Snorkeling in Roatan
Snorkeling is one of the main reasons people come to Roatán. The island sits near the second largest barrier reef in the world, and the water off West Bay Beach is calm and clear with reef an easy swim from the sand. West End offers a shorter swim to a reef suited to beginners, and the island has many snorkel boat trips.
Places to go
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.
West End
West End is a small village on Roatán's west end, full of restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and beaches. Visitors swim off its sand, walk the paved main road and head out on the water.
Little French Key
Little French Key is a private resort island just off Roatán's coast. Visitors come for pristine beaches, beachfront bars and restaurants, and time in the water snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a sheltered bay on Roatán with a shallow reef for snorkeling and a free sailboat moored offshore. Visitors swim, snorkel and jump from the boat.
Pigeon Cay
Pigeon Cay is a deserted cay off Roatán where boat trips stop for a nurse shark encounter and snorkeling. Visitors reach it on a half-day tour that also includes Jade Beach.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Island Boat Cruise, Iguana Park, Snorkeling and Beach
Roatan Eco Park and Reef Snorkeling with Chocolate and Rum Tastings
Natural Wonders of Roatan Mangroves, Horseback Riding, and Snorkeling
What to expect
Most visitors start at West Bay Beach, where a reef runs close to the shore and is an easy swim out from the sand. The water is calm and clear, and the reef is a main draw of the area. West Bay is a 10 to 15 minute water taxi ride from West End, and taxis can take you there as well.
West End is the other easy option. Swim straight out about 200 meters toward the white buoys and you reach a reef in 10 to 30 feet of water, suited to beginners. Swimming out takes a good swimmer, and you need to watch for motorboats. Many snorkel tours add boats to reefs, wrecks and an East End site, usually as a half day with a stop for lunch.
Where to go
- West Bay Beach reef. A vast reef an easy swim from the sand, in calm, clear water. It is the main draw of West Bay. About 45 minutes' walk from West End; water taxi 10-15 minutes from West End, by water taxi or taxi.
- West End reef. Swim straight out about 200 m toward the white buoys to a 10 to 30 ft reef with coral and colorful fish. Suited to beginners. About 200 m swim from West End beach, by walk.
- Half Moon Bay. A shallow, warm snorkel spot with coral reefs and colorful fish, suited to beginners and families. A trip that goes here: Sloths, Monkeys, Zip Line and Snorkel Combo, 5 Hours, $116 a person
- East End reef and shallow wreck. Snorkel an East End reef and a shallow wreck on a full day tour that also covers other stops. By tour. A trip that goes here: Three Stop Snorkel with Lunch, 5 Hours, $89 a person
Getting there
Agree the taxi fare before you set off. West Bay Beach is a 10 to 15 minute water taxi ride from West End, and water taxis run during daylight.
When to go
Snorkeling works year-round. Water taxis run only during daylight and generally wait until they have at least four passengers.
Good to know
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics to protect the reef.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts on land, and reapply high-strength bug spray when you get out of the water.
- US dollars are generally accepted, but change is mostly given in lempiras.
- Agree taxi fares in advance, and ask the price before you get in.
Questions
Can you snorkel in Roatan without a tour?
Yes. A beach swim from West Bay or West End can be done on your own. West Bay is reached by water taxi in 10 to 15 minutes from West End. From West End, you can walk into the water and swim out about 200 meters to a reef.
Is Roatan good for beginner snorkelers?
Yes. The water at West End and Half Moon Bay is warm and shallow, and the West End reef is suited to beginners. Swimming out from West End takes a good swimmer, so beginners may prefer to stay in shallow water.
How do you get to West Bay Beach for snorkeling?
West Bay Beach is a 10 to 15 minute water taxi ride from West End.
