West Bay
White sand and turquoise water.
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Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, a coral island in the Caribbean about 65 km off the north coast. It is 59 km long and less than 8 km wide, known for white beaches, turquoise water and West Bay, and cruise ships also call here. The island sits on an exposed ancient coral reef and rises to about 270 metres. Columbus visited neighbouring Guanaja on his fourth voyage, and the islands later sheltered English, French and Dutch pirates. The British deported the Garifuna people to Roatán in 1797. Britain declared the islands a colony briefly in the 1850s before returning them to Honduras. In the west, West Bay and West End have sandy beaches, clear water and most of the tourist facilities. In the east are quieter villages such as Oak Ridge, with coloured houses over the water and fishing boats, and Punta Gorda. A narrow channel through the mangroves cuts off the eastern part. Resorts line the coast in places, with coral reef around the island. West Bay is 59.6 km in a straight line north of La Ceiba. Visitors mention ferries and flights as the ways in, so check schedules. Petty theft happens, so do not leave things on the sand, avoid isolated beaches and ask your hotel which ATMs to use. Do not touch the reef, use reef-safe sunscreen, and dress modestly away from the beach.
White sand and turquoise water.
Coloured houses over the water.
Around the island.
Bay Islands, Caribbean Sea, off northern Honduras
By ferry from La Ceiba or by air, so check schedules.
The west has more services and crowds, and the east is quieter.