Overview

Roatan is an internationally recognized as a popular dive destination.   If you are divers, there are numerous dive shops, probably 6 or 7 within 5 minutes walk on the beach.  Bring your own mask/snorkel/fins, or rent them on the beach or at dive shops. 

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The best snorkeling is best just to the left of the dock in front of Infinity Bay.

 

This is a Marine Park Protected Area.

Please observe all the rules and don’t stand on the coral.

 

Diving

West Bay Divers (9775 7295).  Located on the right of the road on the way to the beach.

Ocean Connections, located in West End (9901 3646) for diving or BOSS (Breathing Observation Submersible Scooter).       

Activities

A popular thing to do is swimming/diving with the dolphins at  Anthony's Key (AKR).  There are daily dolphin shows and lots of interaction opportunities with the dolphins.  Very close, between West End and Sandy Bay--taxi required.  Also, a small Roatan history museum is on the premises.  Be aware that on cruise ship days the dolphin swim/dive can be booked up in advance, so book early if at all possible.

There are several zip line jungle canopy places close by that are very popular for zip lining.  For 16 platforms, try South Shore Canopy Zipline.  Exciting!  Expect long lines on cruise ship days.  Local number is 9967 1381.

 

Gumbalimba Park is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary with a zip line, snuba, kayaking.  It is within walking distance from the house or a tour can be arranged through a beach vendor.  From the back porch of the house, you may be lucky enough to see a macaw fly into the nature center.

 

If you like to fish, for a local flavor try Reagan with Roatan Guided Tours (local number 9656 7881).  There is also a Glass bottom boat called Coral Reef Explorer (9703 3000), and you can visit our beautiful coral reefs without getting your feet wet.

Ruthless Roatan Charters  or you can find them on Facebook, offers fishing and tours to the surrounding isles.

 

For those who fancy a round of golf, Roatan has its very own Black Pearl golf course at Pristine Bay resort.  Designed by Pete Dye, is has been voted in the Top 10 in the Caribbean.  Call 5220 4412 for a tee time, which are usually easy to get.  Clubs are available for rent and a round of golf is about $120, with specials available for after 2:00. Pristine Bay has a drop dead gorgeous Clubhouse and pool area with beautiful views.

 

West End Dining

A visit to West End, including possibly dinner, is a great way to spend part of a day.  You catch a water taxi at the dock, about $3, and they take you to West End village, a funky and fun slice of Roatan life--bars, restaurants, shops.  Best idea is to go in the afternoon, walk around, have a drink or dinner, then get one of the numerous car taxis to bring you back to West Bay.  Water taxis stop around 6ish/dark. 

 

Recommended restaurants are the Argentina Grill for steaks, Tongs Thai restaurant, and especially Sundowners for drinks at sunset with  a large expat clientele.  Gingers Caribbean Grill has great fish tacos and chicken wings as well as good drink specials and a nice view of Half Moon Bay.  There are also a few local island flavor small and funky restaurants for conch chowder, etc.  West End is where the young (and some not so young) travelers go for nightlife and dancing.  All the cool kids go to Blue Marlin for karaoke on Thursday night. 

 

West Bay Dining

At the end of the road from the house, on the beach is Beachers. They have daily food & drink specials, chairs on the beach and frequent live music.

Lena Parrilla, the restaurant located at Caribe Tesoro, toward the right on the beach, serves lunch and dinner with a Caribbean fusion menu.

Bananarama, just down the beach, has a well run dive shop, and the Thirsty Turtle bar/restaurant is always crowded.  Lots of activities during the weekend, including fire dancing and crab races on Sundays, almost always live music.  Mondays they have a 2 for 1 pizza deal, and the pizza is wonderful (I am always surprised how good it is).  The food here is usually quite good, and I particularly like the coconut shrimp and curry chicken wrap/salad.

 

Mangiamo's Market and Deli, a short 5 walk to West Bay Mall, has great takeout sandwiches and food, and a gourmet small market with imported products.  In the same "mall" is Capt.Van's for movies/motorbike rentals, Java Vine Coffee Shop (good breakfasts), as well as small gift and souvenir shops.  Across the street is Celeste's Island Cuisine, with beautiful parrots and gourmet baleadas (traditional Honduras food like small enchiladas).  In the same area, next to Celeste's West Bay Lodge, is Sushi Grill.  It is run by a husband and wife out of their home, and is an experience--slooow to get served as he does it all painstakingly by hand.  Don't go there hungry, and do make reservations in advance as their seating area is limited—and no credit cards accepted.  There is also a nice, professional spa at Celeste's, Serenity Day Spa, with a wide variety of spa offerings--pedicures and massages.

Our "best" (and most expensive) restaurant is called Vintage Pearl, just down the beach and part of Bananarama. They serve steaks and fish in a fun upscale atmosphere, and have a really good wine list.  Entrees are around $25+, and sometimes they have rack of lamb.

 

Chef Blackie For an interesting treat, have our driver Marty's wife, (3303 9225) come in and make you a traditional island style meal of shrimp, chicken, or lobster ($5 extra p/p) and all the trimmings. She charges $35/per person for two or $30 p/p for 3 or more, and will come in, cook, serve, then clean up for you.  Lots of fun!  (We highly recommend the coconut pie!)

 

You could take a taxi around the island rather than rent a car. It is fun to visit the iguana farm and see what Roatan is about, as well as see the gorgeous vistas and beaches.  As well, our driver Marty (9979 1017) can take you around, and you can arrange this with him if he picks you up at the airport.  Marty can also take you to the grocery store on the way to the house from the airport for a small additional charge.  There are various itineraries, based on what you would like to do. Taxis are numerous and constant, and make sure to negotiate—a trip back from West End is around $5-$15.

 

We usually use Econo-Rent for cars, (located right outside the airport entrance) and have had good luck with Best Cars as well.  Their cars are usually on the newer side with decent tires and spares—this is a very important thing to check when renting a car anywhere as the roads are full of potholes.  Going rate is about $45 per day. Reminder:  Alamo and Hertz may offer website prices that seem very inexpensive, but once you arrive at RTB airport, they will be much higher.

 

There is also a Butterfly Garden and Botanical Gardens, both on the small side but beautiful to see.  If you go to the dolphin show at AKR, they are right there so can be done at the same time.