Get your snorkel and grab your fins – We’re going to an awesome snorkeling destination! It is the Roatan Island of Honduras! Roatan is a true Caribbean gem and paradise for ocean lovers. It’s no wonder Roatan is considered one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world. Roatan Snorkeling can amaze anyone with the diversity of colorful fish and marine life thriving in the healthy coral reefs of the island.
A place once known for its connection to the pirate era and the indigenous Paya people. A place known for it’s rich cultural heritage influenced by the Garifuna, Afro-Caribbean, and Indigenous communities. That same place is now worldwide famous for it’s stunning natural beauty, rich marine biodiversity, and tons of amazing snorkeling spots. We have picked the 8 Best spots chosen by expert divers, snorkelers, dive shops and locals. This guide will provide everything you need to plan an unforgettable Roatan snorkeling trip.
Roatan Overview
Roatan is one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, along with Útila and Guanaja. It lies around 30 miles north of Honduras in the western Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Roatan is approx. 40 miles long and 5 miles wide at its widest point. It has a total land area of about 58 square miles. Spanish is the official language of Honduras. However English is widely spoken in Roatan due to its historical connection with the British Empire. Roatan has a rich history connected to pirates. During 17th and 18th centuries the island was a popular hideout for pirates and buccaneers.
Why to chose Roatan Snorkeling
If you’re looking for an unforgettable snorkeling destination, Roatan is the place to be. Roatan is worldwide renowned as a world-class diving & snorkeling destination. Snorkelers can choose from shallow reefs perfect for beginners to deeper reef walls for more advanced adventures. Although there are number of reasons to chose Roatan snorkeling but we are quoting few below:
- The Mesoamerican Reef lies in the Caribbean Sea and shared by four Countries- Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Roatan Island lies on the Southernmost tip of Mesoamerican Reef.
- According to Coral Reef Alliance– Roatan is home to one of the last remaining healthy patches of staghorn coral, a keystone coral species, in the Mesoamerican region. This reef system has more than 65 species of stony corals, 500 species of fish and numerous species of turtles, mollusks and algae.
- Roatan Marine Park– A community-based, non-profit organization work closely with communities to provide education, training and improve the conservation of marine ecosystems and associated species.
- Roatan provides a safe and controlled environment for snorkelers. The majority of snorkeling spots are located within protected marine areas.
- Roatan enjoys a tropical climate, which means that snorkeling is possible year-round. The water temperature remains warm and comfortable, ranging from around 78-84°F (25-29°C) throughout the year.
- Many tour operators and resorts on the island offer guided snorkeling excursions. You can find many dive shops around the island who provide well fitting snorkeling gear on rent.
How to get to Roatan
- By Air:
- Fly to Roatan’s international airport: You can book a direct flight to Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) on Roatan from several major cities in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Several airlines operate regular flights to Roatan, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air Canada.
- Fly to mainland Honduras and take a domestic flight: If there are no direct flights to Roatan from your location, you can fly to one of the main airports in mainland Honduras, such as Toncontín International Airport (TGU) in Tegucigalpa or Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Roatan.
- By Sea:
- Cruise ship: Roatan is a popular destination for cruise ships, and many major cruise lines include it as a port of call. If you’re on a Caribbean cruise, check if Roatan is on your itinerary. Major cruise ships are-Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises etc
Roatan weather
Roatan has a tropical climate having warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season.
- The wet season in Roatan typically runs from May to November. During this time, you can expect frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, often in the form of short heavy downpours. The humidity is high, and temperatures range from the 70-80 degree Fahrenheit (20-30 Celsius). It’s important to know that hurricanes and tropical storms are possible in the Caribbean during the wet season. The peak time of hurricane season is between August to October.
- The dry season in Roatan usually lasts from December to April. This period has less rainfall and lower humidity. The temperatures remain warm with 80-90 degree Fahrenheit (around 30 degrees Celsius). The dry season is generally the peak tourist season on the island due to more sunshine and less rain.
- The best time for Roatan snorkeling is during the dry season, which typically spans from December to April. During this period, the weather is generally more stable, with lower chances of rain and storms. The waters are clearer, calmer, and offer better visibility for snorkeling.
Roatan Map
Where to stay in Roatan
- Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort: Located on West Bay Beach, Infinity Bay offers a private beach area with a coral reef just a short swim away. Snorkelers can explore the vibrant marine life right off the resort’s shore. The resort provides snorkeling gear and has a dive shop on-site.
- Anthony’s Key Resort: Situated in Sandy Bay, Anthony’s Key Resort offers a unique experience with its dolphin encounters and snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs.
- Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort: located on the West Bay Beach, This resort features a beautiful stretch of white sand and a nearby reef for snorkeling. The resort provides snorkeling gear and has a dive center where you can arrange snorkeling excursions.
