Roatán is small, but its areas feel very different, from the resort beach of West Bay to the fishing villages of the east. This overview of Roatán areas shows where the island is, what each part is like and which one suits a cruise day, a dive trip or a beach holiday.
West Bay Roatán's best-known beach: shore snorkeling, water taxis from West End, cruise-day crowds, sand flies and the resort strip. 
West End Roatán's dive village: Half Moon Bay, the waterfront road of dive shops and restaurants, sunset bars and the water taxi to West Bay. 
Coxen Hole Roatán's main town and the Town Center cruise terminal: what to see, where to shop, safety and how to get to the beaches. Roatán is the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands, about 40 miles (65 km) off the country's north coast in the western Caribbean. It is roughly 37 miles (59 km) long and less than 5 miles (8 km) wide, with one main road along its length. The island has two municipalities: Roatán in the west, with the capital, Coxen Hole, and José Santos Guardiola in the east, which is quieter and less built up.
At the western tip, West Bay has the island's best-known beach, resorts and snorkeling from the shore, and Tabyana Beach is the beach club on its sand that cruise lines sell as an excursion. Just north, West End is the dive village of restaurants, bars and the small beach of Half Moon Bay.
Further east along the north coast, Sandy Bay is a quieter residential area with dive resorts. On the south coast, Coxen Hole is the working capital, with the Town Center cruise terminal and the airport nearby. Beyond it, the east end covers French Harbour, the stilt houses of Oak Ridge, the Garifuna community of Punta Gorda, founded after the Garifuna were deported to Roatán in 1797, and the long, undeveloped beach at Camp Bay.
Cruise passengers with a few hours usually head for West Bay or combine it with a tour; the cruise port guide explains travel times. Divers and independent travelers base themselves in West End or Sandy Bay, beach lovers and families in West Bay, and anyone curious about island life should drive east for a day. Compare all the beaches and see where to stay.
Roatán is in the Bay Islands of Honduras, about 40 miles (65 km) off the country's north coast in the western Caribbean.
West Bay for the beach, West End for diving, restaurants and nightlife, and the east end for quiet. Most first-time visitors stay in the west.
About 37 miles (59 km) long and less than 5 miles (8 km) wide at its widest point.
A relaxed choice for anyone who wants sand and calm water without a packed itinerary. The outing lasts about 4.5 hours, which leaves room in a cruise day.
from ~$29 per person
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Transportation for travelers who want a beach day on the northwest coast. West Bay sits in the marine park, with snorkeling, diving, jet skis and parasailing available.
from ~$33 per person
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Suits swimmers who want time over live coral on a half-day outing of about five hours. Check with the operator for pickup details and the stops.
from ~$78 per person
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A simple option for cruise passengers who want a relaxed beach day without crowded attractions. Direct transportation runs between the port and the beach.
from ~$20 per person
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A private zip line outing at Mahogany Bay for your own group, lasting two hours in total, which leaves room for other plans on a port day.
from ~$66 per person
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Suits snorkelers who want quieter reef spots and colorful coral gardens, away from crowded tour boats. The tour can be arranged as private or shared.
from ~$45 per person
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A simple private ride for anyone who wants to reach West End on their own schedule. The driver is a bilingual tour guide who knows the island's roads.
from ~$61 per person
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Suits travelers who prefer to choose their own stops instead of following a set route. The local guide can suggest places based on your interests and the time you have.
from ~$46 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 29, 2026.
