21 Things to Do in Roatan, Honduras (From a Local)

It’s hard to argue with pristine beaches, gorgeous views, delicious food, and world-class snorkeling and scuba diving—and Roatan has it all. After calling this island home for over a year, I’ve put together my list of the best things to do in Roatan—the ones worth your time, money, and sunscreen.

In January of 2021, after almost a year of being stuck at home in Wisco, I decided to pack up and spend “a month” working remotely from Roatan, Honduras in the Bay Islands. One month passed quickly and, before I knew it, I had spent a year living in Roatan.

Whether you’re in it for the beaches, sunsets, local food, or cultural experiences—I’ve done it all.

So buckle up and get ready for the trip of a lifetime in Honduras!

The Best Things to Do in Roatan

If you’re heading to this little slice of the Caribbean, you probably already know Roatan is famous for its underwater adventures—snorkeling, scuba diving, freediving, and boat trips galore.

But what you might not know is that there’s just as much fun to be had on land.

During my year living in Roatan, I loved trying out every local restaurant I could find, tracking down the island’s best viewpoints, learning about Roatan’s unique cultural history, and making more local friends than I can count.

Whether you’re a beach bum, a history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, Roatan has something for you. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime—no matter what’s on your bucket list.

1. Learn to Scuba Dive

You might know Roatan first and foremost as a scuba diver’s paradise, and you would be correct!

Sitting right on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the island offers world-class diving you can access straight from the shore. Combine that with affordable prices, and you’ve got one of the best places in the world to get scuba certified (right up there with Southeast Asia hotspots like Koh Tao).

I earned my Open Water Certification with my favorite dive shop in West End, Sun Divers, and I can’t recommend them enough.

They’re extremely safety-conscious, organized, and they actively support reef conservation initiatives—which isn’t something every dive shop in Roatan does.

If you’re planning to get your Open Water or any other certification, book it early in your trip. The course takes a couple of days, and you’ll need to avoid diving for 24 hours before your flight home.

Over my many dives here, I’ve seen sea turtles, nurse sharks, moray eels, lionfish, eagle rays, and—on a lucky wreck dive—the cutest little seahorse you’ve ever seen. If marine life makes your heart race, scuba diving in Roatan should be at the very top of your list!

If you’re already certified and looking to take your skills to the next level, I highly recommend the Coral Ambassador course through Sun Divers.

It’s a 2-day program that teaches coral restoration techniques and gives you the chance to plant coral fragments directly onto the reef. I loved combining diving with ocean conservation, and it’s a great way to give back while exploring Roatan’s amazing marine life.

2. Go Snorkeling (Day or Night!)

If scuba diving isn’t quite your jam, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to explore the gorgeous reefs off Roatan.

The easiest (and most budget-friendly) option is a snorkeling tour, and trust me… everyone and their mother runs one here. Still, I recommend booking with a reputable shop like Sun Divers, who let snorkelers hop on any of their dive boats for around $30 per person.

Daytime snorkels are incredible, but nighttime snorkels are a whole different world (if you’re brave enough to try it).

You’ll spot completely different marine life once the sun goes down, and if you love the ocean, I highly recommend making room for both.

3. Kayak or Paddle Board on West Bay Beach

Two of the best spots for paddleboarding or kayaking in Roatan are Half Moon Bay in West End and West Bay Beach. Both have calm, clear water, and minimal boat traffic, making them perfect for a relaxing paddle.

I spent a lot of time paddleboarding on my last trip to Roatan in January and February, and it’s such a peaceful way to see the island’s shores. If you’re lucky, you might even spot marine life under your board!

In West End, you can rent paddleboards from Anita at Roatan PaddleSports (next to Ginger’s) or grab a kayak from Cannibal Cafe. In West Bay, try the Argentinian Grill’s West Bay location. And don’t be afraid to haggle—prices sometimes start high.

