What it's like
West Bay sits on the western end of Roatan, the biggest of the Bay Islands of Honduras. Its beach is white sand, and it lies near the second largest reef barrier in the world, which runs along this side of the island and gives the water its color and its fish.
A visit is mostly about the water. The reef lies about 30 yards off the sand, and the bay is calm and clear, so the swim out is easy. Each May the beach hosts the Caribbean Cup, an international freediving competition. Beyond the beach, Gumbalimba Park sits on the main road just outside the sand, with a zip-line canopy and a botanical garden.
Good to know
- Water taxis stop running around sunset, so plan the trip back well before dark.
- Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk; wear repellent and reapply after getting out of the water.
- Sand fleas gather in coastal areas, so long pants and a cover-up help on the sand.
- Do not confuse West Bay with West End, which is a paved road lined with shops and small hotels.
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 that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
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.
Port Royal National Park
Port Royal National Park is a trail park on the eastern side of Roatán, with paths that climb to viewpoints over the Caribbean. It is a quiet place to walk.
Camp Bay Beach
It is a place to swim, lie in the sun and kayak the nearby mangroves.
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.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Snorkeling
