Whether you are planning an adventurous escape or arriving on a cruise ship, we have the best guide for the top things to do in Roatan.
Roatan Honduras is a beautiful jewel in the Caribbean Sea. It sits just 40 miles off the mainland of Honduras. Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands.
It is the perfect island for anyone who loves exciting adventures like scuba diving, snorkeling, or soaking up the island vibes and gorgeous waters!
Its gorgeous waters make it the perfect trip for those wanting to tour the second-largest coral reef in the world.
If you are in the United States, you may or may not know that Roatan is surprisingly close. It is just 520 miles away from Key West, Florida.
Most travelers fly in from Miami or arrive on a cruise ship. Our first experience was aboard Virgin Voyages, and we adored our time in Roatan so much that we knew we had to return.
What are the Best Things to Do in Roatan?
This list has some of the best local things to do in Roatan, from relaxing on the beach, dive and see the Mesoamerican barrier reef, tasting traditional Roatan chocolate, or experiencing the night life at West Bay.
Let’s dive in!
1. Relax and Fun at Little French Key
Why do we put relaxing first? Traveling can be stressful, from airport anxiety to scheduling. Take a day or excursion to Little French Key. This wonderful area on the French Cay is a private island resort where you can lounge with a cocktail, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or venture around the island taking a shaded hike.
Whether you do this at the beginning or end of your visit to Roatan, it’s a must!
2. Taste Chocolate at the Roatan Chocolate Factory
Insert any Willy Wonka-themed quote here; we loved quoting Veruca Salt’s demanding, “I want it now!”
You can see how these handcrafted chocolates are made, taste some of the rich Roatan goodness, and shop for some chocolate to take along with you. Let’s be honest: purchasing it for someone else won’t make it home.
Roatan Chocolate Factory sources its cacao locally, so you get the real deal. Oh, and be sure you partake in the chocolate-infused drinks before heading out.
You can even take a tour that couples the Chocolate with visiting the Sloths!
3. Snorkel and Kayak the Barrier Reef
Take a kayak tour through the French Cay Harbor. Then, go snorkeling in the reef. You will soon learn why the Mesoamerican barrier reef is one of the top destinations for ocean lovers!
No worries if you didn’t bring any gear; the tour provides everything you need!
4. Scuba Dive Roatan
For those of you who are Scuba beginners, the Roatan Class Scuba Experience allows you to gain diving basics in one of the best diving destinations in Central America and beyond!
You gain some knowledge and get comfortable with the activity, then go open water dive, discovering the beautiful marine life and the reef.
For those who already have their certification, take the Certified Scuba Dive Excursion that gets you straight to what you love best!
5. Zipline in the Roatan Jungle
The zipline adventure includes visiting the Monkey and Sloth Sanctuary to meet some adorable wildlife. Who doesn’t love a sloth?!
You can then unwind at West Bay Tabyana Beach—all in one exciting tour. After getting up close with the local animals, you’ll have plenty of time to chill out and swim at the beautiful beach.
6. Experience the Roatan Nightlife
Being somewhere new may be a little intimidating, especially at night. You can experience the West End clubs and bars like Sundowners, Happy Harry’s, and Frank’s Cigar Bar with your own nightlife guided tour.
7. Visit Gumbalimba Park
Gumbalimba Park is a must for animal and nature lovers! The botanical gardens alone are worth the trip! It is a great way to experience the true beauty of Roatan and what it is known for.
It is on the West End, so if you are visiting from a cruise ship, you can book a private park tour. They will pick you up and then take you back to your destination.
8. Experience Camp Bay Beach
If you are staying in Roatan for a few days, you will want to rent a car and drive to Camp Bay Beach. Why? Camp Bay has some of the most beautiful turquoise water you have ever seen! It has a more secluded feel, but get there early. Parking can be an issue if you arrive later, so plan accordingly, but it is worth the visit.
Some locals take their ATVs to Camp Bay Beach! If you are visiting Roatan via cruise ship, it won’t be worth your time since it is a bit of a drive away. Plan to visit when you return to Roatan!
9. Take an ATV Tour of the Island
Speaking of ATV tours, one of the most fun ways to get to know the island is by ATV. You can rent one locally or take an ATV tour. This mode of transportation will allow you to experience the wildlife and the absolute lush offerings from Roatan.
10. Hydrobike Adventure
If you have never been on a hydrobike, then you are in for a treat! Roatan is the perfect place to hydrobike. There is so much to see by water and land, but hydrobiking around the island allows you to slow down and take things in while having one heck of an adventure!
11. Visit the Mangroves
The mangroves in Roatan are picturesque and allow for some postcard-like photos. There is a naturally occurring tunneling effect from the jungle trees that gives the mangroves shade without the swampy feel of many mangroves we have toured in other places.
If you are looking for a calm and serene adventure, the Mangroves Tunnel Tour is it!