- Las Verandas Hotel & Villas: Located in Pristine Bay, It offers access to the Roatan Reef System, a protected marine area. Snorkelers can explore the reef’s diverse marine life just steps away from the resort. The hotel can arrange snorkeling trips and equipment rental.
- Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Dive & Marina: Situated on a private island in French Harbour, this resort offers snorkeling opportunities at its house reef.
Roatan Snorkeling Tours
Here are some popular Roatan snorkeling tour operators in Honduras that are often recommended by visitors:
- West Bay Tours: West Bay Tours offers various snorkeling tours in the West Bay area, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. They provide guided snorkeling excursions that take you to different snorkeling sites, including the famous West Bay Beach.
- Roatán Ocean Adventures: Roatán Ocean Adventures offers a range of water activities, including snorkeling tours. They provide guided excursions to various snorkeling spots around Roatán, allowing you to explore the colorful reefs and encounter tropical fish and other marine creatures.
- Clearwater Adventures: Clearwater Adventures offers snorkeling and diving trips in Roatán. They provide guided snorkeling tours to different sites, aiming to provide a memorable and educational experience in the underwater world.
Roatan Snorkeling Spots
1. West Bay Beach
Location: West Bay, Roatan
- West Bay Beach is easily accessible, located on the west side of Roatan. If you’re staying at a resort in West Bay, you can simply walk from your accommodation to the beach.
- West Bay Beach is one of the most popular sites of snorkeling in Caribbean.
- This white sandy beach of of the West Bay is an ideal spot for beginner snorkelers as the water is very calm and shallow here.
- The beautiful coral reefs are near the shore with perfect visibility. So you can start snorkeling right from the shore. No private tour needed.
- Get into the water from the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort at the far left of the beach for a good snorkeling.
- For better snorkeling take a boat and go farther into deeper areas for denser reefs and more diverse Marine life.
- You can spot parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, butterflyfish, and many others. Turtles and eagle rays are also common.
- Amenities:
- Beach entrance Fee- Free
- Restaurant- Yes
- Lifeguard- No
- Restroom or Shower- No
- Gear Rentals- Available
2. Half Moon Bay (West End Reef)
Location: West End, Roatan
- Half Moon Bay is located on the west end of Roatan, near the community of West End.
- It is a sheltered, shallow bay framed by ironwood trees and mangroves. The bottom is sandy with sparse sea grass beds. The maximum depth is about 15 feet.
- The calm, clear waters make Half Moon Bay an ideal spot for beginning snorkelers.
- The best snorkeling area is on the left (western side) of the beach. Just walk to the beach near Ginger’s Caribbean grill.
- You may spot green sea turtle, barracuda, angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, and many other colorful fish
- Amenities
- Beach entrance Fee- Free
- Restaurant- Yes
- Lifeguard- No
- Restroom or Shower- Yes
- Gear Rentals- Available
3. Sandy Bay/ Spooky Channel
Location: Northern Shore of Roatan
- Sandy Bay is located on the island’s north shore between West End and Sundancer. It is a part of Sandy Bay Marine Park.
- Unlike the beach at West Bay, Sandy Bay offers an uncrowded atmosphere and more enjoyable reef snorkeling experience
- The best snorkeling reef found around eastern end in front of Sundancer.
- For experienced snorkelers, there is an interesting location called – The Spooky Channel. this great mass of coral heads offers a great Roatan snorkeling. It is also famous as a great SCUBA diving spot.
- The channel offers three unique shore snorkeling opportunities: the inside reef for snorkelers to view the large coral heads, the channel itself which has like dive of 15 meters wide and 30 meters deep; and the outer reef
- walk down to the beach and head west about 300m to the 3rd pier. Walk to the end of the pier and then swim straight for about 500m or take boat to Spooky Channel.
- You may spot- eagle ray, green moray, trumpetfish, barracuda, reef squirrelfish, groupers, parrotfish, triggerfish etc.
- Amenities
- Beach entrance Fee- Free
- Restaurant- Yes
- Lifeguard- No
- Restroom or Shower- Yes
- Gear Rentals- Available
4. Maya Key Private Island
Location: Main St, Coxen Hole Roatan
- This 11.5 acre private island located just 3 minutes across the Roatan cruise pier and 15 minutes away from Mahogany Bay Cruise Pier.
- This picture-perfect island has two secluded beaches. They offer a unique and exclusive experience for visitors.
- You can enjoy excellent snorkeling from the scenic pier/ island’s private dock and explore the beautiful shallow reefs.
- Snorkel equipment rental official charges: $22.00-Mask, Snorkel, and Fins. $30.00- Mask, Snorkel, Fins, and Snorkel Vest
- You may spot angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, and many other colorful fish
- The Mayan Interpretation Center and Ethnic Honduran Art Exhibit Center in Maya Key offer a peek into Roatán’s history and culture for history buffs.
