Beaches in Roatan
Roatán's beaches are the reason many visitors come to the island's west and east ends. West Bay Beach is a short water taxi ride from West End and offers white sand and a reef just offshore. Camp Bay Beach, at the far east end, is the longer trip, with untouched white sand and turquoise water away from the crowds.
Places to go
Camp Bay Beach
It is a place to swim, lie in the sun and kayak the nearby mangroves.
West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach is a mile-long white sand beach on the west coast of Roatan, with a reef a short swim offshore. It is the island's best-known beach day and a main draw of West Bay.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Island Boat Cruise, Iguana Park, Snorkeling and Beach
What to expect
West Bay Beach is the easier of the two. From West End, a water taxi covers the short run to West Bay in about 10 to 15 minutes, and it runs in daylight. Water taxis generally wait until they have about four passengers before leaving, so the trip can start a little later on quiet days. Once there, you can settle on the white sand, or swim out over coral and colorful fish in clear, shallow water. It is a good choice for a relaxed few hours.
Camp Bay Beach takes more of the day. It is the largest of the Bay Island beaches, reached by a road that turns from pavement to dirt and gravel. A 4x4 is not needed, and many visitors make the trip in an ordinary car. Allow at least an hour by car from West End. Camp Bay Beach Adventure Lodge is the only resort on the beach and offers free beach access with free parking. Local places nearby serve grilled food and cold drinks, which helps after the drive.
Where to go
- West Bay Beach. White sand beach on the west coast, with coral and colorful fish just offshore in clear, shallow water. Good for an easy swim. 10 to 15 minutes by water taxi from West End. A trip that goes here: West End Island Beach Tour, 4 Hours, $86 a person
- Camp Bay Beach. The largest of the Bay Island beaches, with untouched white sand and turquoise water. Free access at the one resort on the beach. At least an hour by car from West End, by car or taxi on a road that turns to dirt and gravel.
- Punta Gorda tiny beach. A small beach near the cemetery where you can walk and look for sea glass.
Getting there
From West End, take a water taxi to West Bay Beach, a trip of about 10 to 15 minutes. Camp Bay Beach is at least an hour by car from West End, and the road turns to dirt near the end.
When to go
The beaches can be visited year-round. Water taxis run only in daylight and stop around sunset, so keep your return time in mind. Days when cruise ships call bring thousands of extra visitors to West Bay and West End, so an earlier start helps you find space on the sand.
Good to know
- Wear long pants and long sleeves, and use high-strength bug spray, since sand flea bites are not felt for hours.
- Bring US dollars for small purchases, but expect change in Honduran lempiras.
- Prices for food and goods often rise sharply on days when cruise ships call, so buy at other times if you can.
- Bring water shoes for the reef, and avoid single-use plastics to protect the reef.
Questions
Is Camp Bay Beach reachable without a 4x4?
Yes. The road changes from pavement to dirt and gravel, but a 4x4 is not required. Many drivers use compact cars and scooters. Allow at least an hour by car from West End.
How do I get from West End to West Bay Beach?
Take a water taxi. It runs in daylight and links West End and West Bay in about 10 to 15 minutes. It usually waits for about four passengers before leaving, at US$5 per passenger.
Is there a snorkeling spot near West Bay?
West Bay has coral and colorful fish just offshore in clear, shallow water, good for an easy swim. Stay alert for boat traffic and wear reef-safe sunscreen.
