This page may contain affiliate links, for which I could earn a small commission. You can review my full disclosure here.
Whether you’re visiting Roatan on a quick cruise ship stop for a day, or coming for a week or more, there is no denying that water activities are the number one option for fun in Roatan. After all: this is an island!
Island life revolves around the sea, so jump in and join the fun.
Water Activities in Roatan
SCUBA Diving
SCUBA diving is definitely one of the best water activities in Roatan…trust me, I worked in the industry and managed a dive shop!
You don’t have to already be a SCUBA diver to have fun, although it certainly doesn’t hurt. Roatan is also one of the best places in the world to learn how to dive!
If you’re up for a challenge, this is the ideal location for perfect conditions and low prices.
Try a Discover Scuba Dive during a half-day course, that’s how I first got started on a visit to St Thomas years ago.
Or, if you have the time and inclination, go all in with the multi-day Open Water course. It will open your eyes to a whole new world!
Snorkeling
One thing every visitor to Roatan should do is go snorkeling.
The world’s second-largest barrier reef fringes the island, so you’ll have a kaleidoscopic view from a wide variety of easy-to-reach snorkel locations.
Walk out from West Bay Beach for some of the most accessible and extraordinary snorkeling; follow the Roatan Marine Park underwater signs to avoid shallow reef.
ALWAYS protect the reef. Never stand on coral, take extreme care not to kick it with your fins, and never ever ever touch wildlife or coral.
Sailing
While being on an island is wonderful, some of my favorite views are from the water looking back toward land.
The lush greenery on Roatan contrasts so beautifully with the azure sea and sky. Whether you see the white sand beaches or black iron shore, the colorful landscapes are breathtaking!
Go for a sunset sail to maximize the views on all sides, from the stunning landscapes to the mesmerizing sunsets on the horizon as far as the eye can see.
Paddleboarding
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a calm, enjoyable way to be on the water while enjoying views of the shore.
With such clear waters around Roatan, you never know what you might see as you glide along the surface!
Rent a paddleboard and go for an early morning paddle before the boat traffic picks up and the engines start to hum…this is the most serene time of day when just the sound of trickling water dripping off your paddle disrupts the quiet.
Kayaking
Prefer to sit instead of stand? Rent a kayak instead for a similarly peaceful and beautiful experience.
I’ve always been a big fan of kayaking, and living on Roatan encouraged that adoration even more!
I highly recommend kayaking and planning to hop in for some snorkeling along the way. The kayak serves as an ideal surface marker buoy so boats see you, and you get the benefit of snorkeling farther from shore without having to swim!
Looking for more?
- Start with My Expat Timeline to see where I’ve lived
- Get all the Scotland expat info here
- And the Roatan expat info here
- See my travel destinations
