Roatan Honduras Beach Guide

If you’re dreaming of turquoise water, soft white sand, and that leisurely Caribbean pace of life, Roatán is precisely where you want to be. As the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, it offers a mix of calm beaches, lively waterfronts, and incredible snorkeling just steps from shore.

The island sits on the world’s second-largest coral reef, so you can swim with colorful fish, kayak along clear shallows, or relax under palm trees with a cool drink in hand. Tourism here is booming—according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2024), Honduras welcomed 2.8 million international visitors in 2024, a 17.8 percent increase from 2023, with about 841,000 overnight guests.

And Roatán keeps rising—in the first quarter of 2025, it welcomed over 700,000 visitors. In this guide, we’ll explore Roatán’s best beaches and how to make the most of them.

What We'll Cover In This Guide:

• Roatan Beaches at a Glance (Quick Comparison)
• Best Snorkeling Beach in Roatán
• Roatan Beaches FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• Final Thoughts: Discover the Best Beaches in Roatán, Honduras

Before diving into the detailed beach breakdown, here’s a quick overview of Roatán’s top beaches—so you can easily compare what each one offers and find the perfect spot for your ideal island day.

Roatan Beaches at a Glance (Quick Comparison)

 

West Bay Beach, Roatan

West Bay Beach in Honduras is world-famous for a reason. It features the island's longest stretch of beach, easy access, and plenty of amenities. If it’s your first visit to Roatan, make a beeline for West Bay, where you’ll find all the action.

Bars, restaurants, and dive shops are all within easy reach, along with every water activity you can imagine. From parasailing to fishing charters and scuba diving to kayaking, if it’s on the water, you’ll find it here. The best part is that, with miles and miles of powder-fine white sand, this Roatan, Honduras, beach never feels too crowded.

Tabyana Beach

Tabyana Beach, Roatan, is rated not just as one of the best beaches in Roatan, but also among the best in the Caribbean. If you’ve got the picture in your mind of a white-sand beach fringed with coconut palms swaying in the wind, then you’re in the right place. A Tabyana beach break is everything you’re dreaming of and more.

Activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and beach volleyball. The reef is only 70 short feet from the beach, which makes snorkeling a leisurely affair here. Suppose you’re visiting on a cruise ship. In that case, some Tabyana Beach, Honduras, tours include an island-themed barbecue lunch and access to private sun loungers. Facilities include local gift shops, bars, restrooms, and, of course, as much sunbaking as you can handle.

Mahogany Beach

Mahogany Bay Beach is located at the largest of the two cruise ports in Roatan. It is accessible only to its cruise passengers. If you’re coming in on any Carnival Corporation cruise ship, this is where you’ll likely dock. Mahogany Beach is artificial and spans 10 acres, featuring an 800-foot-long beach dotted with activities, beach bars, and grills.

If the beach gets too crowded for you, head to Blue Lagoon, where you’ll find personal beach bed cabanas on a private beach. There isn’t a reef here to fully enjoy snorkeling, so if you’re looking to see some underwater action, you’ll have to head a bit further afield.

Mahogany Beach Roatan reviews on TripAdvisor rave about the well–maintained facilities and the Magical Flying Chair. This chairlift system takes cruise ship passengers from the welcome center to Mahogany Beach.

Half Moon Bay, Roatan

Located in the West End of Half Moon Bay Beach, Roatan has a popular stretch of sparkling white sand that makes it one of the best beaches in Roatan. It’s usually bustling with activity during the day, and you’ll find numerous dive boats, snorkeling tours, and fishing charters coming and going from one of the many docks.

Suppose you’re looking for more of a relaxing day. In that case, you can also rent paddle boards or snorkeling equipment and share the shallows with the many sun-lovers enjoying the warm, clear water. There are also many bars and restaurants if you’re looking for a meal or a tropical cocktail while you enjoy the view.

