Things to do in  Roatan

The island of Roatan, off the coast of Honduras, is known for fantastic snorkeling and diving—it lies on one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, the 700-mile (1,126.6-kilometer) Mesoamerican Reef. The island is a popular cruise ship destination, with nearly 2 million visitors flocking here almost year-round for idyllic Caribbean adventures.

Roatan, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, claims the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef. It stretches for some 700 miles (1,126.6 kilometers), offering snorkelers and divers of all levels endless opportunities to commune with the Caribbean’s colorful marine life. The island is a popular and accessible cruise ship destination to boot.

With flight schedules to Roatan typically running on a weekly basis, you may not have much choice when it comes to how long you stay—and cruise ship visitors may have just a few hours. That being said, 3 to 4 days is a good amount of time to get to know the island and see its most beautiful spots.

With warm weather year-round, the best month to go to Roatan depends on what you’re looking for. The rainy season tends to last from September to January, with most travelers opting to avoid this half of the calendar. March–June tends to see the biggest crowds, making July–August a good shoulder season option.

Roatan has a huge tourism industry—so while Spanish may be the official language, English is widely spoken and understood across the island, from West Bay to West End and beyond. Locals often speak Creole English, which takes bits and pieces from French, Spanish, and Garifuna to form its own dialect.

The best place to stay in Roatan depends on what you’re looking for. If you like being in the thick of the action, stay in West Bay. If you like a little more space and are willing to walk or take a water taxi, opt for West End or Sandy Bay. If you really want to escape into nature, try East End.