The Best Things to Do in Roatan, Honduras

Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by Madison Krigbaum

In January of 2021, after almost a year of not traveling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to pack up and spend a month working remotely from Roatan, Honduras in the Bay Islands. A month turned into two months, two months turned into nine weeks and nine weeks turned into 83 days. I left right before my tourist visa and my bank account ran out! Although I’ve been lucky enough to visit almost 30 countries around the world, there are few places I’ve fallen in love with the way I fell in love with Roatan. Along with the pristine beaches, gorgeous views, delicious food and affordable lifestyle, I met lifelong friends during my three months in Roatan and was able to see more than my fair share of the island. Keep reading for a list of the best things to do in Roatan Honduras!

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Your Trip to Roatan: The Quick Version

How to Get to Roatan

Many visitors to Roatan arrive on the island by cruise ship. Unfortunately, since the ships dock in Coxen Hole for only a few hours (which is not the nicest part of the island) visiting Roatan by cruise boat is less than ideal.

The easiest way to get to Roatan is to fly directly into Roatan’s airport, Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB). However, since the airport is tiny, direct flights can get pricey. If you’re in search of a more budget-friendly option, you might have better luck flying through San Pedro Sula’s airport, Aeropuerto Ramón Villeda Morales, and catching a quick flight to Roatan. 

Is Roatan Dangerous for Tourists or Solo Travelers?

The short answer – NO. Roatan is not dangerous for tourists to visit and I felt very safe there, even as a solo female traveler. I ended up living on Roatan for a full year and, not only did I feel perfectly safe, I met tons of lifelong friends. Like everywhere else in the world, make smart choices, keep an eye on your valuables and use common sense. If you do these things, you’ll be perfectly safe in Roatan.

Protect Your Trip to Roatan, Honduras

**I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Whenever I plan a trip, I always make sure to protect myself and my wallet with trip insurance. In the past, I’ve had very good experiences with World Nomads. On my trip to Thailand in 2019, I had an unfortunate ankle-spraining incident that turned into a hospital visit with X-Rays, crutches and physical therapy. When I submitted my claim to World Nomads, I was reimbursed within weeks.

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world! Click below to get a quote for your next trip.

Where to Stay in Roatan, Honduras

Since I lived in Roatan for a full year, a hotel room wasn’t going to cut it. I ended up renting a little place in Half Moon Bay West End. Although the apartment itself was not my favorite…(roaches literally EVERYWHERE), the location could have not been more perfect. If you prefer an Airbnb over a hotel, I would highly recommend searching the options in Half Moon Bay. 

If you’re wondering what is the best part of Roatan to stay, consider my mini-guide to accommodation in Roatan below: 

West End = Main expat area, plenty of bars and restaurants, the scene of the best Roatan nightlife, easily walkable, more Airbnbs and mid-level hotels, perfect for solo travelers and friends traveling together. 

West Bay = Main tourist area, mostly all-inclusive resorts and high-end accommodation, more expensive restaurants, best beach on the island, perfect for honeymooners or family vacations. 

Sandy Bay = More remote and quiet, not walkable, beautiful beaches, some restaurants but they are few and far between, amazing snorkeling and affordable accommodation.

Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort West Bay

If you’re looking to stay in the lap of luxury, look no further than Grand Roatan Resort. With pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, a beachfront pool and ensuite outdoor showers (woot woot), Grand Roatan is the full, Caribbean package. After it’s grand opening in 2015, the owners of Grand Roatan have worked hard to uphold strong community standards and establish Honduras as a must-visit tourist destination.

Although the resort faced hardships during six months of COVID-19 lockdowns, they emerged through the other side with 100% of their workforce still employed. The majority of their employees are locals from Roatan and they frequently give back to the community by working to improve schools on the island, supporting the St. Helene Women’s Initiative by selling bags made of recycled plastic, placing an emphasis on conservation and sustainability and initiating an emergency food campaign during the pandemic where they delivered 800+ food baskets around the island.

With a long stretch of white sand beach and some of the best snorkeling on the entire island, Grand Roatan is the perfect place for some rest and relaxation. To further your relaxing vacay, the resort has announced the opening of their new “Destination Spa”. A four story building set to be completed in the second half of 2021, the Destination Spa will include a spa, gym and both indoor and outdoor pools. 

