Visit Roatán in One Day: How to Make the Most of Your Perfect Island Escape
- Amy Harris
- Oct 22
- 5 min read
If you only have one day to explore Roatán, Honduras, don’t worry — this Caribbean paradise may be small, but it’s packed with unforgettable experiences. From vibrant coral reefs to local culture and picture-perfect beaches, you can easily enjoy the best of Roatán in just one day. Many Caribbean cruises choose to port in Roatan, Honduras, therefore you may find that you only have one day to explore this beautiful island.
A few facts about Roatán:
It is located in the Caribbean Sea and is the largest of the Bay Islands
It is 37 miles long and only 5 miles wide
It is known for it's beautiful beaches, coral reefs and spectacular scuba diving
It is a safe destination, people often get concerned because of how dangerous mainland Honduras is, however crime in Roatan is not a major concern.
In addition to it's lush white sand beaches it also has lush jungles where you will see unique wildlife such as exotic birds, sloths and monkeys
Begin Your Day Early and Prepare in Advance
💡 Tip: If you only have one day in Roatán you will want to book your shore excursions in advance to maximize your day. Make note that most Cruises dock near Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay.
Your tour guide or driver will arrange to meet you at the port and will likely suggest that you head to the West End which is where you will find the best beaches and places to enjoy the water.
Roatán is famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling — the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest in the world, lies just offshore.
Best Spots: West Bay Beach or Half Moon Bay in West End offer easy reef access right from the shore.
Activities: Go snorkeling, take a short scuba diving tour, or join a glass-bottom boat ride if you prefer to stay dry.
Midday: Local Flavors & Island Vibes
After your morning in the water, it’s time to refuel with some local island food.
Where to Eat: Head to West End Village for laid-back beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and one of the most popular foods in Honduras: Baleadas, a local favorite, it is homemade flour tortilla folded in half with refried red beans, cheese or sour cream and a variety of toppings such as chorizo, chicken, eggs, avocado, and beef. You will of course also find fresh cocktails and and cold Salva Vida beer.
~Check out some of these great restaurants for lunch~
Visit Pura Vida Roatan (how could I miss recommending them with that name?)
It's located right on the beach with indoor and out door seating, they serve traditional Costa Rican food and it's so fresh, plus the drinks are huge and delicious!
Fun beachfront atmosphere located in Half Moon Bay, traditional Caribbean food and you can snorkel right behind the restaurant, it is a bit touristy and thus a little more on the expensive side. You may find lionfish ceviche on the menu
Loretta's Island Cooking
Mutton Pepper Grill
Dana's
Don’t Miss: If you can find them on a menu, try the lionfish tacos — they’re delicious and help protect the reef!
If you have time, stroll through the colorful streets of West End to browse local art, handmade jewelry, and island crafts.
Afternoon: Beach Bliss or Adventure Time
If you had a few drinks at lunch you may be read for relaxation, so grab a beach chair and soak up the sun at West Bay Beach, often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
If you’re more adventurous:
Take a zipline tour through the jungle canopy.
Visit a sloth and monkey sanctuary (like Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout).
Explore the Roatán Rum Company for free tastings and incredible ocean views.
Evening: Savor the Sunset
Before heading back to your ship or hotel, if you have time enjoy a cocktail at one of the island’s beach bars. The sunsets here are stunning — golden skies fading into Caribbean blue.
Top Spot: Again, the West End and West Bay are the best location to see the sunset because, well...they are on the West side. Popular spots include, Half Moon Bay, Sundowners Bar, The Infinity Bay Resort, Coconut Tree Dive Shop (a beachfront dive shop that hosts an evening "beer o'clock" to enjoy the sunset), Lands End or Beacher's Bar & Grill to name just a few.
If I get to visit somewhere more than once or even sometimes the first time I visit a place I want to see it from a locals perspective. I like to meet the locals and see where they eat, live and shop, I find it tells me so much more about their culture. So on our last visit to Roatan we hired a driver, Garfield, that has lived his whole life on the Island. We did end our day on West Bay for some snorkeling, but we started our day with a tour more on the East side of the island he took us on a small boat through the mangroves we saw children going to school on these little boats and we explored the narrow mangrove lined tunnels, stopping along the way at small little restaurants. Our daughters were with us so it was pretty neat for them to see how people lived and went to school in that small community.
One Day in Roatán: Quick Tips
Getting Around: Taxis and private drivers are easy to find at the cruise port — agree on a price before you go.
Currency: U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but small bills are best.
Language: English is commonly spoken, though Spanish is the official language.
Time Zone: Roatán does not observe daylight savings time, so double-check your cruise schedule!
Because Roatan has been a frequent stop for major cruise lines for years many people have only really experienced the island for short visits so planning a full day ahead of time and maximizing your time is important so you can really enjoy this beautiful island. However, if you love, why not go back and spend more time. As of right now it's still considered a more relaxed less commercialized place than the Bahamas, Jamaica or Dominican Republic but in recent years it has seen a growing eco-luxury scene. There's been an increase in boutique resorts, dive lodges and luxury villas especially around West End, West Bay and Sandy Bay.
So if you are looking for a less touristy and less commercialized vacation, Roatan might be the perfect destination.
Check out a list of some of the best hotels in Roatan and plan your next vacation! And as always, let me know if I can help with inspiration, recommendations or planning your itinerary for you! Pura Vida!
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