Roatan Island is in the western part of the Caribbean Sea and is a captivating destination for every type of traveler. Making up a third of the Bay Islands of Honduras, Roatan is known as a melting pot of cultures and people who have settled here. Influences from the British, Americans, Spanish, the Black Carib, and from its own ancestral tribes are evident in every part of the island. Punta Gorda is a culturally rich destination, showcasing the Garifuna way of life. The French Harbor explores the fishing industry of Roatan and houses an Iguana conservatory. This beautiful destination also offers dive resorts and Airbnb vacation rentals to accommodate all kinds of travelers. If you would like to experience the road less traveled and stay away from where all travelers go, read through our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Roatan, Honduras, listed below.
1. Swim at Half Moon Bay Beach
Spending one day here on the shores of Half Moon Bay is not enough. The alluring blue waters and powdery sand, which are similar to what the family resorts in Roatan offer, will captivate and lure you to spend a couple more days swimming.
The cool waters and breeze are as inviting as any at the best beaches in the world. Swimming here is not only an option - it is the best thing you can do whenever you are here.
Swim at Half Moon Bay Beach
Address: West End Road, West End, Roatan IB3108, Honduras
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 65 USD
2. Go ziplining at Gumbalimba Park
Posted by Gumbalimba Park on Sunday, 11 November 2018
You’ll get a bird’s eye view of this vast natural park by zipping through it. The good news is that the route has several stops, which gives this exhilarating experience a unique twist. The best part of this attraction in Roatan is that you’ll get to see some of the indigenous fauna. This includes macaws and monkeys. This is definitely a must-do when you are on this lovely island.
Go ziplining at Gumbalimba Park
Address: West Bay, Roatan, Honduras
Website: Gumbalimba Park
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 69 USD
3. Eat Baleadas at Calelulus
En Roatán somos muy famosos por nuestras deliciosas baleadas tanto por locales como turistas. Si no las has probado, te...
Posted by Calelu's Grocery on Wednesday, 17 January 2018
You will want to never stop eating Calelulus’ baleadas, which are fresh tortillas filled with cheese and beans. Calelulus serves the best version of this dish on the island. In fact, visitors are known to order more than one because of their exquisite taste!
Baleadas are the most famous food in Honduras, and sinking your teeth into one (or more) of these delicacies is among the activities in Roatan that you shouldn’t miss. Common variants are served with meat, poultry, avocado, and eggs.
Eat Baleadas at Calelulus
Address: Calle Principal, West End, Roatan, Honduras
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Go fishing with the Islanders (from USD 566.0)
Get a chance to fish in the turquoise waters of Roatan in the presence of a knowledgeable local fisherman. Get your fishing gear on and pop open your favorite drink, as you spend a few hours waiting for your big catch! The waters of Roatan are filled with a multitude of marine life, the most common of these are blue marlin tuna, mahi-mahi, jack tuna, red snapper, barracuda, and a whole lot more.
If you’re wondering about what to do in Roatan, fishing in crystal clear waters with amazing views in the background is certainly a must-have on your list of activities.
Roatan Fishing Adventure with Islanders
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
5. Ride an ATV (from USD 89.0)
This is one of the best things you can do on the island of Roatan. In fact, this ATV ride is not like anything in this world. Before you get to ride one of these sturdy machines, you’ll get a history course regarding the indigenous people of the island. Then, you’ll put on your safety gear and hop on to your vehicle. A few practice turns will help you familiarize yourself with your ATV. This is actually a guided tour of the island, so speeding or risky maneuvers are not involved. Since these vehicles are fitted with automatic transmissions, they are very easy to drive.
ATV off Road guided tour and beach day pass
Duration: 4 hours
6. Try horseback riding (from USD 115.0)
This is one of the best ways to explore the features of Roatan. You’ll get to ride on horseback while taking in the wildlife of the island. Lead your horse to any of the beaches on the island and splash in the water to help keep him cool. Witness the flourishing marshlands of the inland, as you work your way around the island. You might as well take some photos with your four-legged friend, so you can remember this moment. This adventure is as wild and fascinating as it can get because you’ll get up close and personal with the beauty of Roatan Island.