While relaxing on Grand Roatan’s gorgeous beaches, there’s no better place to grab a bite to eat than the Iron Shore Grill, the resort’s on-site restaurant. On this beautiful day in February, I packed up my beach towel and headed to the Iron Shore Grill to feast on some of the best ceviche I’ve ever tasted. The Iron Shore Special included shrimp, fish, pineapple, onion, sweet peppers and lime and was served with crispy, fried plantains.

Since I’ve been working full-time from Roatan, the strong wifi at the Iron Shore Grill* was a godsend. I spent many hours munching on ceviche and typing up a storm on my laptop with this incredible ocean view. Grand Roatan is the perfect spot for your next “Worktation!”

*[Update June 2023] Grand Roatan is currently in the process of renovating their property and adding two indoor and two outdoor restaurants. The Iron Shore Grill is temporarily closed and will reopen under a different name.

Tranquilseas Eco Lodge Sandy Bay

If you’re looking for a relaxing and eco-friendly stay, Tranquilseas Eco Lodge in Sandy Bay will be your home-away-from-home. With low-occupancy and serene location, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful Roatan vacation!

The resort offers an on-site pool, restaurant, dive shop, beachfront access, massages, yoga, beautiful ocean views, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Although the hotel is a bit off-the-beaten-path, it’s easy to walk out to the main road and grab a taxi within minutes. Just don’t get ripped off, it only costs 30 lempiras per person to get to West End!

If you decide on Tranquilseas for your Roatan accommodation, make sure to mention Madison’s Footsteps at check-in for…

• A free welcome drink
• Free use of stand-up paddle boards and kayaks
• $10 off massages with ocean views

Book your stay with Tranquilseas Eco Lodge here.

The landscaping around Tranquilseas Eco Lodge will make you feel like you’re living in a treehouse surrounded by jungle! The main walk into the resort is framed by palm fronds and tropical plants. The resort itself is built into a hill with incredible ocean views and is widely regarded as one of the best places to watch the sunset on the island.

Tranquilseas’ on-site restaurant, The Sunken Fish, serves delicious seafood and island cuisine. They’re also known for their delicious tropical cocktails! Pro tip: order the Coco Loco served inside a fresh coconut.

The Meridian at Lighthouse Point West Bay

Another beautiful spot in West Bay, The Meridian was where I spent my first glorious month living in Roatan. With an enormous pool, gorgeous stretch of private beach, an on-site restaurant and beautiful, air conditioned apartments, the only downside of The Meridian is that it’s a bit off the beaten path. However, if your primary goal in Roatan is some much needed R & R, then The Meridian is definitely the place for you.

Megan and her family could not have been more accommodating during my time on Lighthouse Point. They were always available to answer any questions and even offered to drive me into town themselves during a couple of rainy days on the island. I loved living at The Meridian and would do it again in a heartbeat!

Brisas del Mar West End

If you’re planning on going out frequently during your time in Roatan, then I would definitely suggest staying in West End over West Bay. Although thankfully the island has done away with the pandemic curfew, it can be difficult to flag down taxis after a certain time…especially in West Bay. If you stay in West End, you’ll be able to walk anywhere you need to go!

Brisas del Mar is the perfect location for anyone looking to be walking distance from all the restaurants and bars. They have their own private pool, bar, restaurant and beautiful stretch of beach. As a bonus, you’re only steps away from a water taxi to head into West Bay.

Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel Sandy Bay

For those visiting Roatan Island on a budget, Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel is a great option for accommodation. They offer a variety of dorm rooms, lofts and private rooms for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room on the island. The hostel also has an on site restaurant, Mel’s Diner, and a good sized swimming pool!

Click here for more information on Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel.

Where to Eat in Roatan, Honduras

Roatan is filled with affordable and delicious restaurants serving both local Honduran cuisine and international fare! I spent a full year living on the island tasting and photographing the best eats on Roatan. I hope you arrive hungry…because Roatan food does not disappoint!

The Best Things to Do in Roatan in the Water

There are many exciting adventures to take part in on this island paradise…especially when they involve the ocean. If you’re itching to get your toes in the sand, your snorkel underwater or your ass in a boat – keep reading for the top things to do in Roatan Honduras in the water.

Learn to Scuba Dive

The number one best thing to do in Roatan is…drumroll please…scuba diving!! The Bay Islands offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. There’s no excuse to not get certified while you’re in Roatan! There are dive shops located on every corner, so it’s helpful to do your research before you arrive.

