island guide
Welcome to Roatán! We’re excited to meet you and your loved ones. Below you’ll find a list of the best restaurants, beaches, coffee shops, excursions, and activities around the island. Since Roatán is a popular destination year-round, book your excursions and services in advance to ensure availability.
About Roatán:
Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands, located off the northern coast of Honduras. Known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, it’s a top destination for scuba diving. The island spans 31 miles long and 5 miles wide, with a mix of locals and expatriates. Spanish is the official language, though English is widely spoken. Both the Honduran lempira and US dollars are accepted. With a tropical climate and warm weather year-round, Roatán is the perfect place to relax and explore!
BEST BEACHES
West End – Restaurants, Hotels, Resorts, and Dive Shops located all over the road right on the sand. It is a busy beach, always people on it, and lots to do within walking distance. The water over at the West End has a lot of sea grass.
West Bay – Clear water, resorts and boutique hotels surround the beach area with boat excursions, jet skis, and many things to do. The water is crystal clear.
Camp Bay Beach – Far out on the East End of the Island, you need a 4×4 vehicle with clearance to get out that way. Its a long stretch of beach, typically quiet, not much around.
SNORKELING
West Bay – Famous for its clear, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, just a short swim from the beach at the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa.
Half Moon Bay – Located in the West End is easily accessible right off the sand, with vibrant reef life and colorful fish. Many visitors enjoy snorkeling here both during the day and at night for a truly unique underwater experience.
HIKES
Port Royal Wildlife Refuge – Several easy to moderate hiking trails with spectacular overlooks and views (open to the public)
BOTANICAL GARDENS & Parks
Carambola Botanical Gardens – Located in Sandy Bay The 100% natural 40 acres of the Carambola Botanical Gardens and their many jungle trails offer a perfect place for hiking, wildlife and scenic photography, eco tours, and bird watching. Look out for the monkeys!
Gumbalina Park – Located in the West Bay – 7 days a week 830am-4pm – Entrance Fee is $35-$42 per person. There are monkeys, hiking trails, suspension bridges, over 200 species of plants and trees, parrots, a pool, and the park is located on the beach.
excursions
Daniel Johnsons Monkey & Sloth Hangout – Hangout with the monkeys and sloths – $12 per person – Open 9am-3pm Monday-Saturday
Pigeon Cay – Swim with the nurse sharks -These tours offer guided experiences in warm, shallow waters where you can observe and interact with nurse sharks. While they are known to be non-aggressive, they should always be treated with care and respect.
Punta Gorda – The Garifuna Cultural Center is a vibrant place to experience the traditions of the Garifuna people, the island’s first settlers. Visitors can enjoy drumming, dancing, storytelling, and even try traditional foods like cassava bread and hudut. It’s a chance to connect with local history and culture in an authentic, hands-on way.
COFFEE SPOTS
West Bay & West End Area: The Lounge, Ru-A-Tan Coffee, Cafe Rubio, Sandy Buns
Sandy Bay Area: Cafe314, Roatan Coffee Roasters
East End: Gileis, Diamond Hill Bistro
BEST cocktails
Local favorite MUST have drink: Monkey LaLa (order it anywhere)
Overall best cocktails: The Lounge, Bodega 22 at Macaw Market, La Terraza, and Stowaway Gastrobar
BREWERIES
Roatan Brewing Company
BEST RESTAURANTS
West Bay & West End Area: C Level Pizza, Creole Rotisserie Chicken, The Lounge, Lily Pond Restaurant, Sea Salt, Gingers, Sandy Buns, Mila Del Mar, Pazzos Italian Resturant
Dixon Cove/French Harbour Area: Herbys, Prime 504, Wikked, Snappers Seafood Resturant, Restaurant by Andree’
East End Area: Cal’s, Hole in the Wall, Bella’s Place, Garabalis, La Champa, Jerkiness Place, Tricos