- It’s important to note that access to Maya Key is through organized tours or as part of a cruise ship excursion. Check: Carnival.com or Discover Roatan for further info.
5. Little French Key
Location: Near French Harbor, on the Southern shores of Roatan
- This small private cay has one of the best preserved reefs on the south coast of the island of Roatan.
- The lagoon has translucent waters that are sheltered by a coral reef and is ideal for snorkeling
- Little French Key offers a Full Island Package that includes lunch, drinks, and roundtrip transportation.
- For snorkeling at Little French Key, You can enter the water from the main beach of the Fantasy Island Resort.
- You may spot many fish, turtles, Stingrays, and lobsters. Crystal clear waters of Little French Key make it one of the best Roatan snorkeling spots.
- Little French Key offers a beautiful beach with soft sand and loungers for relaxation. The island also has facilities such as restaurants, bars, and restrooms where you can take a break and enjoy refreshments.
- Little French Key requires pre-booking or purchasing a day pass for access to the island and its amenities.
- It’s important to note that Little French Key has received mixed reviews and controversies regarding its treatment of animals in the past.
6. Mahogany Bay
Location: Dixon Cove, between Coxen Hole and French Harbour
- Mahogany Bay is a popular cruise ship port located on the southern coastline of Roatan Island . It is designed, owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation.
- While Mahogany Bay itself is primarily known for its shopping and entertainment facilities, there are opportunities for snorkeling in the surrounding area.
- You can head straight to off the pier for good snorkeling area where reef is shallow with excellent visibility.
- The waters around Mahogany Bay are home to a wide variety of marine life. You may encounter colorful tropical fish, vibrant corals, sea turtles, rays, and other fascinating creatures.
- The snorkeling conditions near Mahogany Bay can vary depending on weather and ocean currents.
- The place is full of food stalls, rental shops, and other Amenities.
- If you’re interested in snorkeling excursions, you can check out the Jolly Roger Roatan Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling Cruises. They offer a variety of snorkeling tours that include transportation, snorkeling gear, and refreshments .
7. Palmetto Bay
Location: Between the towns of Coxen Hole and French Harbour
- Palmetto Bay is a private Eco-sensitive, beachfront community located on the northern coast of Roatan.
- The Bay has a beautiful white sandy beach and exceptional Roatan snorkeling and SCUBA diving opportunities.
- It has a distant reef crest with a lot of turtle grass between reef and beach, So you would need a kayak or boat to reach here.
- The lagoon has translucent waters that are sheltered by a coral reef and is ideal for snorkeling.
- Apart from stunning beach and snorkeling, Palmetto Bay offers a variety of amenities, including a beach-side pool, onsite restaurant called The Cove, on-site dive and watersports shop, numerous walking trails, and 24-hour security.
8. Pigeon Cay
Location: Island at the eastern end of Roatan
- An isolated atoll located on the south side of the island of Barbareta in the easternmost section of Roatan.
- The cay lies in the middle of a lagoon with a fringing reef nearby that slopes down into deeper waters.
- Pigeon Cays is not just a postcard beauty, but the fact that it is also a snorkeling and diving paradise.
- The flat and shallow terrain gives way to a spectacular sloping wall that creates an alien-like environment filled with lots of fish of all colors, shapes and sizes.
- Pick any Roatan Snorkeling excursion private tour to enjoy this secluded peaceful island.
- The journey to Pigeon Cay is well worth it for those seeking a secluded Roatan snorkeling adventure.
FAQ: Roatan Snorkeling
Q: Is Roatan good for snorkeling?
A: Yes, Roatan is a true Caribbean gem and paradise for snorkeling lovers. Roatan Snorkeling can amaze anyone with the diversity of colorful fish and marine life thriving in the healthy coral reefs of the island.
Q: Is it better to snorkel in Roatan or cozumel?
A: Both Roatan and Cozumel offer excellent snorkeling experiences, but depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for, either one could be better than the other. If you want a more diverse range of marine life, then Cozumel may be the better option. If you want more Peaceful crystal clear waters, then Roatan may be more suitable .
Q: Where can I snorkel with turtles in Roatan?
A: You can go snorkeling with turtles in Roatan at Turtle Crossing.
Q: Roatan snorkeling from the beach?
A: The beautiful coral reefs of West Bay Beach is near the shore with perfect visibility. So you can start snorkeling right from the shore. No private tour needed.
Q: where to stay in Roatan for snorkeling?
A: Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort, Anthony’s Key Resort, Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Dive & Marina, Las Verandas Hotel & Villas and Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort are some of the best options to stay in Roatan for snorkeling.