Maya Key Roatan

A visit to Maya Key allows you to experience the best of Honduras all in one 12-acre oasis. If you only have one day in Roatan and want to see it all, make a beeline for this private island retreat.

If you’re looking to enjoy your time on land, take a stroll through the island’s beautiful and expertly maintained gardens. Keen to see some local wildlife? Head to the animal sanctuary to spot monkeys, exotic birds, and native jungle cats. When you’re ready for some rest and relaxation, Maya Key’s 5,000-square-foot deck features a massive 70,000-gallon swimming pool.

For the water lovers in the group, the retreat might have the best beach in Roatan for snorkeling. There are two secluded beaches to snorkel and dive from, and you can also snorkel from the pier. Maya Key’s private beach is dotted with comfy lounge chairs and dreamy hammocks, so if you’re seeking some rejuvenation paired with views of the Caribbean, you wouldn't be blamed for doing nothing at all.

Little French Key

Little French Key is a popular cruise excursion due to its many attractions and amenities. The excursion offers a plethora of activities, making it easy to choose between relaxing on a private Caribbean island and packing your day with activities such as horseback riding and zip-lining. There’s even an animal rescue center on the island where you can hang out with some of Honduras’ most exotic wildlife, promising an exciting and memorable experience.

Little French Key has also just renovated its scuba shop, so if diving is on the agenda, you can explore one of the many shipwrecks and reefs nearby. If you’ve got more time, you can stay overnight on Little French Key in a beach house where you’ll have the little island all to yourself once all the day-trippers have gone home.

Big French Key

Big French Key and Little French Key are actually located right next to each other and can make it tough to decide how to spend your day in Roatan.

Big French Key is also a private island, fringed by white-sand beaches. The main attractions include kayaking around the cays, snorkeling, and Mayalantis - the famous underwater museum. This unique museum features submerged statues of the Mayan civilization and popular movie characters, along with an ecosystem teeming with rich marine life for you to enjoy.

The good news is that day trip packages can include activities on both islands, so in the matter of Little French Key vs Big French Key, you really can’t go wrong.

Camp Bay Public Beach

A rare Roatan, Honduras beach that shows off the east end of the island, Camp Bay has stunning views and cool breezes that keep you lingering. It might be far from the major tourist hubs. Still, in exchange for the small amount of effort it takes to get there, you get to enjoy the longest completely natural beach on the island.

Camp Bay might actually be the best beach in Roatan for locals, and you’ll likely see Honduran and expat families with kids playing in the water and excited dogs roaming the shore. There are plenty of restaurants and bars here, but you’ll notice they’re less flashy and offer more local fare than the other side of the island.

Paya Bay Beach

Head to this secluded and protected bay at the eastern end of the island if you’re craving a little alone time. While Paya Bay might be known for the boutique resort of the same name, you’ll also find several small beaches dotted along the bay that you’ll likely have all to yourself.

There aren’t any amenities here besides the tall coconut palms for shade, so make sure to bring some snacks and water. If you do feel like getting treated, you can head over to the luxe Paya Bay Resort for some cocktails or even a meal. This is also where you’ll find one of the only clothing-optional beaches on the island.

Best Snorkeling Beach in Roatan

The west end of the island is where you’ll find many of the best beaches in Roatan for snorkeling. Elsewhere, on the island and the islets and keys surrounding it, there are many other reefs to explore.

As previously mentioned, Half Moon Bay, Tabyana Beach, and Maya Key are all popular options. Still, there are also some excellent snorkeling spots dotted around Roatan if you’re prepared to get off the beaten track a bit.

Marbella Beach

Located away from all the tourists and much of the urban development on Roatan’s north coast, this beautiful and untouched stretch of sand is this. Marbella Beach might be hard to find (and get to), but if you do put in a bit of effort, you’ll be rewarded with a slice of paradise that you’ll likely have all to yourself. A rarity on an island the size of Roatan.

The water here is clear and ideal for snorkeling, so make sure to bring your gear along. The surrounding vegetation should provide ample shade, but you’ll need to get everything else you need for the day, as there aren’t any facilities here.

