8 Best Beaches to Visit in Roatan – Travel Guide [2024]

Are you thinking about heading to Central America soon? You’re bound for the experience of a lifetime in Honduras.

The island of Roatan is located about 35 miles off the coast of Honduras in the Western Caribbean. It is known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs. 

The beaches in Roatan, Honduras, are some of the best in the world! Whether you are flying into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport or stopping by on a Carnival cruise ship this travel guide is perfect for your visit. 

Best Beaches in Roatan, Honduras

West Bay Beach 

West Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Roatan. It is known for being a very long beach covered with white sand, and the water is of an exquisite turquoise color. 

Travelers often come here to dive as it has easy access to the nearby coral reefs. You’ll find plenty of dive shops in the area. You will also find a few mouth-watering restaurants and bars on the shore.

Little French Key

Only twenty minutes from the cruise port, this private island offers a unique beach experience. As a visitor, visit this amazing oasis and explore the water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming. You can also dine at one of the fine restaurants there.

Big French Key

Big French Key is located right next door to Little French Key. You can’t miss it! Big French Key is its competition, making it a little difficult to decide where you want to spend your day. 

But, if you’re looking to dive into the Mayatlantis, an underwater museum, one of its main attractions. The good news is there are organized tours that allow you to visit both Little French Key and Big French Key in one day!  

Maya Key

If you’re running short of time but want to see the best beaches in Roatan, this is your perfect starting point. Maya Key is known for its excellent snorkeling and is home to the Maya Key Animal Rescue. Whether you want to relax on one of the lounge chairs or ultra-comfortable hammocks on the beach or see local wildlife, Maya Key is known for its duality. 

Tabyana Beach

Tabyana Beach is located on the western end of the island. This beach offers perfect snorkeling conditions, and it is the ideal spot for both sports enthusiasts and families. You can also find beach gear, souvenirs, and mouth-watering local delicacies.

Sandy Bay Beach

Sandy Bay Beach is not too far from the west end of the island. It’s a great spot for those who want a quiet experience. This beach is the best way to escape the crowds and enjoy your swim or snorkel in peace. A few restaurants and bars are nearby if you are up for a bite or a drink.

Mahogany Bay Beach 

Mahogany Bay Beach is a picture paradise! This is one of the most pristine beaches in Roatan, posing the perfect destination for relaxation, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the little things in life.

Half Moon Bay Beach

Half Moon Bay Beach is located on the eastern side of Roatan. It is home to this incredible beach that offers a breathtaking sunrise view, enriched with a serene atmosphere. The sand and calm waters are beyond perfect. This is great if you want to spend your days swimming and catching a glowingly bronze tan.

Roatan’s Local Culture

Other than being famous for its beaches, Roatan is an island filled with lots to see and do. The best diving options in the Caribbean are just one of many reasons why people visit this popular destination. 

Its mixture of Latin American, African, and Caribbean influences, makes up for a rich cultural heritage. The official language is Spanish, but many people speak English too. Some locals speak Creole (a mixture of Spanish, English, and African languages), and Garifuna (a language from Afro-Caribbean communities). 

That’s not all! If you are looking to refresh or expand your palette, one of the best things besides the beaches in Roatan is their cuisine! The Honduran food is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before, the freshness and richness of the food leaves you wanting for more.

Things to do in Roatan

Visit the Bay Islands 

To give you a little bit of insight, if you go to Roatan, you will be traveling to the Bay Islands. This archipelago is made out of eight islands and 53 small cays, but Roatan is the biggest one of them all. It consists of 5 municipalities and 23 villages.

Visit Coxen Hole

Coxen Hole is the biggest city on Roatan and the capital of the Bay Islands department in Honduras. Visiting Coxen Hole means having an opportunity to see the Town Center at the Port of Roatan, the Stone Castle Cameo Factory, the wonderful Macaw Container Market, and so much more!

Visit Cayos Cochinos 

The Cayos Cochinos are two larger islands named Cayo Grande and Cayo Menor. There are also thirteen small coral reefs. You can only visit Cayo Grande, as Cayo Menor allows entry only for scientists and people who work for the Honduras Coral Reef Fund. If you go there, bring your camera along – you will take some amazing photos!

Visit Gumbalimba Park 

Gumbalimba Park is located right outside West Bay Beach. You can find one of the best things to do in Roatan. Take a look at the free-flying exotic birds, black iguanas, hummingbirds, peacocks, macaws, sloths, and capuchin monkeys. The park also has a museum, a pool, more than 200 species of plants, and a few waterfalls. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go zip lining, kayaking, take some nature trails through the botanical gardens, and even pet the animals!

Experience the Coral Reefs 

Roatan is known for having the largest coral reefs and coral gardens. Going diving is probably one of the most exciting things you can do. You will be able to see some shipwrecks such as Aguila and Odyssey and see some fishes and sharks. If you plan on visiting the best times would be February-April or August-October, you may even see the incredible whale sharks.

So, there you have it–a complete travel guide of breathtaking beaches to visit and adventures to partake in on your trip to Roatan. For any information on other popular destinations, browse through our other posts.