We decided to do our Open Water Certification with Sun Divers in West End and loved it! Our teacher, Serena, was incredibly patient and knowledgable about all things scuba diving. The Open Water course itself costs $355 (in cash, there’s a surcharge to use a credit card) and includes the initial Discovery Dive for free.

The marine life in Roatan is spectacular. During my time on the island, I saw eagle rays, turtles, reef sharks, octopus, squid, seahorses and more while exploring Roatan’s many dive sites on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Observing the Caribbean’s marine life in its natural habitat is hands down one of the best activities in Roatan Honduras.

Go Night Snorkeling

It’s a completely different world underwater when the sun goes down. Don’t miss out on viewing all the amazing nocturnal creatures on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Make sure to head out for a night snorkel during your time in Roatan, Honduras. If you don’t have your own snorkel equipment or just prefer going out at night with a guide, you can book an awesome excursion through the Seabreeze Inn / Cannibal Cafe in West End. An hour-long night snorkel excursion with all equipment, lights and a guide should only set you back about $30/person and it is worth every penny!

Kayak or Paddle Board in West Bay Beach

When it comes to Roatan beaches, West Bay Beach is number one on the list of the best beaches in Roatan. This little bay is nothing but white sand and turquoise water as still as glass. This makes it the perfect spot for a kayaking or paddle boarding excursion.

If you plan on renting kayaks in West Bay, I would suggest renting through Argentinian Grill’s West Bay location. You’ll end up saving a lot more per hour than booking through one of the larger resorts on the stretch. You can also rent kayaks through Cannibal Cafe in West End, however the waters in West Bay tend to be a bit calmer and better for kayaking.

Book a Fishing Charter

For my 25th birthday, my friends planned a fishing trip/booze-cruise down Roatan’s west coast and it turned out to be one of the best things to do on Roatan.

Keep in mind – we were not serious about fishing. We wanted to sleep in, listen to some music and drink some Salva Vidas while our lines were in the water. For a chill fishing day, we booked some time on my friend Artley’s boat for around $40/person. We caught 6-7 fresh tuna and brought them over to Loretta’s to be cooked up afterwards!

If you’re looking for a serious fishing charter (we’re talking 4:00AM, couple hundy, massive fish), then Wahoo Slayer is more your speed. Contact them on Facebook to set up your fishing charter.

Enjoy a Catamaran Sunset Cruise

During your time visiting Roatan, don’t miss out on a Catamaran Sunset Cruise down the west coast of the island. It’s definitely one of the best excursions in Roatan Honduras!

The Stray Cat (great name, right?) catamaran takes patrons out almost daily from the Brisas del Mar dock in West End. The cruise starts at 2:00PM and $65/person gets you unlimited beer and cocktails as well as some tasty meat skewers and snacks on the boat. To book a cruise with the Stray Cat, reach out to Elliot on WhatsApp at +504 3317-3669.

Learn to Spear Lionfish

Lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean and have wrecked havoc on the reefs for years. In order to combat the problem, Honduras has legalized spearfishing exclusively for lionfish. In order to legally spear lionfish in Roatan, you’ll need to obtain a Bay Islands Lionfish Spearing License. The course to obtain this license costs $70 and includes a spear. Since killing these invasive species helps keep Roatan’s coral reefs healthy and the ecosystem in balance, learning to spear lionfish is definitely one of the more eco-friendly Roatan activities.

Sign up to spear lionfish through the Roatan Marine Park and enjoy one of the best things to do in Roatan off the beaten path.

Take a Mangrove Tour on the East End

Roatan has the perfect climate to support the growth of mangrove forests. These trees, categorized by a thick tangle of roots, thrive in tropical environments and are a huge contributor to Roatan’s ecosystem.

Roatan’s mangroves grow in beautiful turquoise waters, mainly on the east end of the island, and touring them is a great way to spend a beautiful, sunny day on the island. If you’re interested in booking a mangrove tour, Norman is your man! Contact him on WhatsApp at +504 8740-9209 and expect to pay around $20/person for a great tour.

The Best Things to Do in Roatan on Land

I get it – not everyone is a water bug on vacation. If you’re rather keep your toes in the sand and your ass on land, no worries! Roatan has plenty of excursions and exciting activities for ocean-wary travelers. Keep reading for the best things to do in Roatan on land.

