Typical Tourist Activities on Roatan Island

What do people do when they visit Roatan?

There are many things to do on Roatan and be sure to bring your camera.  Listed below is only a small sample of the typical activities that cruise ship passengers and weekly visitors enjoy. 

	Scuba diving is readily available on the island and walk-in visitors do not need a reservation.  There are many independent dive operators in West End and they will be happy to see you.  There are several resorts that offer cruise ship passenger shore excursion packages.  For those do it yourself excursions, head to West End.
	Find a remote beach to relax on or join the rest of the cruise ship crowd at West Bay and West End.   There are a lot of beaches in Roatan and you will have a lot of fun exploring and snorkeling at any of the sandy beaches.

The barrier reef is the second largest in the world and is only a 150 feet from the end of Sunnyside’s pier at Spooky Channel.  The barrier reef is protected as a Marine Reserve in the northwestern tip of Roatan.   A large variety of marine life will be seen while snorkeling and diving in this area.  Click on dive location for a map of the popular dive sites on western tip of Roatan and information about a new Dive and Snorkel Guide of over 78 dive locations in Roatan.

Deep sea fishing and flats fishing with "Capt Sam"

At the Carambola Botanical Gardens and nature trails you�ll find a protected iguana and parrot breeding cliff, as well as some archaeological sites dating back to Mayan times.    Be sure to ask for a guide as this will make your experience here a lot more informative as the plants are not well marked.  The Garden is located on the main road near Anthony's Key Resort in Sandy Bay.

Ocean kayaking is a popular activity on Roatan.  Rentals can be found at some resorts and in West End at Cannibal Cafe.  While you are there, you might as well stay for Mexican food for lunch or dinner.  Good food and low prices!

Visit the Butterfly Garden with approximately 200 butterflies and 20 different species which are native to Honduras.  The Butterfly Garden is located along the main road just before arrive in West End.

Watch the dolphin show at the Institute for Marine Sciences.  Swim with the dolphins at Anthony�s Key Dive center in Sandy Bay.  You might even get a kiss from "Bob".

Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) and the artifact museum of local history at Anthony's Key Resort in Sandy Bay.  Here you will find Mayan and Payan history and artifacts.

Horseback riding on the beach and in the hills is available from Keifetos Resort in the West Bay area.  Water taxis or regular taxis can get you to Keifetos.  Horses are also available in Sandy Bay and at Anthony's Key Resort.  El Rancho Barrio Dorcas is located on the road to West End near Gibson Bight.  El Rancho Barrio Dorcas does have cruise ship offerings.

Stanley Submarine Adventure is for the serious underwater explorer.  The two hour adventure cost $500 per trip for two passengers goes to depths up to 2500 feet.  Contact Captain Karl Stanley through this web site or by visiting him in person at Half Moon Bay Cabins.  Options include dives up to half a mile deep, on a shipwreck, to underwater canyons, on a seamount, overnight baiting trips, or simply picking a spot on the chart and seeing what's there.

Take the Coral Reef Explorer (glass bottom boat) tour in West End.  The glass bottom boat tickets are available at the Crystal Bay Cabins.  The water taxi will take you to the boat for 30 lempiras.  The boat has three tours each day.  Learn more by clicking here.

Take a tour to the Iguana Farm near French Key belonging to islander Sherman Archer where you can see more than 2,700 iguanas of many varieties.  He also has lobster, tarpon, and turtles in a large pen area at the water side.

Visit Jonesville where a dory water taxi takes you through the mangrove tunnels.  There are several small shops in Jonesville with hand made local crafts.  Tours can be arranged through Casi Todo tours.  Send an email to averyl@globalnet.hn

Sailing on a Catamaran or Onaire III which is  a 62 foot sailing yacht designed by Sparkman Stephens.   Sailing Yacht Adventure -- Sailing and Snorkeling.   Get your tickets on board ship.

Sant� Wellness Centre	Enjoy the following:  aromatherapy, four handed massage, reflexology, seated chair massage, lymphatic drainage, European facials, fruit acid facial peels, thalassotherapy body wraps, and therapeutic massages [Swedish, Lifestream, Deep Tissue, Tui-Na (Chinese Sports), Le Stone (Hot Stone)].   Be sure to contact her in advance of your arrival [email protected].
	Capt Van's Motorcycles is located in West End along the sandy road.  Rent a bicycle motor bike, or scooter for the day and tour the island.  Be sure to say hello to Walter and Murray when you are there.  Tell them this web site sent you there.
	At Yubu the visitors will learn about the descendants of the Garifuna, their history, journey and arrival in Honduras.  You will experience the music, songs and dance styles of the Garifuna people which play an important part in their ancestral traditions and are an integral part of their culture.  Yubu is located at Politilly Bight, just before the entrance to the Garifuna village of Punta Gorda (about 20 minutes out of French Harbour). It is open every Tuesday to Friday from 10am - 3pm, entrance fee is $5 per person.
	Bay Island Airways allows the visitor to create their own tour.  Be sure to bring your camera.  They also provide inter island travel.  Mention you found them on the www.roatanisland.net web site and receive a 5% discount on your booking. US Contact Information 011-504-946-5665 Roatan: 933-6077 http://www.bayislandairways.com

Note:  We do not "book" or make reservations for the above activities. 
This information is provided solely to inform visitors of activities available on Roatan and is not an endorsement of the activity.