Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. The island rests on an exposed ancient coral reef, rising to about 270 metres (890 ft) above sea level. Offshore reefs offer opportunities for diving. In 2020, it was home to about 110,000 people, concentrated in the western part of the island.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The island is near the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea, and is the second largest reef worldwide, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It has become an important cruise ship and scuba diving destination in Honduras. Due to its tropical location, Roatan harbors a large population of insects, notably mosquitoes and sand fleas. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, and can carry malaria and dengue fever. Repellent is strongly advised. Sand fleas (no-see-ums) are concentrated in coastal areas and their bites can itch for days or even weeks.
Roatán has a system of paved roads connecting the most important communities of the Island. From the Western End of the Island, at the community of West Bay, the road leads through West End, Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, Brick Bay, Mount Pleasant, French Harbour and Oakridge - Punta Gorda after which it becomes a dirt road and continues east for a distance, to the area of Paya Bay, Camp Bay, Port Royal, and other eastern communities. Buses run every 15 minutes between Coxen Hole and West End during the day. They depart from opposite the market in Coxen Hole.
Stone Castle Cameo Factory, Coxen Hole, ☏ +504 995-7421. Offers tours Roatán Butterfly Garden. Su-F 09:00-17:00. They normally have 15-20 butterfly species in a 3000 sq ft enclosure. US$7 adult, $5 child. Roatan Brewery, ☏ +504 3328 0890, roatanbrewery@yahoo.com. Only local Roatan brewery Carambola Gardens Caves of Helen, explore the caves. Dolphin show, at Anthony's Key Resort. East end, if you are up for an adventure, visit the east end of the island past Oak Ridge to Camp Bay Beach the largest of all the Bay Island beaches. The road changes from pavement to a dirt/gravel mix and continues on to Punta Blanca and Camp Bay.
1 Roatan Insiders - Cruise Excursions & Island Tour (Roatan Insiders - Excursions & Tours), West Bay Roatan, Islas de la Bahía 34101, ☏ +504 3327 5203, P.BOUFFARD.PB@GMAIL.COM. 6AM-9PM. Local tour operator specializing in shore excursions for cruise ship passengers and island visitors. Itineraries include visits to West End village, West Bay Beach, and wildlife sanctuaries featuring sloths, monkeys, and parrots. The company also offers specialized tours to the Roatan Island Brewing Co. and snorkeling trips to private cays. Round-trip transportation is included in tour packages. 80$. (updated Nov 2025) Main topic: Diving in Honduras The fishing is good just off the reef in Roatán.
The restaurants you will find along the West End beach are slightly more expensive than similar restaurants on the mainland, but the food is of a very high standard. Seafood abounds, and you can find a top quality lobster dinner for around US$10. Argentinian steaks are also popular. There is a small food caravan located on the main road hosted by an ex-pat Aussie. The food is cheap, and he is open late, which is perfect for when you return home from one of the West Ends night spots. 1 Asylum (Location is approximate), Camp Bay Beach (Far northeastern end of the island past the main paved road), ☏ +504 3320-6004, jimmyasylum@hotmail.com. 09:00-21:00 or whenever the drinking stops.
Roatán boasts a wide array of experiences for night life, depending on your taste. Since the arrival of cruise ships, prices have risen somewhat, and restaurants and bars cater to cruise passengers as well as North American and European tourists. These types of establishments are relatively easy to find, as they are mostly located in and around the West End. Prices here are generally higher than in most other places on the island. The best part about drinking in the west end is the pub crawl that occurs almost every night. Its virtually mandatory to start at Sundowners and enjoy drinks whilst watching the sun go down over the beautiful bay in front.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Roatan typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 17 rainy days.
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