4 Days in Roatán: The Almost Perfect Itinerary

I have been fortunate in my career to visit some of the most spectacular destinations on earth, and I am typically more than willing to tell people where – and why – I’m heading someplace exotic. And yet there are rare occasions when I dread telling people where I’m going next. Honduras served as a prime example. Responses to word of this trip ranged from “are you sure?” to “you’re not coming home from this one.” Dramatic? Sure. Warranted? Maybe. Mainland Honduras does not exactly have the best reputation as a travel destination, after all.

But Roatán? Roatán is another matter entirely. The island conjures images of postcard-perfect seascapes, world-glass diving, pristine beaches, and laid-back charm. If you’re reluctant to book a trip to Roatán, that’s just fine – I’ll gladly keep this one to myself. But if you want to spend four unforgettable days in a spectacular outdoor playground, if you love pristine beaches and chill island vibes, and if you have any interest in diving (or diving’s obnoxious cousin snorkeling) read on.

Day 1: Arrival, Sustainability & Learning That I Am Not That Important to Mosquitoes

I landed in Roatán expecting to be immediately swarmed by machete-wielding mosquitoes (thanks, internet). Instead, I was greeted by a warm Caribbean breeze, a resort staff that made me feel like royalty, and a welcome drink that may or may not have had me signing adoption papers for this island.

Anthony’s Key Resort, my home for the next four days, was a tropical paradise. Picture it - overwater bungalows, lush greenery, and hammocks that seemed destined to hold deep, existential conversations with me. The little shuttle between the main resort and the private island where my room was located made me feel like I was setting out onto an exclusive adventure, but what truly impressed me was the resort’s commitment to sustainability. Anthony’s Key isn’t just about the vibe—it’s about preserving Roatán’s natural resources for generations to come.

The resort runs on an eco-friendly philosophy, minimizing plastic waste, conserving water, and protecting the delicate coral reefs that make this island so famous. They’ve banned single-use plastics, use biodegradable cleaning products, and even have their own wastewater treatment facility to prevent pollution. Their dedication to marine conservation extends to their diving operations, ensuring responsible practices that help keep the reef thriving. Plus, the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences, located on-site, plays a crucial role in marine research and dolphin rehabilitation, making the resort a leader in conservation efforts.

Beyond its sustainability efforts, Anthony’s Key Resort is also home to the Dolphin Scuba Summer Camp, a unique educational program that teaches kids about marine life and conservation while giving them the chance to interact with dolphins. The resort also boasts a museum, offering fascinating exhibits on the island’s history, marine biodiversity, and the cultural heritage of the Garifuna people. It’s a perfect place to get a deeper understanding of Roatán beyond just its stunning beaches and underwater wonders.

Overall, Day 1 on Island Time was a typical (and typically fantastic) as it gets – I wandered around the resort, I alternated cocktails and pool sessions, I dipped my toes into the sea, and I continued to muse on how I could make this place my everyday reality. That first evening, I settled into island life with fresh seafood, a sunset view that made me question my commitment to inland living, and an early bedtime—because tomorrow, I was diving head into first the island’s best experience.

Day 2: For the Thrill of the Deep

Roatán is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, part of the Mesoamerican Reef system. It's famous for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic drop-offs, and a thriving marine ecosystem. Diving here feels like jumping into an underwater metropolis bustling with life. Vibrant coral gardens stretch endlessly, forming intricate mazes where reef sharks patrol like security guards and stingrays glide by like guests at an exclusive party.

Schools of blue tangs and parrotfish flash their neon colors as they dart through the coral, while delicate seahorses cling to sea fans, seemingly oblivious to the spectacle around them. Moray eels peek from rocky crevices, looking grumpy but harmless (generally), and if you’re lucky, you might spot an eagle ray soaring gracefully through the blue. And then there’s the grand prize—the elusive whale shark, occasionally making an appearance to remind everyone who really runs the show down here (spoiler: I did not see a whale shark on this trip, but I did see plenty of dolphins while heading to and from dive sites!).

Roatán’s reef was alive, vibrant, and all mine – the crew at Anthony’s Key ensures that you go out in small groups so that you never feel rushed our crowded. I love the opportunity to go slow and spend as much time as I like appreciating the small things underwater, and I have to tip my cap to the team for allowing that to happen.

Dinner was a feast of local flavors back at the resort. Coconut rice, plantains, grilled lobster—the kind of meal that makes you wonder if it’s too late to switch careers to "full-time island drifter."

If you’re noticing a trend, you’re on the money – I really was loathe to leave the resort, as it had everything I needed to have a spectacular trip.

Day 3: Skipping the Sloths and Stones

I visited the Roatán Museum, dedicated to “honoring the history & culture of Roatán and the Bay Islands,” and was quite charmed at the collection of historical photographs, shipwreck salvage, and artifacts on display. Later, a quick boat ride to the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences had me face-to-face with dolphins who were quite obviously more intelligent than me and perfectly nonchalant about my presence.

