Roatán & Bay Islands
Snorkeling with sea turtles and hugging sloths 🦥🐠
Roatán is the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands, sitting atop the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second largest reef system in the world. It is a premier destination for families seeking a Caribbean beach holiday with easy access to marine life. West Bay Beach is the most popular hub, famous for water so calm and clear that young children can spot parrotfish and sergeant majors just a few metres from the shore. The absence of strong waves makes it an excellent swimming pool for toddlers and beginning swimmers.
Beyond the beach, the island offers interactive wildlife experiences that define many family photo albums. Gumbalimba Park allows visitors to interact with friendly white-faced capuchin monkeys and free-roaming iguanas in a controlled botanical setting. Similarly, several sanctuaries on the island offer the chance to hold and learn about sloths, a highlight for animal-loving kids. For families with older children, the West End village offers deeper snorkeling tours and introductory scuba diving courses in highly protected marine reserves.
The geography of Roatán is long and narrow, with a central ridge offering panoramic ocean views. Renting a car or hiring a driver allows families to explore the quieter East End, where mangroves can be toured by boat (the "mangrove tunnels" of Jonesville) and crowds are non-existent. Little French Key is another popular day-trip option, a private island cay offering safe swimming areas, kayaking, and rescued animal enclosures.
Dining is easy for picky eaters, with fresh seafood, pizza, and international cuisine widely available. The island is accustomed to cruise ship tourism, meaning English is widely spoken and dollars are accepted, simplifying logistics for travelers. While Roatán is generally safer than the mainland, petty theft can occur on beaches, so families should not leave bags unattended while swimming. The climate is warm year-round, though the rainy season (roughly October to January) can bring intermittent showers.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Home to West Bay, consistently ranked among the world's best beaches, and the expansive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Peak months offer minimal rainfall and exceptional underwater visibility; the late-year monsoon season (Oct-Jan) brings heavy rains (>200mm) that cloud the turquoise waters.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
A global premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling with world-class dive shops and easy shore access to vibrant coral walls. Peak conditions feature calm seas and water temperatures above 26°C; off-season 'Northers' can create rough swells and unsafe conditions for boating.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique eco-adventures including mangrove kayaking, iguana sanctuaries, and world-class reef exploration. Drier spring months are ideal for outdoor exploration without the tropical deluge of late autumn, which makes jungle trails muddy and boat expeditions difficult.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Features sophisticated boutique eco-luxury resorts and private villas that emphasize 'barefoot luxury' and seclusion. The peak dry season provides the perfect low-humidity environment for outdoor spa treatments; the extreme rainfall of November and December disrupts the tranquil island atmosphere.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences offers high-level educational programs on reef ecology and dolphin physiology that appeal to inquisitive families. Seasonal access to research sites is optimal during the dry months when sea conditions are stable and visibility for observation is at its peak.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
While lacking a major metropolis, the island offers authentic glimpses into Garifuna culture and maritime history for discerning travelers. Cultural visits to local villages are best timed for the dry season to avoid the logistical challenges posed by the heavy tropical rains.
Attractions (40 total)
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Carambola Mountain Trail
Sandy Bay
1.5km moderate out-and-back trail with 100m elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour to complete. The route passes through lush botanical gardens and the 'Iguana Wall' cliff side to reach a summit with 360-degree views of the coral reef. Rental/Transport: Roatan Custom Tours (roatancustomtours.com)
Visit website →Pumpkin Hill Trail
East Harbour
5km easy multi-use trail for hiking and cycling with 74m elevation gain, taking about 1.5 hours to reach the summit. The route leads to an old lighthouse tower and the highest point on the island with views of the Iron Shore. Bike rental: Utila Bike Rental (utilabikerental.com)
Visit website →El Pico Summit Trail
Savannah Bight
6.7km challenging hike with 415m elevation gain, requiring approximately 3 hours for the round trip. This is the highest point in the Bay Islands, offering rugged trails through Caribbean pine forests and views of remote waterfalls. Guided treks: Guanaja Adventure (guanaja-adventure.com)
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Cayos Cochinos
Roatán
A protected biological reserve consisting of two small islands and thirteen coral cays, ideal for eco-tourism and pristine snorkeling.
Visit website →Pigeon Cays
Barbareta
Two uninhabited sandbars surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and shallow turquoise waters, offering a secluded tropical paradise experience.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Cayos Cochinos Marine Park
Cayos Cochinos
A pristine biological reserve consisting of two small islands and 13 cays, famous for turquoise waters and its unique pink boa population.
Visit website →Sandy Bay-West End Marine Park
West End
A protected marine reserve offering world-class snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs and diverse sea life.
Visit website →Santa Elena Mangrove Reserve
Santa Elena
A serene natural labyrinth of mangrove tunnels that visitors can explore by boat to see unique coastal ecosystems and birds.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout
French Harbour
A popular family-run sanctuary where visitors can interact closely with rescued sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds in a safe environment.
Visit website →Manawakie Eco Nature Park
French Harbour
A cultural and nature park that combines animal interactions with educational tours about Roatán's history and local herbal medicine.