Just be mindful of conditions, especially when kayaking. When I lived here, I heard about a boy who went for a sunset kayak off Lighthouse Point and got caught in a current that carried him halfway to Belize before being rescued the next day—safe, but rattled.

5. Enjoy a Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Why do the words “sunset catamaran” just give me an instant dopamine boost?

The Stray Cat (great name, right?) catamaran takes sunset-lovers out almost daily from both West End and West Bay. The cruise typically starts around 2:00 PM and $85/person gets you unlimited beer and cocktails as well as tasty ceviche and snacks on the boat.

Hence, the dopamine boost 😍

It also includes use of snorkeling equipment, since the boat will stop a few times for a snorkeling/swim break along the coast.

Trust me, there’s nothing more peaceful that sipping on a rum punch with your feet hanging over the side of a catamaran while watching a gorgeous Roatan sunset light up the sky in every direction. I’ve done the cruise myself at least 4 times!

To book, reach out to Zaira on WhatsApp at +504 3247-8345.

6. Learn to Spear Lionfish

Looking for a tasty and sustainable activity on Roatan? Lionfish spearfishing it is!

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 spear them legally, you’ll need to obtain a Bay Islands Lionfish Spearing License with the Roatan Marine Park—which costs $70 USD, including the 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 🫶🏼

I actually have yet to take the course myself, since last time I tried I wasn’t strong enough to pull back the rubber band on the spear. 😂 I’ll keep hitting the gym and try again next year.

Sign up here to spear lionfish through the Roatan Marine Park!

7. Take a Mangrove Tour on the East End

Whenever we needed a change of scenery, my friends and I would rent a van, pack a cooler with Salva Vidas, and head to the east side for a mangrove tour.

If you’re not familiar, mangroves are tropical trees with thick, tangled roots that play a huge role in Roatan’s ecosystem. On the island’s east end, they grow in stunning turquoise waters—the perfect backdrop for a laid-back boat ride.

This is also a great activity to pair with other east end highlights, like Kristi’s Overlook, Hole in the Wall, or a beach day at Camp Bay Beach.

For the best tour, book with Libby. He’s the go-to guy for mangrove trips, and you can reach him on WhatsApp at +504 9826-5432.

Pro tip: Bring an insulated tumbler—in this climate, beer gets warm about two seconds after it leaves the cooler.

8. Tour the Roatan Chocolate Factory

Central America is the birthplace of chocolate, and Roatan is doing its best to educate tourists on the history and production of this tasty 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!

Of course, I tried all of them, but my favorites were the white chocolate, milk chocolate with chili, and the milk chocolate with sea salt.

I don’t even like white chocolate, but their white chocolate is life changing.

The Chocolate Factory is also a full-service restaurant that serves delicious and reasonably priced Indian food (random, I know) and sandwiches.

9. Visit the Roatan Brewing Company

I grew up in Wisconsin, so I LOVE a good craft brewery.

The Roatan Brewing Company is the only brewery on the island, and let me tell you—it’s a vibe.

It’s a bit of a hike from West End, but you can easily get there by taxi. (Grab my Roatan Contact List for a list of my favorite reliable taxi drivers that won’t screw you out of 5x the fare.)

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 is always a hit).

For the best experience, go for a Sunday Funday! Bonus points if your visit coincides with the Roatan Craft Market (check updates on Facebook). It’s so fun to sip on delicious beer while perusing the stands for jewelry, souvenirs, and local art.

Pro tip: This is one of the best places on the island to buy souvenirs, since the brewery sells a ton of merch.

Roatan Brewing Company Hours:
Monday–Tuesday from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Wednesday–Sunday from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

10. Book a Zip Lining and Horseback Riding Hour

Since I’m allergic to horses and afraid of heights, this was a Roatan excursion that I personally 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! 

To coordinate your ziplining or horseback riding adventure—WhatsApp Libby Bodden at +504 9826-5432.

Luna Beach Resort also offers horseback riding tours with the Luna Beach Seahorses (how cute is that?). You can browse options through their website.

