One Week in Roatán: Best 7-Day Itinerary for West Bay and West End
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 Roatan: 4-Day Itinerary for Beach and Snorkeling
Best Hotels 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.
📌 Read our full guide on where to stay in West Bay Roatan
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.
📌 Read our full guide on the best restaurants in West Bay Roatan
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 Roatan: 3-Day Itinerary for Divers and Beach Lovers
Best Hotels 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.
📌 Read our full guide on the best hotels in West End Roatan
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.
📌 Read our full guide on the best restaurants and bars in West End Roatan
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.
Don’t Want to Split Your Stay Between West Bay and West End?
Read our tips here on West Bay vs. West End to decide on the best Roatan stay for your vacation
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.
Tips for Planning Your Week in Roatan
A few practical notes before you go that will make the week run more smoothly.
Book Early for the Small Properties
The Beach House and Mila del Mar are both tiny and fill quickly, especially in high season. If either is on your list, book as soon as your dates are confirmed. The same goes for Cocolobo — it’s small, popular, and worth securing early.
Use the Water Taxi
The water taxi between West Bay and West End runs throughout the day for a few dollars per person each way. It’s the easiest and most enjoyable way to move between the two areas. After dark, take a land taxi instead.
Bring USD From Home
ATMs on the island are unreliable. Bring enough cash for taxis, tips, and smaller restaurants and bars that don’t take cards. USD is widely accepted and sometimes preferred.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen
It’s required in Roatan to protect the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and worth bringing from home. Some shops on the island carry it but selection is limited.Travel Tips for Your Roatán Vacation
📌 Check out our post on Roatán safety tips.
📌 Check out our post on the best times to visit the island.
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