Tour the Roatan Chocolate Factory

You may already know that Central America is the birthplace of chocolate. Roatan is doing its best to educate tourists on the history of this delicious treat through tours run by the Roatan Chocolate Factory. They offer free chocolate tours daily and you’ll learn tons about the history of chocolate, how chocolate is made, the cacao plant and where it grows as well as get the opportunity to taste tons of different chocolate made on-site. My favorites were the white chocolate, milk chocolate with chili and the milk chocolate with sea salt.

The Roatan Chocolate Factory also includes a full-service restaurant that serves delicious and reasonably priced Indian food and sandwiches. Its definitely earned its place on the list of the best things to do in Roatan (and it’s also one of the best free things to do in Roatan).

Visit the Roatan Brewing Company

Visiting the Roatan Brewing Company is definitely one of the best things to do in Roatan. I grew up in Wisconsin, so I LOVE a good craft brewery. Roatan Brewing Company is the only brewery on the island and is definitely worth a visit. It’s a bit of a hike from West End, but you can easily grab a taxi from the main roundabout.

They offer tons of delicious beer on tap as well as lots of yummy options for food. My favorite beers are the Juicy IPA and the Citrus IPA (and their Cubano sandwich was insanely delicious)!

Roatan Brewing Company Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00AM-5:00PM

Book a Zip Lining and Horseback Riding Hour

Since I’m allergic to horses and afraid of heights, this was another Roatan excursion that I decided to skip. However, if you’re an adrenaline junkie and not tied back by a crippling allergy, horseback riding and zip lining might be the perfect things for you to do in Roatan! 

Browse Discover Roatan’s Horseback Riding Excursion or consider booking one of their many zip lining tours: like the Jungle Top Zipline Adventure or the Mayan Jungle Canopy Zipline.

Book a Relaxing Massage

Booking a professional aromatherapy massage is one of the best things to do on Roatan! Although my favorite massage therapist is no longer available after relocating to the states, he recommends booking with Diana Fajardo. To book, simply send her a message on WhatsApp at +504 9508-5371.

Support Local Artisans at the Craft Market

I always love visiting a local craft market! Not only is it fun browsing the creations of local artists, but it feels great to support Roatan’s local economy. Roatan’s craft market tends to rotate locations depending on the week, but the best time to visit is the one Sunday each month when the market is hosted at the Roatan Brewing Company. You can find updates on the location of the craft market on their Facebook page.

My favorite stands include Wild Roatan’s handmade natural products, Giulia’s Handmade Jewelry and Miel Crochet’s handmade tops and bikinis. Make sure to bring cash for all your purchases!

[2023 Update] Since I left the island, Giulia’s has upgraded to her own jewelry truck parked in Coconut Tree Plaza! I visited on my last trip to Roatan and bought some of my new favorite pieces in my jewelry collection. Julia is a true artist – you’re guaranteed to fall in love with her island-inspired pieces during your visit. Visit her truck Tuesday – Saturday from 12:30-6:00PM.

Take an Island Cooking Class

The Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel offers fun and immersive cooking classes through their on-site restaurant, Mel’s Diner. The head chef, Miss Betty, is a wonderful cook and loves passing on her knowledge of Honduran cuisine to hungry and curious travelers. They prefer groups of four or more people, but if you have a smaller group they can sometimes fill in the spots from travelers staying at the hostel.

You can choose from a variety of different yummy meals, including chicken in coconut milk, tapado, machuca, traditional Honduran breakfast and chicharron con yucca with red cabbage and special island sauce. We chose chicken in coconut milk for our class.

Before you leave, make sure to ask Miss Betty when she plans to make a batch of her delicious McCoy! McCoy is a type of Honduran soup usually made with seafood, pork, chicken and sometimes iguana. Miss Betty delivers hearty portions all over the island for only 180 Lempira per bowl.

Get Your Brunch on with Bottomless Mimosas at San Simon

They had me at bottomless mimosas. Before you head to Infinity Bay for an afternoon filled with sun and live music, stop by The Beach Club San Simon for a boozy brunch! $30 buys you all-you-can-drink mimosas and Bloody Marys, an appetizer and a brunch entree. It’s the perfect brunch/pregame! Be sure to make a reservation in advance, the restaurant can fill up very quickly.

Enjoy Live Music on Sunday at Infinity Bay

There’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Roatan, Honduras than relaxing at Infinity Bay and listening to some live music! Since Infinity Bay is an upscale resort in West Bay, the drinks can get a little pricey. To maintain your budget, do what we did and drink Salva Vidas (50 HNL or $2) to your heart’s content.

OR be a little bougie and click here to purchase an all-inclusive day pass!

