A week in Roatán is just enough time to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches, stunning snorkeling, and laid-back Caribbean charm. We like to split our trip between West Bay for the beach and West End for its Central American vibe. Here’s your ideal Roatán itinerary with our favorite restaurants, activities, and lodging options for every budget.
West Bay: 4 Days of Beach and Snorkeling
Where to Stay in West Bay:
- Luxury: Kimpton Grand Roatán has modern rooms, beach access, and excellent service.
- Mid-Range: Paradise Beach Hotel also has comfortable rooms. It’s a little dated but still has a great beach location and a fun bar.
- Budget: West Bay Lodge & Spa has lovely and affordable garden cabanas, friendly hosts, and an included breakfast.
Day 1: Arrival and Sunset on the Beach
- Check in and get settled.
- Put your tired feet in the sand and enjoy the sunset with a cocktail at one of the many beach bars.
- Dinner: The Argentinian Grill for beachfront steak and lobster.
Day 2: Snorkeling and Beach Time
- Morning: Snorkel right from shore in front of Infinity Bay (but watch for boat traffic).
- Lunch: La Palapa at Infinity Bay for casual poolside tacos, burgers, and guacamole.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or by the pool.
- Evening: Drinks at Beachers Bar & Grill, then dinner at Gula Gastro Bar.
Day 3: Water Adventure
- Morning: Dive or snorkel with a West Bay dive shop.
- Lunch: Thirsty Turtle at Bananarama is casual, lively, and right on the beach (you can also order great pizza from the shop right behind it).
- Afternoon: Paddleboarding or kayaking along the shoreline. Or you may want to stay dry and check out a glass-bottom boat tour.
- Evening: Cocktails and dinner at Kismet for a gorgeous sunset view over the water.
Day 4: Transfer to West End
- Morning: One last swim in West Bay. Try snorkeling down by the wall at the Kimpton Grand Roatan.
- Lunch: Cayuco Beach Bar is located right in front of Paradise Beach Hotel.
- Afternoon: Arrange for a driver to West End through your accommodations.
West End: 3 Days of Local Flair and Laid-Back Vibes
Where to Stay in West End:
- Luxury: The Beach House Boutique Hotel is located right on Half Moon Bay with stylish rooms, amazing views, and our favorite restaurant.
- Mid-Range: Cocolobo has spacious rooms with kitchenettes, ocean views, and a quiet location just a short walk from the heart of West End. Just note that the walk is a bit rocky and you’ll need a flashlight at night.
- Budget: Mr. Tucan Hotel is an affordable beachfront spot directly across the street from Half Moon Bay. Splash Inn Dive Resort is also central, perfect for divers, and offers a nice, included breakfast.
Day 4: First Night in West End
- Dinner: Mila del Mar at the Beach House is our top dinner pick on the island with high-quality cuisine and perfect views.
Day 5: Diving or Snorkeling
- Morning: Dive with a West End dive shop or snorkel at Half Moon Bay. (If snorkeling on your own, stick to the left side of Half Moon Bay as you’re facing the water. It’s amazing.)
- Lunch: Anthony’s Chicken for a local, affordable favorite.
- Afternoon: Wander the shops and galleries and be sure to stop at the Roatan Chocolate Factory for an educational and delicious experience that supports the local community.
- Evening: Happy hour drinks at Sundowners Beach Bar, then dinner at The Argentinian Grill West End, which is just as worthy of a stop as its West Bay counterpart.
Day 6: Island Exploration
- Morning: Relax at Half Moon Bay; arrange for more kayaking, snorkeling, or diving adventures; or ask your hotel to arrange a boat tour of the mangroves.
- Lunch: Baleadas from the gas station. (Ask your hotel for details. You don’t want to miss out.)
- Evening: Dinner at the Thai Blue Elephant for authentic Thai food and a golden sunset view. Afterwards, enjoy some gelato from Costa Dulce right at Half Moon Bay as the nightlife gets underway. Then head to the Blue Marlin or Happy Harry’s Hideaway for drinks.
Day 7: Last Morning & Departure
- Morning: One last swim at Half Moon Bay or walk along the main drag of West End.
- Lunch: Cool down at the Crazy Bean Café before catching your taxi to the airport.
Popular Activities We Haven’t Done
You may also want to visit Gumbalimba Park for wildlife viewing if it meets your ethical standards. They do offer animal encounters, like photos with monkeys, which we personally are not comfortable with after past travel mistakes. So we have not visited the park.
You can also find plenty of cool adrenaline adventures on the island from ATV rides to ziplining,, but we just like to cover what we’ve done personally. We honestly just enjoy chilling and snorkeling at West Bay and West End so much that we’re happy just to relax and soak in the beach vibes.
Travel Tips for Roatán
- Split your stay between West Bay and West End for the best of both worlds.
- Use water taxis for a quick, scenic trip between the two during the day.
- Always use reef-safe sunscreen to protect Roatán’s incredible coral reefs.
- Bring US dollars from home.
- Check out our post on Roatán safety tips.
- Check out our post on the best times to visit the island.
Explore More of Roatan
- Roatán Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Vacation
- Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Is Sandy Bay Worth a Visit?
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