarama holds family friendly activities each night including movie night, music trivia, live music, karaoke, crab races, fire dances and more….

Bananarama participates in “Pack for a Purpose” which works with the local community to assist in school and medical needs. Click HERE to find out what projects and supplies are needed in Roatan.

The East End: Marble Hill Farms

The island of Roatan is 32 miles long and 2 miles wide, making it easy to visit both ends in one trip. The East end of Roatan is more authentic living and allows you to escape the tourist scene. You will find cows, horses, island farmers selling crops along with lobster, fish and shrimp boats moored off the beach. Electricity didn’t even reach the east end until 2009!

Marble Hill Farms, named after the marble stone scattered throughout, is a 30 acre property on the East end. Choose between modern king size rooms, a 2 bedroom bangalow, dorm style rooms with shared bathrooms, or cabin style rooms with queen beds and private bathrooms on the water.

Tropical Island Divers operates 2 dive boats from the property with exclusive access to seldom visited sites. Deep sea fishing is available with the option to have the restaurant at Marble Hill Farms cook it for you upon returning. Included in your stay are snorkle, masks, kayaks and stand up paddle boards!! So grab some gear and find cool creatures!

Things To Do In Roatan:

Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hang Out

This is a small family run animal sanctuary. Most of the animals come from local people who can no longer care for the animals. A guide will walk you around the sanctuary sharing the story of each animals journey to the “hang out”. You will have the opportunity to be hands on with sloths, macaws, and monkeys!

SNORKEL!!

The Mesoamerican Reef lies within the Caribbean Sea along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. This is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, stretching 700 miles. Tourism is a rapidly growing industry in places surrounding the Mesoamerican Reef. Tourism brings many positive opportunities for sustainable development IF it is done in a responsible way. Make sure you choose tours guides that have the reefs safety in mind.

Island Diving Center and Scuba School is a well known business for scuba and snorkeling trips in the area.

Roatan Eco Tour is a family owned company that specializes in snorkeling tours. They can create custom tours to meet your needs.

It is helpful to bring your own snorkeling gear with you. There is so much to see from almost any beach in Roatan.

Little French Key Island

You can take a 5-10 minute boat ride to Little French Key Island. The awesome little island is home to beach chillaxin, snorkeling, kayaking and a mini zoo. A guide will take you out to some great snorkeling spots. At the mini zoo you will be up close and personal with monkeys, birds and JAGUARS!

Starfish Alley

In less than 3 feet of water between West End and West Bay is Starfish Alley. Caribbean cushion stars can be found by the dozens. This is accessible by beach which makes it an easy and memorable stop with kids.

Check out Snorkeling Report for detailed directions to Starfish Alley.

Do not buy conch, it’s 100% illegal to catch anywhere in Roatan, along with lobsters under 5.5 inch tails. Be mindful of the lobster and shrimp season (if the season is open) as well. There are swim with dolphin programs available in Roatan. Watch The Cove before you make the decision to purchase tickets to this.

Check out My Packing Essentials to help you pack for this trip.