Sailing to Roatan: How to plan your perfect day!

Roatan Island excursions offer an adventurer’s paradise to cruisers from all around the world. With the option between diving into vibrant coral reefs, ziplining through its lush rainforests, or immersing themselves in local culture, cruisers have endless adventures to choose from.

About Roatan

At 48 miles long and five miles wide, Roatan is the largest of the Bay islands of Honduras. Also referred to as Isla Roatan Honduras, it is actually the top of an exposed coral reef, rising about 890 feet above sea level. It sits 35 miles north of mainland Honduras, with a very developed western half and a more rustic eastern half.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, Roatan has seen its share of conquests and settlements — from the Paya (or Pech) Indians to the Spanish, then to the English who annexed the island to Honduras in 1861. British ships brought freed slaves here from passing ships following the absolution of slavery, and the blending of all these cultures is evident in the food, language, music, and festivals around the island.

Today Roatan is an important part of the Caribbean tourist ecosystem, hosting thousands of visitors to its shores and jungles each year. There is also a growing expat community on the island from various countries. Spanish is the official language, however English is widely spoken.

Some of Roatan’s famous places include West Bay Beach, Coxen Hole, Mahogany Bay, French Harbor, and the beautiful Carambola Botanical Gardens.

Choosing the Right Roatan Activity for You!

With so many things to do in Roatan it can be hard to decide which activity to pick! Here are some things to consider when choosing the right tour while in the Roatan Bay Islands:

• Consider your preferences and interests — are you a nature lover? A foodie? Or are you a fan of visiting places of historical interest?
• Take into account your physical abilities and limitations — do you like being active, or would you prefer a more low key activity? Are you a strong swimmer? Have a fear of heights? Have a mobility concern? Read through the tour descriptions and look at accessibility options to discover the activity level and what modifications or accommodations may be available
• Evaluating tour length and the environment — some tours last a couple of hours, others are a half day long; factor in your timeline, the weather, and your fitness level when choosing a tour
• Read the reviews — the best way to get a feel for a tour is by reading the reviews that are often listed at the bottom of the tour’s page

Things to do in Roatan

 Roatan Water Experiences

When looking for Things to do in Roatan, cruisers cannot visit the island without snorkeling or scuba diving at least once! With the Roatan coral reefs forming the southern part of the greater Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, this is an eco-adventure not to be missed.

Also referred to as the Great Mayan Reef, this vibrant coral system is 700 miles long, making it the second largest coral reef in the world. As you can imagine, the underwater scene here is very popular; with beautiful beaches, warm turquoise waters and great marine life, it’s no wonder that Roatan is among the most returned-to dive sites in the world.

Snorkeling

West End Bay

The West End reef is located about 200 meters from the beach. On this underwater snorkeling adventure you head out to the reef to see many types of coral, starfish, tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, dolphin, sharks, octopus, sea squid, and more.

Roatan Reef

Take a boat out to Roatan Marine Park for a chance to swim and explore this unspoiled, uncrowded section of reef. You will have plenty of elbow room and unobstructed views of multicolored corals and vibrant tropical fish thanks to our small tour size.

Scuba Diving

Mary’s Place

The most famous dive site in Roatan will wow you with rare black corals, sea sponges, and over 500 species of fish. Bonus: there are two largely intact shipwrecks nearby to freely explore. Please note: this tour is weather dependent, and restricted to experienced divers only. Please click this link for important information.

Water Taxi

In this above-the-water alternative, you will get to see Roatan nature and culture up close as you visit island landmarks, an iguana farm, and a gorgeous water village where you will board a water taxi for a relaxing ride in the mangroves. Be on the lookout for wildlife as your guide navigates your vessel through narrow, shaded mangroves that almost touch you as you drift along.

Glass Bottom Boat

Some days you just don’t have the time or inclination to get down into the water, but you still want to see some marine life; what to do? Take a ride in a glass bottom boat! Enjoy a ride out to the reef, stepping below deck into the hull of the boat and sit on a bench in air-conditioned comfort to admire the sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, and more looking back at you through the windows. Unlike traditional glass bottom boats with the glass, well, on the bottom, this 44-foot vessel has window panes on the sides for better viewing and memorable photos.

Zipline Tours

Ziplining is one of the top attractions for those visiting hilly Roatan, offering you thrills and stunning views with every “zip.” There are several awesome zipline courses in Roatan and each one is different in its own way. Some excursions are ziplining only, while others are combination tours that allow cruisers to explore other options on the island while also getting their ziplining fix. New to ziplining? Not a problem! Cruisers can expect instructions and a safety briefing, and you will receive as much assistance as you need.

