Sandy Bay is an area of Roatán Island that you may hear about in your planning, but it’s not as popular as West End or West Bay. This town is located north of West End and has a mix of residential homes, small hotels, dive resorts, and a few notable attractions. We’ve only been to Sandy Bay once, but here’s what stood out and what you should know before deciding if it’s worth adding to your Roatán itinerary.
What We Liked About Sandy Bay
- Quieter than West End and West Bay: The vibe here is more residential with fewer crowds and less commercial development.
- Diving and Snorkeling Access: If you’re staying at a dive-focused property here, it can be a great base without the crowds and expense of the other locations.
- Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences is part of Anthony’s Key Resort. This is a great place to learn about local marine life and conservation.
- Anthony’s Key Resort is the main attraction in the area with a range of bungalow options, activities, and vacation packages. We have not stayed here yet, but we hear it’s great for families.
- Great for a Budget Group Trip: Our vacation rentalwas huge and so much less expensive than options in West End or West Bay. We also had a decent grocery store nearby to stock up on supplies for the week.
Potential Downsides
- Limited Restaurants and Nightlife: The area is very quiet, and you don’t get the same variety you’ll find in West End.
- Spread Out: Unless you’re staying somewhere self-contained like Anthony’s, Sandy Bay is better if you’re renting a car. It isn’t walkable in the same way as West End or West Bay.
- Beach Conditions Vary: This was the biggest drawback for us. The beach was dirty in front of our property. We were able to kayak but didn’t want to swim or hang out on the beach. Some stretches are beautiful, but others are not well-kept. Even when clean, some areas have more seagrass and aren’t easy to access for swimming.
When Sandy Bay Makes Sense
- You’re on a dive trip and want to be close to a specific dive shop. We did some trips with Blue Bahia and really enjoyed it.
- You prefer quiet accommodations or are traveling with a big group and want a large vacation rental for a good price.
- You’re staying at Anthony’s Key Resort or another full-service property where you plan to spend most of your time.
Our Take
Sandy Bay isn’t the first place we’d recommend to visitors who want restaurants, nightlife, and walkable beaches. But if you’re looking for a more peaceful base or are coming specifically for diving, it’s worth considering. We prefer to be in the heart of Roatán’s action, but we’re also planning to check out Anthony’s Key Resort on our next visit.
Have you been to Sandy Bay? Did you have a similar experience? Let us know in the comments.
Up Next: Our ideal 1-week itinerary in Roatán.
Explore More of Our Roatán Guides
- Where to Stay in West End: Options for Every Budget
- West End’s Best Places to Eat and Drink
- Where to Stay in West Bay, Roatán: Options for Every Budget
- West Bay’s Best Places to Eat and Drink
- Best Time to Visit Roatán: Weather, Crowds, and What to Expect
- Is Roatán Island Safe? What to Know Before You Go
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