11. Book a Relaxing Massage

One of my favorite things to do on Roatan is indulge in a relaxing massage—and during my last visit in January, I made sure to book two!

If you’re looking to unwind or need relief from muscle tension, Island Massage School in West End is the perfect spot. Not only will you receive an exceptional massage, but you’ll also be supporting massage students as they train for a new career on the island.

The best part? It’s incredibly affordable—just $40 for a 60-minute massage and $60 for a 90-minute session.

Island Massage School was founded in 2024 by Michelle and Tony, who share a passion for wellness and community impact. Michelle, a Canadian-trained massage therapist, has been teaching massage therapy in Honduras since 2019.

Tony, an American who grew up in La Ceiba, brings 23 years of professional experience in Honduras.

Together, they believe in empowering the local community through massage therapy, offering students career opportunities and a pathway to financial independence.

Every massage at Island Massage School helps train the next generation of therapists—so you can relax, rejuvenate, and make a difference at the same time. Book your massage online here.

12. Support Local Artisans at the Craft Market

I always love visiting a local craft market! Not only is it super 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 and Giulia’s Handmade Jewelry. Make sure to bring cash for your purchases!

[2024 Update] Since I left the island, Giulia’s has upgraded to a 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 12:30-6:00 PM.

13. Take an Island Cooking Class

I always love a local cooking class. It’s such a fun and immersive way to learn about a new culture!

I wanted to learn more about the local cuisine on the island (something other than the baleada stands in West End, which I was already very familiar with), so my friends and I decided to book a cooking class through The Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel‘s 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. She delivers hearty portions all over the island for only 180 Lempira per bowl (price subject to change).

14. Get Your Brunch on with Bottomless Mimosas at San Simon

They had me at bottomless mimosas.

Roatan has a couple of cute, “brunchy” places to fulfill your mimosa and eggs benedict needs—but none are quick as perfect as The Beach Club San Simon at Mayan Princess.

$30 buys you all-you-can-drink mimosas and Bloody Marys, an appetizer, and a brunch entree. (Well after tax and tip, it’s more like $45.) Brunch lasts from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, so be sure to get there right away to maximize your mimosa time.

I ordered the Hoisin Tuna as an appetizer (below, left) and the eggs benny, along with the bottomless classic mimosas. Why mess with perfection?

It’s the perfect brunch/pregame for an amazing day of beachin’. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, since everyone on this island loves a boozy brunch.

(I’m having flashbacks to my bottomless drag brunch on my last trip to Denver 😍.)

15. Enjoy Live Music on Sunday at Infinity Bay

There’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Roatan than relaxing at Infinity Bay Resort and listening to some live music.

I’m not joking when I say my friend, Michelle, and I were there every single Sunday to listen to our favorite island musician—Muddy (who unfortunately no longer plays at Infinity Bay 😭).

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 (75 HNL or $3) to your heart’s content.

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

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

Things were a little different when I lived in Roatan in 2021 (throwback to the island-wide curfew). But if the nightlife scene was still poppin’ then…can you even imagine what it’s like now?

Let me just say, 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. Unless it’s Thursday, in which case meander on over to Blue Marlin for karaoke!

17. Try the Local Cuisine

I knew little to nothing about Honduran food before moving to Roatan. Three months of Roatan island cuisine later…and 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, Don Carlos hot sauce, and a cold Salva Vida on the side. *chef’s kiss*

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.

18. Take a Day Trip to Camp Bay

Although there’s plenty of awesome stuff to do on the West side, the peaceful east side is a must-visit for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle (especially on heavy cruise ship days).

If you have a weekend to spare, make sure to book a stay at Camp Bay Lodge on Camp Bay Beach. I stayed here for a weekend in 2021, and loved every second of it—especially the food.

Camp Bay Beach is easily 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 activities such as scuba diving, paddle boarding, and massages.

