ROATAN, HONDURAS SNORKELING
Snorkeling is so relaxing, calming, and tranquil. We discovered one of the best snorkeling locations on a recent trip to Roatan. Roatan, Honduras snorkeling of it’s coral gardens remains a favorite!
They are unbelievable! Access to the reef is a short swim from shore on the West end. The sounds of the earth underwater are so very different than the sounds of the earth carried by air movement. Salt water is healing. Your buoyancy is present. Exploration is inevitable. The sunshine and ocean provide the backdrop for our adventures!
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Once on the West end of the island, you can gently swim out to the coral garden reefs. The Roatan Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and also known as the Jewel Of The Caribbean is the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder stretches nearly 700 miles from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay Islands.
Coral reefs exist along the northern coast which can measure 1.0 km to 1.5 km in width, while coral reefs on the south side of Roatan Island are much narrower, 500 m on average.
Because of its proximity to the reef, dives can take place in just a few feet of water or down to 33m (110 feet) and more. This underwater paradise is truly a joy to explore!
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WHERE IS ROATAN LOCATED?
ROATAN, HONDURAS SNORKELING
Roatan is the biggest of the Bay Islands. The island is under fifty miles long and approximately five miles wide. It is considered one of the top destinations in the caribbean. It is located thirty miles from Honduras mainland.
FUN FACT: The most common language on Roatan is Caribbean English even though the official language of Honduras is Spanish. This is because Roatan was an English colony for many years. However, more and more mainland residents have recently moved to the Bay Islands, making Spanish more prevalent.
In attempting to have it all, never forget that if we don’t have love, joy, peace, tranquility and an ability to be truly present in our lives that we don’t have it all anyway. We really don’t have anything.
~Carolyn Anderson
Snorkeling provides complete relaxation as your underwater senses take control. Floating around and just allowing the ocean to take you within its gentle currents for movement through its underwater world builds a trust and confidence in the exploration of the ocean.
You will experience discoveries unlike anything you’ve seen before. The undulating coral fans in vibrant colors provide shelter for small schools of topically colored fish. Other darting bigger fish provide a scene of magnificence that you have to experience to really understand.
Snorkeling is just one of our favorite relaxing adventures when we travel to the ocean.
The beaches, sunshine, and ocean provide the backdrop for many other adventures! Do you have a personal BUCKET LIST for travel dreams? You too can DAYDREAM YOUR NEXT TRAVEL ADVENTURE! We did on our last visit in Roatan, Honduras we enjoyed exploration!
We landed in Mahogany Bay then drove the length of the island to the West end to explore the snorkeling there. The island offers many dynamics from bars on the doors/windows in the over-populated narrow streets of the towns/villages to the countryside’s beautifully built homes into the cliffs of the winding roads into the hills that led down to West Bay.
Fun fact: Many smartly built traditional homes on the beach are built on stilts off the ground. Sand flies cannot jump more than a few feet vertically so this is a great way to avoid the pesky critters.
It is so hot, dry, and sunny that a JEEP or convertible is the smartest way to go on any adventure here! We did see a lot of motorcycles too! If you remember to pack the TOP 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO PACK, you will be ready to dive into the ocean for this adventure right along with us!
WHERE IS THE BEST SNORKELING REEF LOCATED?
ROATAN, HONDURAS SNORKELING
We packed our own SNORKEL GEAR and WATERPROOF VALUABLES POUCH/WALLET and UNDERWATER WATERPROOF CAMERA so we were well prepared!
The Northwest coastline is bordered by a breathtaking coral reef providing world class snorkeling especially in WEST BAY!
The West Bay Reef is a very healthy reef. It is easily accessible from the beach and contains cascading corals.
WHAT WILL I SEE UNDERWATER?
ROATAN, HONDURAS SNORKELING
Over four hundred species of fish can be found here and over seventy species of coral.
The clear water makes it easier to see the underwater and it’s beautiful surroundings consisting of beautiful marine life such as Angelfish, Huge Grouper, Tarpon, and Barracudas along with Schools of Grunts and Blue Tang, Butterfly Fish, Soldier Fish, and Parrot Fish. Occasionally you will see Green Sea Turtles, Hawksbill Sea Turtles, and Southern Stingrays.
Many reef areas provide protection for calmer waters. The ocean floor in this area does appear vastly different from other SNORKELING SPOTS we’ve experienced.
People were swimming and eating and having a great time! It was very relaxing! I could spend countless hours here on this beach and be totally happy!
We even enjoyed a cool refreshing beverage while out swimming in the ocean from the floating pineapple vendor!
WHAT IS THE CLIMATE OF ROATAN?
ROATAN, HONDURAS SNORKELING
December and January are the coolest months (77 degrees Fahrenheit/25 degrees Celsius.) July and August are the warmest (an average of almost 30 degrees Celsius.) The water temperature is between 79/86 degrees Fahrenheit (26 & 30 degrees Celsius.)
It has a tropical climate with the rainy season during October to December receiving a years worth of rain in those three months. January through September are the dry season.
The rainy season reduces the amount of snorkeling on the island since the wind makes the sea conditions along with the waves dangerous. March, April, and May are the best most enjoyed snorkeling months.
We highly recommend a snorkeling vacation/exploration of Roatan, Honduras! It is very family friendly and there are great reef locations right off shore to explore without needing a boat! Tabyana on the WEST END is easy to get to and provides a wonderful experience for snorkelers!
There was food service and drink service right on the beach along with bath house, restrooms, and full security. We were very comfortable here at all times! EXCEPTIONAL SNORKELING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND HERE!
Fun Historical Fact: Columbus first landed on the Bay Islands in 1502, and both English and Spanish settlers made their way to Roatan. However, by the 17th Century, more than 5,000 pirates lived on the island, including some famous names like John Coxen, Van Horn, Henry Morgan and Blackbeard.
God’s magnificent creation is on full display here in Roatan! We were just in awe of it’s raw beauty both underwater and on land. WHAT a beautiful island to explore and enjoy!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
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12 Comments
Sonia
We’ve found many great snorkeling spots, but unfortunately haven’t made it to Roatan. These look like a great selection of snorkeling spots to try out.
Barbara Robinson
YES! Roatan is spectacular!
Melanie
I’ve really grown to love snorkeling, so it’s good to know this is a good spot. Love the floating pineapple vendor!
Barbara Robinson
We really enjoyed Roatan and plan to return for a lengthier stay! This is part of my top 5!
Cris
We thorougly enjoyed Roatan when we were there and highly recommend snorkeling while there. It’s some of the most beautiful water in the Caribbean! Great photos and information in your post.
Barbara Robinson
I completely agree! 🙂
Linda (LD Holland)
The water in Roatan definitely is amazing. On our last visit we went scuba diving. But we would definitely try snorkeling on a return trip. Fun to find a floating pineapple vendor to get refreshed!
Barbara Robinson
We really enjoyed it there! Glad that you did too!
Josy A
Snorkling off Roatan looks fabulous! Those blue waters look so inviting and relazing. The traditional houses on stilts sound really cool too.
Barbara Robinson
GO! Try it out! It was fabulous!
Rhonda
I love snorkelling. It looks like this would be my happy place.
Barbara Robinson
Snorkeling is wonderful! Yes! It is a happy place for us too!