Starfish Alley

A popular snorkeling spot located between West End and West Bay, Starfish Alley is the place to be if you want to see starfish in the dozens, all in one spot. The maximum depth here is eight feet, which makes it easy to access from the shore and a pleasant place to snorkel. The starfish here are all Caribbean cushion sea stars, and their bright colors make them easy to spot and photograph amongst the seagrass beds.

There aren’t many facilities here, but if you start getting hungry, Bite on the Beach Restaurant is nearby, and West Bay is a few minutes away by water taxi or car.

Sandy Bay Beach

The beaches here are not the ubiquitous white-sand shores that you’ll find on the more popular beaches of Roatan. What you get instead is a beautiful, unspoiled beach that’s surrounded by coral reefs just waiting to be explored. This Roatan, Honduras beach is actually part of the Roatan Marine Park protected area, where many colorful fish and interesting marine life have made their home.

The coastline is dotted with a few small hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and dive shops. Sandy Bay could be worth a day trip as it is also home to the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (where you can do dolphin encounters), Carambola Botanical Gardens, and the Roatan Museum.

Lighthouse Point

On the northwest tip of the island, just off of West Bay, you’ll find what locals refer to as Lighthouse Point. This one is only for confident swimmers as the area can only be accessed from the shore when the water is calm and there are no waves. Aim for early morning and keep an eye on the current as you snorkel.

Palm Beach

Located on Roatan’s north coast, Palm Beach is a stunning stretch of 1,120 feet of fine white sand. You’ll find crystal clear water on one side and lush tropical jungle foliage on the other. Along with the snorkeling that’s available right offshore, you can also find horse riding on the beach, jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Palm Beach is available through a day pass if you’re not staying at the resort on-site. Your entry includes lounge chairs, umbrellas, food, and drinks at the beach bar, and some activities.

Roatan Beaches FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit Roatan for beaches and sun?

The best time to visit Roatán is from March to August when the skies are clear, the sea is calm, and snorkeling conditions are ideal. If you’d rather skip the crowds and save on lodging, plan a trip between late November and February, when the island feels more laid-back.

Is Roatán safe for solo travellers and families?

Yes, Roatán is generally safe, especially in popular areas like West Bay, West End, and Sandy Bay. Solo travelers can move around comfortably during the day, while families appreciate the relaxed, friendly environment. Just use standard travel sense—avoid isolated areas after dark and use licensed taxis.

Where are the best snorkelling beaches in Roatán?

West Bay Beach is famous for its easy access to the reef right from shore. Half Moon Bay and Sandy Bay also offer excellent visibility and calm water, perfect for beginners. If you want something quieter, try Maya Key, where marine life is abundant and crowds are smaller.

Can you reach Roatán beaches by public transport?

Yes, shared taxis known as colectivos run frequently between Coxen Hole, West End, and West Bay, costing just a few dollars per ride. Local buses also operate, but make more stops. For secluded beaches like Camp Bay, renting a car or hiring a driver will save you time.

How crowded do Roatán beaches get on cruise days?

On cruise ship days, beaches like West Bay and Mahogany Bay can get busy from late morning through early afternoon. To enjoy a quieter experience, go early in the morning, visit on non-cruise days, or explore lesser-known spots such as Paya Bay or Marbella Beach.

Final Thoughts: Discover the Best Beaches in Roatan, Honduras

Roatan isn’t just a spot on the map—it’s the kind of place that slows you down and pulls you in. From the coral gardens at West Bay to the quiet stretches of Camp Bay, every beach has its own rhythm and reason to stay a little longer.

The island is easy to explore, whether you’re catching a water taxi between beaches or finding a hidden cove with a local’s tip. And once you’ve had your fill of sun and sea, the friendly island energy and laid-back charm will make you want to return.

So, what’s stopping you? Start planning your Roatán adventure and see why this small island leaves such a big impression.