Best Snorkeling in Honduras: Roatan, A Snorkeler’s Dream
I should preface this by saying we only went snorkeling off West Bay Beach in Roatan so we really don’t know if it’s THE best snorkeling in Honduras but we sure felt like it was. We had a great experience and can’t wait to get back in a few short months.
The snorkeling in Roatan was great, better than what we have ever experienced. Bright colorful fish and a stunning coral reef with brain coral, sponges and sea fans took my breath away. Kev took me through what seemed like a maze out to a part of the coral reef wall where it was like a big hole opened up in the ocean floor. We saw parrot fish, barracuda (I missed this one), eels and more.
We love the fact that you can walk along the beach, get right into the water and be at the coral reef. It’s so close to shore, I love that. Kev went a lot further than I ever did but I hope to venture out more this next trip.
We especially love the fact that we don’t have to hop on a boat and be transported out to a snorkeling spot like we have in Jamaica. It’s fun to go with a group but it’s just as nice to go off and snorkel by ourselves too. Of course, you CAN hop a boat and pay to go to some off shore snorkeling spots with the guys down West Bay Beach.
They have some popular spots like Blue Channel, Spooky Channel, Starfish Alley and many more. We did hire a young man, Captain Manuel, Roatan Tours to take us on a snorkeling trip to check some spots out. It was affordable and fun but not sure we would do it again. My favorite part was passing by the dolphins at Anthony’s Key and the mangroves. The only real disappointing point to me was that we didn’t get to go through the mangrove tunnels, we just went by them. If you go to Roatan and want a fun tour guide, give Manuel a call 504 9831 3420.
Roatan’s Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the 2nd longest and is just amazing (Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the longest). Roatan’s reef is a protected part of the Roatan Marine Park. It’s illegal to touch/stand on the coral reef, because of it being a protected area so be cautious when out in the water.
I have heard of other snorkeling spots but don’t know much about them at all. Hopefully one day we’ll be able to explore them all. Places like
- Black rock
- Half Moon Bay
- Parrot Tree
- West End
and many others!
One day while out snorkeling down towards the end of West Bay Beach, there was a lifeguard in a kayak which I thought was cool. He asked if we needed anything (there were some kids acting a bit weird out there) and we explained we were not in that group and were fine. I think it was a cruise ship docking day because I never saw a guard before or even after that one time.
We have a lot of video while snorkeling & Kev took a lot while kayaking. We will have to work on getting that edited and loaded up on our YouTube channel. I’m not a pro when it comes to editing so I might just have to cut them down time wise and just upload them as is. Be on the lookout for more video though.
We love our video cameras. Currently we use an Olympus underwater digital camera (our review) and a JVC Everio HD digital video camcorder.
I’m on the hunt for more Roatan snorkeling spots just in case Kev decides he wants to go explore. We usually stay towards the end of West Bay Beach in a rental house, near Captain Morgan’s resort so anything to see by kayak or walking would be perfect.
Let us know if you have any suggestions.
While we are on the topic of coral reefs, one of my favorite companies, Little Passports has a new Coral Reef kit. It’s so cool and a great idea for kids! Check it out.
Where is your favorite place to snorkel?
Some of the best snorkeling is on the south east end of the island. I recently snorkeled Caribe Point Bight and it was the best spot ever. Also good is the Cow and The Calf out by Lime Key in Port Royal and Pigeon Key (near Guanaja) has fabulous spots also.