Roatan is a Honduras island located in Caribbean Sea. Similar to other Caribbean destinations it offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities, white sand beaches and Caribbean hospitality.
Transportation on Roatan.
You have two options here : rent a car and drive yourself or hire a private driver with a car.
While the roads are not bad, Roatan is a fairly small (and, at the same time, long 
) island. You can rent a car and drive around the island. There is only one main road that goes through the island. So, even though the cell phone service is not the best on the island, the road is easy to navigate, and you won’t get lost.
I strongly suggest hiring a private driver with a car to drive you around the island. The service is popular in Roatan and you will find a lot of companies and individual drivers offering private island tours. Hotels can recommend you a private drivers too.
The driver will pick you up from your hotel and spend the entire day with you. Your driver will probably have suggestions on places to visit. The prices vary, but on average this service costs 100-120$ per vehicle (3-4 people)
When to visit Roatan.
Just like other Caribbean destination, Roatan offers great vacation to visitors year-round. Rainy season starts late October and continues till late January-early February. I suggest visiting the island right at the end of rainy season early February to early March. While you might have rainy days during the time, you will be able to avoid crowds. and dry season.
Honduras Currency.
Honduras national currency is Lempira(HNL), but US dollar widely accepted almost everywhere.
TWO DAYS ON ROATAN
Day 1.
Start your days from exploring the east side of the of the island. With small villages and little shop along the road, east part of the island fells more rural compare to the western more developed part.
Visit Flamingo Cultural Center.
Located on the east-north side of the island in Punta Gorda, Flamingo Cultural Center is a great place to learn about Garifuna people history, see national clothes, try Garifuna traditional food and emerge yourself into Garifuna culture. You can see Garifuna traditional dance there and talk to locals about the work done for Garifuna culture preservation, settlements history and traditions.
If you want to see the traditional dance, you will need to esquire about the schedule first. The dance usually performed on the days when cruse ships stop on the island.
Want to take your Garifuna cultural experience into the next level? Visit Flaming Cultural Center on April 12th when the locals celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day.The celebration starts early morning with the parade and continues through the day. Learn more about Garifuna Settlement Day celebration here.
Traditional Garifuna dance at Yubu Center.
Yubu Center open the days cruise ship stops on the island. You can see traditional food preparation and dance performance there.
Shop on Mahogany Bay.
Yes, I know it is the most touristy place of the island, but It also has the best shopping options in my opinion. I bought the best natural vanilla extract and a good quality beautiful colorful bag there. So, I strongly suggest doing your souvenirs shopping at Mahogany Bay. If you decide to stop by Mahogany Bay, expect to see some cruise ship traffic there.
Snorkeling on East Roatan.
Roatan is well known by It reef and especially by reef preservation efforts. Roatan considered one of the best snorkeling destinations around Caribbean, especially its West Bay beach. On the east side the best snorkeling are around Old Port Royal, Cow and Calf Cays( I suggest asking your guide to take you to the snorkeling area). You can also take a tour to French key that offers great snorkeling opportunities. If you are looking for off-the-beach snorkeling locations on Roatan, West Bay and West End have access to the reef just off the beach.
See shipwreck.
While the shipwreck is nothing special, it looks super photogenic in bright blue Caribbean water. There are many shipwrecks around Caribbean, some are sunken intentionally for divers. There is another shipwreck that actually has name (Snyg Shipwreck) located on the north shore near Pristine Bay on the north side right across from Mahogany bay that is used by divers.
Ride “Magical Flying Beach Chair”.
The whole purpose of this lift is to transfer the cruise ship guests to the island. The interesting thing about the airlift is the fact that is was designed just like standard ski lift. I went for a ride only for the fact of telling people “I took a ski lift to the beach in Honduras”. Magical flying beach chair is the only “ski” lift in the Caribbean.
Watch Caribbean sunset on the beach.
Caribbean sunsets are magical. I love Caribbean sunsets especially during rainy season when you have gloomy weather all through the day and it partially clears up for 20-30 minutes just in time for the sunset. I took the most beautiful and at the same time dramatic sunset pictures when sun rays come through the clouds.
Day 2
Visit Gumbalimba Park.
Gumbalimba Park located on the west side of the island. You can get there on your own, hire a private driver with the car to take you there or take an organized tour. A lot of tours offer Gumbalimba park and snorkelling combo. The park located very close to the West bay, so you can even walk from the West Bay there.
The best time to visit the park is the first thing in the morning, right after the opening (the park opens 8 am)The highlight of the tour was interacting with whiteface monkeys. The monkeys will get super close to you and even try to get your camera.
You can easily spend couple of hours or even the entire day in the park watching the monkeys playing and iguanas laying down under the sun.
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Visiting Gumbalimba Park
Snorkeling on West Roatan
West bay offers the best snorkeling on Roatan. You can swim to the reef from the beach or take a snorkeling tour to further reef areas. If you have time only to visit one place, go to West Bay and spend your time there. The other great west side snorkeling areas are Half Moon Beach especially left side of the bay around the West End point and Sandy Bay. Reef located a bit further from Sandy Bay compared to the west end point. I do not recommend swimming to the reef from the shore unless you are staying in the resort that has reef access.
Final thoughts.
Roatan is a must visit Caribbean destination that offers fantastic snorkeling and diving. You can spend the entire day on the island soaking under the sun and snorkeling in turquoise water or take some time exploring the island and learning about Garifuna culture and traditions. Whatever you choose, you will enjoy your time on Roatan.