I will say that I did skip the sloth sanctuaries and sloth experiences that you see advertised everywhere, incessantly; sloths are not native to the island, and I had it in my mind to get out and explore beyond the resort. After my second morning dive (I couldn’t help myself – the diving really is that good here) I hopped into a cab and headed to West End, a lively, colorful village that feels like the Caribbean dream you’ve had your entire life. I wandered through boutique shops, sampled ceviche at a beachside shack, and tried a local favorite—baleadas (think Honduran tacos but better). The vibe was a perfect mix of laid-back and vibrant, with music floating through the air and friendly locals sharing their favorite recommendations on what to do next. Case in point; “you should play football with the boys on the beach,” is a suggestion that my ACL will not soon forget.

I found a prime seat at Beacher's West End where I followed up a couple of appetizers with a sunset entrée and then soaked in some of the night vibes in town before heading back to relax at Anthony’s Key.

As I understand it, the resort underwent a major renovation a few years back, and the “old” part of the resort is now a sprawling, spectacular open space that includes a bar, games rooms, and lounge. It’s beautiful, it’s fun, and it’s a great place to swap fish stories with other diving aficionados.

Day 4: One Last Dive, West Bay & A Humbling Encounter with a Barracuda

A familiar anxiety swept over me on my last day. “Have I done enough?” I asked myself. “Have I seen everything? Should I see more? Should I just relax and unwind?” You know, age-old existential travel quandaries we all face when standing on the precipice overlooking a long flight back home. I decided, of course, to chill as hard as possible… and pack in as much adventure I as could before the end of my trip.

I called for a cab and took the scenic, rollicking ride out to West Bay – not to be confused with West End, check your map – home to one of the most breathtaking beaches I have ever seen. Now, Roatán is a relatively large island and I only explored a bit of it, but West Bay seemed to be the beating heart of the visitor experience. It was busy, lively, but never overwhelming – there were enough people to make it feel vibrant and fun, but not so many that it was difficult to grab a pristine spot of white sand.

There’s plenty to do here, from snorkeling at the famous coral gardens just offshore to parasailing high above the water. If you’re up for it, you can even take a glass-bottom boat tour to admire the vibrant marine life without getting wet.

For lunch, I stopped at The Beach Club at West Bay, a laid-back but stylish spot serving up mouthwatering seafood. The way back included a detour to the Roatán Rum Company, where I discovered that rum tasting at high noon is a perfectly acceptable island activity. The homemade rum cakes? Life-changing. Just across the road, I stopped at the El Faro Lighthouse, where panoramic views of the island had me contemplating whether I could live here and survive on rum and hammock naps alone.

Another spoiler: I did eventually decide to return home but made a solemn promise to myself that I’d be back – not just for the diving, but to see more of this gorgeous slice of paradise.

THE DETAILS

Currency: Honduran lempira (HNL)

-            The local currency is the lempira, but the visitor economy runs almost exclusively on the US dollar (or credit cards). I did use cash for all my taxi rides and smaller transactions so make sure you bring some for off-resort exploring.

Best Time to Visit Roatán

The best time to visit Roatán is between February and May. During these months, the weather is dry and sunny, the sea is calm and clear—ideal for diving and snorkeling—and it’s just before the summer humidity kicks in.

June to November is the rainy season and also hurricane season, though Roatán is rarely directly hit. December and January can be a bit rainy too, but they’re still popular due to holiday travel and slightly cooler temperatures.

Where to Stay When Visiting Roatán

Anthony’s Key Resort – For the Dive-Happy Explorer

Located on its own little key just off the coast, Anthony’s Key Resort is a dream for scuba divers and marine life lovers. It’s got charming overwater bungalows, world-class diving and snorkeling, and an eco-conscious vibe thanks to their strong sustainability programs. It’s also home to the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences and a dolphin encounter program. Perfect if you want to dive by day and hammock-nap by night.

Grand Roatán Caribbean Resort – For the Beach-Luxury Seeker

Sitting right on the white sands of West Bay Beach, this upscale resort is ideal for travelers who want luxury paired with one of the best beach locations on the island. It has elegant suites, an infinity pool overlooking the sea, and direct access to the reef for snorkeling. Bonus: You’re walking distance from some of the island’s best beach bars and restaurants.

Hotel Posada Seremein – For the Chill, Boutique Vibes

Also in West Bay, Posada Seremein is a boutique-style hotel with a more relaxed, low-key feel—great for travelers looking for comfort without the big resort crowds. With only a handful of suites, it offers privacy, a friendly local vibe, and beach access just steps away. Their on-site café serves a killer breakfast too.

Quick Travel Tips for Roatán

Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Roatán’s coral reefs are spectacular—and sensitive. Help protect them by using reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen. It’s often required for dive and snorkel tours.

Pack Bug Spray

All jokes aside, the mosquitoes are real—especially around sunset. Bring a good DEET-based repellent or natural alternative, especially if you’ll be hiking or staying inland. But keep that stuff out of the ocean!

Book Dive Trips in Advance

If you’re coming to dive (and you should!), reserve your dive spots ahead of time—especially during high season (February–May). Spots fill up fast at the best dive shops and resorts.

Use Bottled or Purified Water

Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth, just to be safe. Most resorts and restaurants provide it, but it’s good to have your own bottle on hand.

Taxis Don’t Have Meters—Negotiate First

Always agree on the fare before getting into a taxi. Rides aren’t expensive, but rates can vary. Ask locals or hotel staff what a fair price is to avoid overpaying.