Even if you don’t stay the night, I highly recommend a visit to Camp Bay. Relax on the beach, splash in the waves, and drink margaritas amidst flying hummingbirds at La Sirena de Camp Bay. Magical ✨

19. Take a Day Trip to Snorkel at Pigeon Cay

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable day trip from Roatan, a boat trip to Pigeon Cay is a must-do for ocean-lovers.

I had the chance to head out to Pigeon Cay for the first time during my last trip to Roatan (February 2025), while I was staying with Tranquilseas Eco-Lodge in Sandy Bay—and it quickly became one of my new favorite activities in Roatan.

The trip starts with a long (and sometimes choppy) boat ride to the East End—so if you get seasick, pack some non-drowsy Dramamine. But the reward is more than worth it.

Pigeon Cay is a tiny, pristine sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water and home to the friendliest nurse sharks you’ll ever meet. The second we jumped in with our snorkels and fins, we were greeted by six curious sharks gliding through the shallows. Just look at those cuties below!

After an incredible snorkeling session, we headed to a local spot for a delicious seafood lunch (fresh lobster tails, rice and beans, and fried plantains). On the way back, we stopped at a shipwreck for another round of snorkeling—where I spotted a couple cute little squids.

The boat crew was fantastic, offering fresh fruit, beers, and soft drinks along the way. If the weather holds up (unfortunately ours didn’t), this is hands-down one of the best excursions in Roatan! I highly recommend reaching out to Tranquilseas Eco-Lodge to coordinate your Pigeon Cay day trip.

20. Spend the Weekend in La Ceiba 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?

I visited the Eco Lodge for the first time in early 2021 on my first trip ever to the Honduran mainland, and I fell head over heels the second we arrived.

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 operate the property today.

At their restaurant, La Jungla, you can find delicious Honduran staples, hearty and authentic German cuisine, and cocktails made from fresh fruit growing on the property.

The Eco Lodge is known for their variety of nature activities, and 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.

If you have the time, you could even hop on a bus to Copan Ruinas on the border of Guatemala to explore ancient Mayan Ruins, visit a Macaw and tropical bird sanctuary, and try some of the best chocolate in Central America.

21. Spend a Night in Utila

Located only a quick ferry ride away, there’s no need to choose between Roatan and Utila—simply visit them both!

Utila is like Roatan’s more affordable, wilder, younger sister. It’s a magnet for budget travelers, solo adventurers, and backpackers—thanks to cheaper prices and a nightlife scene that can go until sunrise.

I visited Utila for about a week during my second month in the Bay Islands, and it was the perfect amount of time to relax and leisurely explore the island.

You’ll find plenty of overlap with the best things to do in Roatan—affordable scuba diving, great snorkeling, and beautiful beaches—but Utila also has a few unique experiences worth checking out.

Sip local brews at the Utila Brewing Company, hike up Pumpkin Hill, or stop by the quirky TreeTanic Bar (if you’re not afraid of massive spiders, that is).

If you’ve got more than a week in Roatan, I highly recommend hopping over to Utila for at least a night. It’s a beautiful little island you won’t want to miss if you have the chance.

How to Get to Roatan

Many visitors to Roatan arrive on the island by cruise ship. Unfortunately, since the ships dock for only a few hours, visiting Roatan on a cruise is less than ideal (in my opinion).

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 is 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

Whenever I plan a trip, I always make sure to protect myself and my wallet with travel insurance. I’ve always booked travel insurance before trips, but I had to learn the hard way that not all travel insurance programs are created equal.

During the two months I lived in Thailand in 2022, I injured my foot on a weekend trip to Khao Sok National Park, which led to four months of limping around Southeast Asia and an eventual surgery in Canggu.

Since I was buying travel insurance month-to-month through AXA, none of my surgery was covered and I was out $3,500—even though I had active travel insurance at the time.

Since then, I started traveling with SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance. It’s perfect for both short-term travelers and digital nomads since you can tailor it exactly to your dates and needs.

