Roatan is an island off the northern coast of Honduras, and this gorgeous spot has become an important tourist destination for the country. It is a big draw for cruise ships {read more about our recent visit to Roatan here}, scuba diving, eco-tourism, and more. At 48 miles long and 5 miles at its widest point, this gorgeous island is like a long, beach-lined splinter in the ocean. Although small, it’s easy to get to Roatan. It is serviced by the Juan Manuel Galvez Roatan International Airport and a twice a day ferry service.

The Hot Spots of Roatan

The heavy tourism industry of Roatan means it’s teeming with things to see and do. When you visit this gorgeous island, you’ll be treated to high class dining; scuba, fishing, and water sports; golfing; and, of course, gorgeous beaches. That’s already quite a list, but it still only scratches the surface of everything Roatan has to offer.

Dining Options In Roatan

Delicious dining abounds in Roatan. These restaurants are all known for their outstanding food and wonderful atmosphere.

• Argentinian Grill: Located in West End, Roaton, Argentinian Grill boasts a fabulous ocean view as well as a relaxed dining atmosphere. Spend an afternoon or an evening drinking in the atmosphere and the fine wines and enjoy their fresh specialties cooked over flaming coals. They offer beef, pork, chicken, a selection of seafood, and home-made chorizos.
• Blue Parrot Bar & Grill: If you prefer a more laid back scene, Blue Parrot Bar & Grill is for you. While it may not have a beach front setting, it more than makes up for it with its laid back, community atmosphere. The Blue Parrot boasts an eclectic variety of food offerings such as Jamaican, Chinese, and island style dishes.
• Rudy’s Restaurant: Love your breakfasts? Then make sure you stop by Rudy’s Restaurant. Located on the West End at Georphi’s Tropical Hideaway Hotel, this restaurant is known for its banana pancakes {yum!} and tropical smoothies. It’s great power food for a day at the beach, which just happens to be across the street!
• Ronny’s Barefeet Beachfront Bar: If you want the full Roatan dining experience in one place, stop by Ronny’s. It offers fine food with a “free-your-feet” atmosphere. Enjoy high class meals with a twist, like spicy island-style fried chicken or grilled honey-basted lobster, while you relax with their “no shirt, no shoes, no problem” vibe. After you’ve had your fill, you can enjoy one of their tours. They offer zip lining and snorkeling, just to name a couple.

Activities In Roatan

Roatan offers no shortage of amazing things to see and do for those who come to this picturesque island. It has almost everything you can think of, from zip lining to golfing.

• Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum: Roatan’s Garden of Eden, Blue Harbor, offers tours of its fruit orchard, featuring star fruit, mangoes, and pink grapefruit, as well as its extensive conservatory, which features an island first – a hydroponic lettuce and herb farm. While you’re there keep an eye out for beautiful birds and other wildlife that congregate around Blue Harbor’s large pond.
• Detour Roatan: If you want an up-close and personal look at the marine life of the island without diving or snorkeling, take a glass-bottom boat tour with Detour Roatan. For $45 per person, your family can take a relaxing boat ride and take in all the gorgeous tropical fish and other sea life in the area.
• Black Pearl Golf Course: Do you love to golf? Do you love the ocean? If you answered yes, then you owe it to yourself to get in a round or two at Black Pearl. Although its the only course on Roatan, it certainly doesn’t rely on its rarity to draw a crowd. This fantastic golf course, designed by Pete Dye, is open to the public and features an immaculately groomed 18 hole course as well as an ocean view!
• Jungletop Zipline: Have an adventurous side? Then enjoy the jungles of Roatan from the trees. Jungletop Zipline is one of the longest zip line courses on Roatan, which means you’ll get a fully immersive zip lining experience. Keep an eye out, and you might catch sight of the white-faced capuchin monkey.
• Monkey Park: Speaking of capuchin monkeys, you simply must check out Monkey Park. {Note: We *think* this is the name of the park but could not find a website for it and never saw a sign while visiting} While there, we were able to hold capuchin monkeys. These little creatures are so funny. They also like to try to steal your stuff. I had read about this beforehand, so I put all our stuff in one of those drawstring backpacks. The monkeys could get their cute little hands in my bag, but were able to pull nothing out. 😉
• Arch’s Iguana And Marine Park: How would you like to feed an iguana by hand? If that sounds like your kind of fun, be sure to visit Arch’s Iguana And Marine Park where iguanas abound as far as the eye can see. We visited here on our visit to Roatan this year and were given huge leaves to feed the iguanas. My husband is kind of scared of them but I love iguanas, so I found this part of the trip a particular treat.

Beaches Of Roatan

For all of its wonderful dining and activities, the beaches of Roatan really take the prize. These gorgeous white sand beaches are a must-visit for fun in the sun.

• West Bay Beach: West Bay Beach is the ultimate in the Roatan beach experience. This beach was recognized by Moon Travel Guides as the top beach in all of Honduras. Although it has a reputation as one of the top beaches in the Caribbean, West Bay Beach has escaped to overdevelopment that is common in the Caribbean. That means you can enjoy all the beach has to offer without the backdrop of dozens of tall buildings. The main beach draw in Roatan, West Bay Beach, is home to a number of resorts offering the full beach experience.
• Half Moon Bay: Located on towards the far eastern side of the north shore of Roatan, Half Moon Bay is another big draw for tourists. Because of its natural half moon shape, the bay is a wonderful, calm area to enjoy the warm water, white sands, and tropical breezes. They even have a few resorts so you can be on the water at all times.
• Camp Bay Beach: Like all the beaches on the north side of Roatan, Camp Bay Beach boasts white sand, gorgeous Caribbean waters, and wonderful palms. The area features a wonderful resort as well – the Camp Bay Beach Dive & Adventure Resort.

Fun, Sun, and More in Roatan

Roatan is a gem in Caribbean travel. From its dining to its scuba popularity, Roatan has something for everyone. Its beautiful scenery and lack of dense over-development makes it the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of the Caribbean region without the building lined beaches that are also common in the region.

Ever Been To Roatan? What Would You Like To See Or Do There?