Roatán offers something for every traveler. From palm tree beaches to tourist villages to lush jungles, you’ll taste delicious food and beverages and find plenty of activities to keep you busy. 

The island is located about 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras. It is the biggest of the Bay Islands, which includes Guanaja, Utila and Roatán, stretching about 40 miles long and 5 miles wide. The island is covered in mangrove forests and iron shores, which are volcanic rock formations. 

Roatán lies on the edge of the second largest coral reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef. It is home to over 500 species of fish and 60 coral species. 

Scuba Diving

Roatán is home to thick, vibrant coral, playful dolphins and schools of tropical fish. The island’s reefs and drop-offs are perfect for novices and experts alike. And the warm water and gentle currents make for great year-round visibility. 

Roatán has approximately 35 dive sites, from West Bay to Man of War Cay to Anthony’s Key. These dive sites offer everything from shipwrecks to peaceful eel gardens. Coral walls begin as shallow as 20 feet below the surface and drop into the depths of the Caribbean.  

Keep your eyes out for:

• Sea turtles 
• Eagle rays 
• Blue tangs 
• Parrotfish 
• Angelfish 
• Caribbean reef sharks 

Recommended Specialty Courses

• Perfect buoyancy
• Nitrox
• Boat diving
• Night & limited visibility
• Deep Diving

Conservation Efforts

Roatán Marine Park (RMP)

Roatán Marine Park is a community based, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Roatan’s protected marine and coastal area including all of its flora, fauna, physical and biological characteristics and phenomena, and historical and cultural resources. Read about their programs here.

BICA-Roatán

The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) has a mission to conserve in a participatory, transparent and sustainable way, the coastal marine resources and the ecosystem services which they provide for the social and cultural well-being of present and future generations in the Bay Islands. Read about their programs here.

Coral Reef Alliance

The Coral Reef Alliance works at local, regional, and global levels to keep coral reefs healthy, so they can adapt to climate change and survive for generations to come. As one of the largest global NGOs focused exclusively on protecting coral reefs, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) has used cutting-edge science and community engagement for nearly 30 years to reduce direct threats to reefs and to promote scalable and effective solutions for their protection. Read about their projects in Roatán here.

Culture

Roatán has one of the most diverse communities in Honduras including a mixture of Spanish, British, and Mestizo heritage. It also has a strong Black Carib community known as the Garifuna People. Spanish is the official language in Roatán, but English and Creole English are widely spoken.  

Sloth Sanctuary

Just feel like hanging out? Visit Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hang Out to learn about the various animals that have been rescued and to interact with sloths, monkeys and macaws.

Maya Key

This 11.5-acre private island is only minutes away from the main island and is the perfect way to spend a day in Roatán. The island offers activities for everyone, from snorkeling to exploring lush gardens and Mayan history to souvenir shopping and dining. You can also tour the island’s rescue center and see jungle cats such as jaguars and ocelots. 

Gumbalimba Park

Gumbalimba Park is another great spot to explore botanical gardens, nature trails and wildlife. They also offer ziplining if you want to get your heart racing. The park also features multiple waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a museum. 

What prior travelers say

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“Diventures makes traveling for diving super easy, relaxing and enjoyable! I book almost all of my vacations with them!”