Gear up and set out on a zipline course that will have you zipping over 25 acres of incredible Roatan scenery! This thrilling track has two miles of lines stretched out over multiple platforms. The lines range from 20 to 40 feet above the ground, with 40 feet to 1,250 feet between platforms. Staff will be on hand to grab photos for you to “prove you did it” and display your newfound ziplining skills.

For a new take on ziplining, check out this Zuperman ziplining tour. You’ll really feel like Superman taking flight when you zipline — on your stomach! — through Roatan’s lush jungle canopy. Enjoy bird’s eye views as you sail along lines of up to 1,560 feet at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. A bonafide adrenaline rush!

This zipline and hiking option gives you miles of smiles in the air and on the ground. Blaze through tall trees and over amazing views as you zip between 18 platforms containing one of the island’s longest ziplines (1,950 feet). Throughout the tour you will have plenty of opportunities to zip, hike, explore, and grab some photos of Roatan’s amazing wilderness.

Island History Tours

One of the best things to do in Roatan are island tours; these tours are a great way to get an overview of the island as well as a deeper appreciation of the history, culture, and the people who live here. They are also perfect for cruisers who are short on time or want to sit back and learn the culture and history of Roatan.

Visit the East End, the West End, and points in-between as you pass through villages, ride by shipwrecks in the water, stop for peak-high photos, and explore tiny streets. Along the way you will learn about the island’s colorful characters and fun facts including Indians, invaders, slaves, pirates, traders, and even rumors of buried gold. You will also understand why you hear Spanish, English, and Garifuna as you travel around (Garifuna is a blend of Arawakan and Vincentian Creole languages).

Alternatively, you can take to the streets to see historical and cultural sites including churches, orphanages, and schools. Afterward, board a boat for a different view of Roatan from the water, and make a stop at Institute of Marine Science where you will learn about bottlenose dolphins and watch them play. During the tour you will have opportunities to shop, snorkel, and enjoy a little beach downtime.

Fun and Sun Beach Tours

Another of one of the top things to do in Roatan is visiting one of the island’s many amazing beaches. There are also a number of resorts on the beach in Roatan that offer the beach goer access to their amenities for a more comfortable, stress-free experience.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy the island views as your driver transports you to a dazzling beach destination while sharing interesting tidbits and insider tips.

West Bay Beach Resort

Experience island luxury as a VIP when you head to this private island resort with all the goodies. You will be welcomed with a complimentary beverage and access to all the resort amenities including beach chairs, changing rooms, bathrooms, wifi, and freshwater showers. Go ahead and pinch yourself as you relax on the beach and soak in the tropical scenery. While here venture out into the crystal clear waters for a swim or, if you are into kayaking, snorkeling, and the sort, rent out the water equipment and go exploring the edges of the island. There is a small gift shop on site and meals are available for purchase.

West Bay Beach

Hit the waves on a jet ski for 30 minutes of non-stop bumpy fun as you leave the pier and make your way to West Bay Beach for a fun beach break. Upon arrival, unwind on the powdery sand on a comfy beach chair while your fingers drum along with the island music. When you’re ready, hit up the bar or restaurant for some sustenance (on your own) and help yourself to the freshwater showers before your scenic ride back to port.

Bananarama Beach

This gorgeous beach has appeared in many international movies, and is a great place for you and your group to escape the touristy crowds for a little beach therapy. Stroll along the shoreline or enjoy an invigorating swim, or pay-to-play with the water trampoline, snorkeling, and paddle boards. Restrooms and freshwater showers are on site, along with four restaurants for you to purchase snacks or food.

What To Bring for your Excursion

• Wear casual lightweight, breathable clothes over your swimwear (and bring a change of clothing for afterward); a rash guard (shirt) is great for snorkeling and diving
• Sunglasses, sunhat, and reef safe sunscreen
• Dry bag to protect your valuables on the beach or the boat
• Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket for those occasional downpours
• Non-toxic insect repellent
• Anti-chafing stick (important for hiking and walking, thanks to the humidity)
• Comfortable walking shoes or walking sandals with back straps for zip lining and hiking; water shoes for water sports; flip flops for the beach
• Snacks, if food is not provided
• Bring water — or cash or card to buy some — as it can get very hot here during the day and you can get dehydrated very quickly (even with water-related activities)
• Water sports equipment — check to see if your tour operator provides these before you take up more space in your suitcase bringing your own
• Currency — the island’s official currency is the Honduran Lempira, however the U.S. dollar is widely taken

Whether you want to explore the reefs, zip along the jungle canopy, take in some island history, or just relax on the beach, we have the perfect excursion for you. All of our excursions are loved by cruisers, with a 4.7 average rating among 39,000 reviews. We are standing by to help you make your trip to Roatan the trip of a lifetime.