You can use it as a monthly subscription (what I usually do), or pay in full for a set date range. You can also take advantage of their useful add-ons like U.S. coverage (not for U.S. citizens, unfortunately), adventure sports, and electronics theft! Grab a quote below for your next trip 👇🏼

Where to Stay in Roatan

Although Roatan is not a small island, there are basically three main areas for tourists to stay: West End, West Bay, and Sandy Bay. Choose which location is right for you with my handy guide to Roatan accommodation 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.

👉🏼 Click here for my ultimate guide to the best hotels in Roatan!

📍 Budget-Friendly: West End Dive Resort (West End)

For a very affordable Caribbean island, Roatan has a surprising lack of nice, budget-friendly accommodation options.

There is only one true hostel (The Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel), but its location is terrible and would require renting a car or taking cabs around the island. If you’re looking to stay in Roatan on a budget, my recommendation would be the West End Dive Resort.

The location is perfect, right in the middle of West End, and they offer both private and dorm room options. They also have two swimming pools on site and their rooms are air conditioned!

👉🏼 Click here to book your stay at West End Dive Resort!

📍 Mid-Level: Brisas del Mar (West End)

Brisas del Mar is my favorite hotel in West End. During my time living in Roatan, we spent many weekends drinking homemade margaritas at their on-site bar, Tequila Jack’s, and enjoying the sunshine in the pool.

While the hotel was being built, they used to hire DJs and open up the whole pool and bar area for dance parties!

In addition to being clean, beautifully-furnished, and extremely comfortable, the rooms at Brisas del Mar are extremely reasonable—so it’s the perfect mid-level hotel option when visiting Roatan.

You also can’t beat the location. It’s far enough from the bars of West End to be quiet at night, but not so far that you can’t walk to dinner or home from a night out (just don’t do it alone).

👉🏼 Click here to book your stay at Brisas del Mar!

📍 Luxury: Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort (West Bay)

Stay in the lap of luxury on Roatan’s prettiest white-sand beach at Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort. This luxurious hotel provides tons of high-end amenities for their guests, including (but not limited to) direct beach access and chairs, a massive infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a 4-story spa and fitness center, four on-site restaurants, and bungalows.

I had the opportunity to stay and work with Grand Roatan for three glorious nights in 2021. Let’s just say going from one of their stunning, well-air conditioned villas with a gorgeous bathroom and outdoor shower to my shitty apartment in West End was a wake-up call.

👉🏼 Click here to book your stay at Grand Roatan!

If you’re looking for luxury in a more boutique setting, check out Arca Hotel! With only 16 rooms, direct beachfront access, and a saltwater pool, Arca offers both relaxation and easy access to the best of Way Bay Beach—the best of both worlds.

Psst 🤫, Madison’s Footsteps subscribers get a special 10% OFF discount code for their entire stay at Arca. Sign up to grab it at the bottom of my Arca Hotel review.

Your Roatan Trip Starts Here

Roatan is one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way possible.

Whether you’re here for the diving, the beaches, or the laid-back island vibe, you’ll leave with memories you’ll be talking about for years. I’ve shared my favorite activities, hidden gems, and local tips so you can make the most of your trip—now it’s time to start planning your own adventure.

That said, Roatan can be a tricky trip to plan if you’ve never been here before.

There’s not a ton of reliable information online, and many activities aren’t bookable in advance. If you want to have an amazing first trip and get all your questions answered, check out my 1:1 Roatan itinerary planning services. We can hop on a 30-minute consultation call or I can create a fully custom itinerary just for you.

If you only need a little extra help, grab my Roatan Contact List for just $14 USD—it includes 30+ of my favorite on-island contacts for everything you could possibly need.

If you enjoyed my list of the best things to do in Roatan, you may also enjoy my related posts linked below…

The Ultimate Guide to Roatan Nightlife

Must-Try Restaurants in Roatan, Honduras

Where to Stay on Your Next Trip to Roatan

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