Visit website →Arch's Iguana and Marine Park
French Cay
A dedicated conservation site where families can feed and interact with hundreds of protected green iguanas and observe marine life.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Gumbalimba Park
West Bay
A comprehensive beachfront adventure park featuring jungle trails, monkey and sloth encounters, a pirate cave, and canopy ziplining.
Visit website →Pirates of the Caribbean Zipline
French Harbour
A popular outdoor activity center featuring an 'extremely high' zipline course and an animal interaction farm with monkeys and sloths.
Visit website →Maya Key
Coxen Hole
A private island activity center offering animal sanctuaries, snorkeling on the reef, and replicas of Mayan archaeological sites.
Visit website →South Shore Canopy Zipline
West Bay
An eco-adventure center famous for its extensive zipline course that offers high-speed thrills and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Punta Gorda Garifuna Village
Punta Gorda
The oldest permanent settlement in Roatán, this vibrant community offers families an authentic immersion into Garifuna culture with traditional drumming, dancing, and island cuisine.
West End Village
West End
A historic seaside town known for its charming Caribbean architecture, narrow coastal road, and bohemian atmosphere that serves as the cultural and social heart of the island.
Bonacca (The Cay)
Bonacca
Known as the Venice of the Caribbean, this historic and densely populated island town features narrow walkways and canals instead of roads, offering a unique urban island experience.
Oak Ridge Village
Oak Ridge
A traditional fishing village where families can take dory boat tours through mangrove tunnels and admire rows of historic, brightly painted stilt houses along the water.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Roatán East End Scenic Drive
West Bay
Approximately 48km paved route (2-4 hours) traversing the length of the island from the West Bay tourist hub to the secluded East End. The route follows the island's central ridge and northern coastline, offering panoramic Caribbean vistas. Highlights include the 'Iron Shore' of Flowers Bay, the commercial harbor of French Harbour, the cultural Garifuna village of Punta Gorda, and the pristine, uncrowded white sands of Camp Bay Beach.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences
Sandy Bay
A premier research and educational facility offering immersive dolphin encounters and insights into Caribbean marine ecology.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
West Bay Beach
West Bay
World-renowned for its white sand and proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, offering excellent shore snorkeling for all ages.
Michael Rock Beach
Guanaja
A secluded and scenic coastal area on Guanaja known for its natural beauty, calm Caribbean waters, and peaceful environment.
Camp Bay Beach
Camp Bay
The largest and most pristine natural beach on Roatán's quiet east end, ideal for families seeking a tranquil and untouched tropical escape.
Chepes Beach
Utila
The primary public beach on the island of Utila, featuring shallow, crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for children.
Half Moon Bay
West End
A picturesque, calm bay in the heart of West End, perfect for family swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying local Caribbean scenery.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Bay Island Iguana Station
Utila
A scientific research and visitor center dedicated to the study and preservation of the endemic and endangered Utila Spiny-tailed Iguana.
Visit website →Roatan Marine Park Discovery Center
West End
An educational facility where families can learn about the conservation of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef through interactive marine biology exhibits.
Visit website →Roatan Museum
Sandy Bay
Located at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, this museum offers insights into the island's ethnic history, archaeology, and diverse marine geology.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Bay Islands Underwater Museum
Sandy Bay
A unique submerged gallery where snorkelers can view a collection of sculptures and pre-Columbian archaeological replicas on the seafloor.
Casa de la Cultura de Roatán
French Harbour
A public institution hosting fine art exhibitions, plastic arts workshops, and cultural performances focused on preserving traditional island artistry.
French Harbour Heritage Society Museum
French Harbour
A modern interpretive center showcasing the island's unique history and culture through high-quality displays and colonial artifacts.
Visit website →Stone Castle Cameo Factory Institute
Coxen Hole
An artistic workshop and museum dedicated to the intricate fine art of cameo carving from seashells, featuring live demonstrations and a gallery of finished works.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum
Roatán
A sprawling 160-acre eco-attraction showcasing an impressive orchid collection, tropical fruit orchards, and sustainable hydroponic farming.
Visit website →Carambola Botanical Gardens
Sandy Bay
A lush tropical sanctuary featuring jungle trails, spice plants, and an extensive collection of exotic orchids and fruit trees.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Bonacca Town (The Cay)
Guanaja
Known as the Venice of the Caribbean, this iconic urban landmark is a densely packed island town where narrow canals and walkways replace streets.
Roatán Sign
Coxen Hole
A vibrant, colorful landmark spelling out the island's name, serving as a must-visit photo location for families and cruise passengers.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Flamingo Cultural Center
Punta Gorda
A cultural and historical center located in the island's oldest settlement, offering visitors insight into Garifuna history, music, and traditions.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Roatan Butterfly Garden
West End
A tranquil walk-through enclosure featuring hundreds of native butterflies, hummingbirds, and a collection of rescued parrots.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
South Shore Adventure Park
West End
A major adventure destination featuring a complex network of ziplines and eco-walkway suspension bridges through the tropical forest canopy.
Visit website →