12. Venture the Waters on a Glass Bottom Boat
If snorkeling or Scuba is not your thing, you can take a Glass Bottom Boat tour over the reef and see it on the dry side.
Because the Mesoamerican barrier reef is a bucket list must-see, this is a great way to see it and the marine life that depends on keeping it protected.
13. Do as the Dolphins Do with a Subwing
If you have ever wanted to feel like a sea mammal, you must try the subwing experience! It is like you are holding onto a fin while being pulled by a boat. Of course, we recommend you do this with a professional tour group. Check out this subwing video to get an idea of what we are talking about.
14. Walk Across the Exhilarating Suspension Bridges
You will feel like you are walking amongst the jungle trees with this suspension bridge experience. It is the best way to see the land life, like iguanas and tropical birds in their natural habitat. Better yet? You get to see it the way they do, alongside the forest canopy!
15. Enjoy Some Sandy Buns!
The best cinnamon buns you’ve ever tasted are Sandy Buns! Ok, it’s not what you think. They don’t have sand in or on them; they are made by Sandy at Sandy’s Buns. This gem is known for its cinnamon buns, but you can also grab an amazing breakfast burrito to start your day off right.
16. Enjoy a Spa Day at West Bay Lodge
Again, we highly encourage relaxation on any travel adventure. It is a great way to break up the travel excitement and any stress you have or had during your travels. Head to the Serenity Spa at West Bay Lodge. Not only are the services affordable, but they are indulgent, professional, and highly recommended by anyone you ask who is familiar with Roatan.
17. Bucketlist Bungalows
If you want some instagrammable moments, you must book an over-the-water bungalow for the day. It is truly a bucket list moment. The most popular place to do so is Turquoise Bay. They book fast, so plan ahead. If you are on a cruise ship, there may be the option to do it through your shore excursions like there was on Virgin Voyages. You will need to jump on this opportunity early, though. Once you experience it, you will see why it is a bucket list experience.
18. Drink Caribbean Brew
Roatan Island Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer lovers and anyone else who wants to dive into the true Caribbean culture of beer. You can visit for lunch and a beer or take a Brewery Tour where you get to taste their different brews and nosh along the way.
19. Eco-tour with Iguanas
Arch’s Iguana & Marine Park is so much fun! The park is a wildlife sanctuary where they protect the marine life on Roatan. We thought we had seen iguanas in our lifetime, but we quickly realized we hadn’t seen anything like the iguanas waiting for our visit in Arch’s Iguana Park. Don’t let this scare you off. We didn’t think we could love these adorable creatures until we interacted with them in person.
20. Watch the Sunset on a Sunset Cruise
If you think Roatan is lovely and lush during the day, wait until you see the sunset on the water. Do yourself a solid and take a sunset sail. There are plenty of charters that offer it. We recommend Roatan Sailing. You can enjoy cocktails, some light fare, and music while you take in the breathtaking colors of the Roatan sunset.
Know Before You Go to Roatan
- Don’t support unethical animal tours. We were saddened to see tigers in small spaces, randomly placed, not in a sanctuary. When we asked about the tigers, we were told, “They are here for you to see!” Like backyard dog breeders, the practices will stop if you don’t support them.
- Support ecotourism and eco-friendly businesses. Ecotourism and sustainable tourism are important to the island. Ask if the tours or activities you are interested in help the environment and not hurt it.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle. You can use this eco-friendly tote, Seagull Mini, to carry your items, including snacks. Use code ARNERADVENTURES25 to save 25% off sitewide with Out of the Woods.
- Roatan is not like the mainland Honduras. When we tell people how wonderful Roatan, Honduras is, we first hear the warnings about the danger. Much like Labadee, Haiti, Roatan lives by the tourists who visit the island, so their primary goal is to appease travelers and keep them coming back. They depend on tourists’ dollars that come onto the island, so they want to keep you safe. Be smart. Like any travel, you need to use common sense. Don’t walk around alone at night or go off the beaten path unless it is with a reputable tour group.
Enjoy the Beauty and Culture of Roatan, Honduras
If there is one thing we hope you take away from this blog post, it is that Roatan is worth the trip, the visit, the stop, and your time. Roatan, like many small Caribbean Islands, is very different from what you may have experienced where you live.
Do not judge the people of Roatan based on their differences. We firmly believe that travel makes us better humans. Open your mind and your heart to Roatan, and you will leave a better human.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Sloths are the best! They are NOT native to Roatan, but there is a “sloth sanctuary” on the island. Daniel’s Sloth Hangout has an excellent reputation and seems to treat the sloths well from what we have experienced.
Roatan is not like the mainland Honduras. Honduras is known for its crime rate, but as we mentioned in the blog post, Roatan is very dependent upon tourists and travelers’ spending dollars. Though it is part of Honduras, it is its own island. We have found it to be safe, but we recommend you practice traveling with common sense.
If you are not arriving on a ship and looking for the best places to stay in Roatan, the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort is our top pick.
