Roatán, Honduras
After more than 20 years of traveling to Roatán, I’ve learned that planning a trip here is a little different from planning a typical Caribbean vacation. Where you stay matters—a lot—and so do things like transportation, weather and knowing what to expect before you arrive. I’ve put all of my Roatán guides in one place to make planning your trip easier.
Where to Stay in Roatan
Choosing where to stay is probably the biggest decision you’ll make when planning a trip to Roatán. West Bay and West End are the two most popular areas, but they have very different vibes. Start with these guides to figure out which area—and which hotel or vacation rental—is right for your trip.
Where to Stay in Roatan
Not sure which part of the island is right for you? I break down the best areas to stay and who each one works best for.
Best Hotels in West Bay
From boutique resorts to all-inclusive favorites, these are the best hotels in West Bay for every budget and travel style.
Best Hotels in West End
Prefer West End’s lively atmosphere? These are the hotels I’d consider, from smaller boutique stays to beachfront options.
Vacation Rentals in Roatan
Want to rent a condo or VRBO instead of a hotel? Here’s what I’d consider before booking, plus the Roatán areas I’d look at first.
Plan Your Roatán Trip
Once you know where you want to stay, the rest of the trip gets much easier. These guides cover the practical stuff—when to go, getting around, what to pack and what to expect when you arrive.
Plan Your Trip to Roatan
Start here for everything you need to plan your trip, from where to stay to what to book.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Roatan?
Taxis, rental cars, and water taxis—what actually makes sense.
Roatan Packing Guide
What I actually pack after more than 20 years of visiting Roatán.
Things to Do in Roatan
Once you know where you want to stay, the rest of the trip gets much easier. These guides cover the practical stuff—when to go, getting around, what to pack and what to expect when you arrive.
Best Things to Do in Roatan
The experiences I think are actually worth your vacation time.
Best Snorkeling in Roatán
Where to find some of the best snorkeling right from shore.
Best Restaurants in Roatán
Where I’d actually eat, from casual beach spots to nicer dinners.
Scuba Diving in Roatán
Nervous about trying scuba? What you should know before your first dive.
Know Before You Go.
Once you know where you want to stay, the rest of the trip gets much easier. These guides cover the practical stuff—when to go, getting around, what to pack and what to expect when you arrive.
Is Roatán Safe?
What I’ve experienced on the island and what I’d want first-time visitors to know.
Is Roatán Worth Visiting?
Who I think will love Roatán—and who might be happier somewhere else.
What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Roatán
The little things I wish someone had told me before my first trip.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Roatán?
When I buy it, what I look for and when I wouldn’t travel without it.
Traveling to Roatán With Diabetes
Practical information for managing diabetes while traveling on the island.
More Roatan Guides
All the other little details
Best Family Resorts in Roatán
The resorts I’d look at when planning a family trip to the island.
Best Beachfront Hotels in Roatán
Where to stay when walking straight from your hotel to the beach is the priority.
Roatán vs. Turks & Caicos
Two beautiful Caribbean trips, but very different vacation experiences.
Roatán vs. Jamaica
How the two islands compare when you’re trying to decide where to go.