Roatan Excursion: Horseback Ride / Plus Sloth Park and Glass Bottom Boat
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
7. Go for a chocolate-making class (from USD 85.0)
Embark on a delectable journey with a chocolate-making class at the Roatan Chocolate Factory in West End, Roatán. Dive into the fascinating world of chocolate as skilled chocolatiers guide you through the process of creating mouthwatering treats.
Learn about cocoa’s history, cultivation, and production while getting hands-on experience crafting your chocolates. Discover the art of tempering, molding, and decorating as you customize your creations with various flavors and toppings. Indulge in the heavenly aroma of freshly roasted cocoa beans and savor the rich flavors as you sample different types of chocolate. Immerse yourself in this immersive and interactive experience that combines education, fun, and the joy of chocolate.
West End Roatan Chocolate Factory Tour & Class
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
8. Spend your afternoon at the beach (from USD 125.0)
Spend a blissful afternoon at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Roatán, soaking up the sun and immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of this Caribbean paradise. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and swaying palm trees, Roatán offers the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Find a secluded spot or join fellow beachgoers for beach volleyball, snorkeling, or simply lounging under the shade of a palm tree with a good book. Dive into the warm waters and discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life.
Half Day Beach Pass to Infinity Bay or Paradise Beach Resorts
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
9. Learn scuba diving (from USD 150.0)
Learning how to scuba dive is one of the best things that could happen in your life. All you need to take an hour-long class in which you’ll learn the basics and off you go to a confined diving site and then to the open sea. No certification needed here because you will be guided by professionals. You’ll get to dive 12 meters (40 feet) into the deep and witness what real marine life is all about. The experience of interacting face to face with fish, coral, and other marine life is second to none. Diving in Roatan should be on everybody’s bucket list.
Take the Discover Scuba Diving Course in a Few Hours
Duration: 4 hours
10. Parasail above the bay of Roatan (from USD 150.0)
Witness the beauty of Roatan Bay from high up in the air. From 800 feet (243.8 meters) up, you will certainly thank yourself for doing this activity, as you’ll get to see the island’s raw beauty. Get your camera out, so you can take some breathtaking photos and footage of your experience. But be sure to hang on tightly to your gear, though, as one wrong move and you might drop it! Imagine seeing the green trees swaying freely in the bay breeze and the blue waves splashing against the shore. What an amazing sight! This is one of the best ways to experience Roatan Bay.
Roatan Parasailing and Beach Break
11. Take a glass-bottom excursion (from USD 77.0)
If there is something you must not miss on your visit to Roatan Island, it has got to be this! A glass-bottom boat will take you to an unknown world. Sit back and relax and enjoy the marine views through specially designed windows at the bottom of the boat. Here, you will get to see a variety of marine life, especially fish and coral reefs. The reef formations never fail to dazzle viewers, with their various shapes and colors. This activity offers fun for everyone, including children and older people. The boat is totally air-conditioned, so everyone in your group can relax.
Glass Bottom Excursion and Beach Break
12. Go on a jet ski adventure (from USD 125.0)
An exciting adventure awaits you once you don your life vest and hop on to a jet ski. What makes it even sweeter, is that you get to do it in the pristine waters of Roatan. Whether you are an expert or a first timer, you can go and enjoy riding the waves on the sea. Get ready for a thrilling ride you will never forget! Just imagine having the bluest water and the freshest air against you. This is one activity that will make you forget all your worries and cares, at least for a few hours.
Shore Excursion: Jet Ski Adventure and Reef Snorkel with Beach
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Have a fun-filled vacation in Roatan, Honduras
There are a lot of wonders in store for tourists on the island, including places to visit and things to buy. But, if you want to stay away from the crowds and traverse the off-the-beaten path, these things to do in Roatan will keep your vacation exciting.
Don’t forget to check out the best hotels and vacation rentals for your accommodation needs.
Frequently asked questions about the best non-touristy things to do in Roatan, Honduras
1. What are the romantic things to do in Roatan?
For a worthwhile trip with your beloved in Roatan, make sure to: i) go horseback riding and take in the wildlife of the island, ii) spend an afternoon at an esteemed beach resort, and iii) catch the sunset at Half Moon Bay Beach.
2. What are some fun things to do for families in Roatan?
Make the family trip count by: i) ziplining at Gumbalimba Park, ii) going on a fishing adventure with the Islanders, ii) seeking thrills on the off-road with an ATV guided tour, and iv) go horseback riding and take in the wildlife of the island
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