Dance the Night Away At One of Roatan’s Many Beach Bars

One of my favorite Roatan things to do was participate in the island nightlife.

Things were a little different when I lived in Roatan during the pandemic. But if the nightlife scene was still poppin’ then…can you even imagine what it’s like now? Let me just say, Honduran locals know how to dance.

West End is the place to go to experience Roatan’s nightlife scene, and Frank’s (or as local’s call it, “The Pub”) is the place to go if you’re looking for a dance floor. (You can also find a dance floor at Booty Bar, it just might be a little sweatier).

Try the Local Cuisine

I knew little to none about Honduran food before moving to Roatan. Three months of island cuisine later…my first stop back in Wisconsin was the Latin American grocery store for Honduran sour cream and red refried beans.

The first dish on your Honduran food bucket list should definitely be baleadas. This tasty street food consists of a freshly homemade flour tortilla, refried beans, cheese or mantequilla (Honduran sour cream) and your choice of toppings. I prefer mine with scrambled eggs, avocado, hot sauce and a cold Salva Vida on the side.

Another must-try island dish is, of course, ceviche. I tried many different types of ceviche in Roatan, but my favorite was lionfish ceviche, a must-try if you’re lucky enough to find it. Keep in mind when ordering seafood that just because it’s for sale does not mean it’s a sustainable choice. If you’re questioning which types of seafood you should be ordering, check out the Bay Islands Responsible Seafood Guide.

The Best Day Trips from Roatan Honduras

Roatan is not too far from mainland Honduras or the other bay islands (like Utila). While you’re hitting all the best things to do in Roatan – why not add a cool day-trip to your list? Below are some great options for venturing out of the west side and seeing a little more of what Honduras has to offer.

Spend the Day in Camp Bay

Although there’s plenty of awesome stuff to do on the West side, the peaceful East Side is definitely one of the best places to visit in Roatan Honduras. If you have a weekend to spare, make sure to book a stay at Camp Bay Lodge, about a two hour drive from West Bay.

Camp Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Honduras! It’s much quieter and more relaxing than the West side. It’s also the perfect place to learn to kitesurf. Camp Bay Lodge offers kitesurfing lessons as well as other fun excursions such as scuba diving, paddle boarding and massages.

Camp Bay Lodge offers some of the most delicious food I tasted during my entire three months on Roatan. Pictured below is their seafood soup FILLED with conch, shrimp and lobster. At only $15/bowl, I wished I could have eaten it for every meal in Roatan.

Take the Ferry to La Ceiba and Stay at the Eco Lodge

If you find yourself in need of a short break from island life, why not hop on the Galaxy Wave Ferry from Roatan to La Ceiba and enjoy some beautiful jungle views at the Omega Tours Eco Lodge?

The Pico Bonito Eco Lodge is easily one of the best places to visit in Honduras. A 5-star resort located in between two of Honduras’ most beautiful national parks: Pico Bonito and Nombre de Dios, Omega Tours was founded and built by a German couple who still operates the property today. At their restaurant, La Jungla, you can find delicious Honduran staples as well as hearty and authentic German cuisine!

The Eco Lodge is known for their white water rafting and variety of nature activities. I cannot recommend the white water rafting enough. You’ll see amazing views of Pico Bonito as well as get to do some adrenaline-inducing cliff jumps! They also offer on-site massages for only $40.

Head to Utila for the Day

Located only a quick ferry ride away, there’s no excuse not to check out the neighboring island of Utila during your time in the Bay Islands. If you find time to check out this little island, I would recommend staying at Hotel Trudy. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for budget accommodation (hostel rooms for $6/night) or in search of private, air conditioned accommodation ($50/night), Hotel Trudy has something for everyone.

Hotel Trudy has a corresponding, on-site dive center called Underwater Vision. If you decide to dive during your stay, you’ll receive a small discount on your nightly accommodation! You can check out the different dive packages here.

Currently, Hotel Trudy has no online booking options. You can send them a message via the Underwater Vision Facebook page to secure a room or diving package.

After three months in Roatan, I’ve made the decision to pack up and move back for the remainder of 2021! Stay tuned for more Honduras travel guides and must-see spot in the Bay Islands.

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Thinking of planning an epic trip to Roatán, Honduras or anywhere else in the world? Don’t forget to enter your email and download my free PDF guide, “How to Plan Epic Trips.” And be sure to follow along with my adventures on Instagram @madisonsfootsteps!

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