West Bay vs West End: A Hotel Guest's Guide to Roatán

A hotel guest's guide to Roatán's two best areas — where to stay and what to do.

If you're booking a hotel in Roatán, you'll quickly notice two names come up again and again: West Bay and West End. They sound similar and sit close together, but they offer very different experiences. This guide explains the difference and covers the best tours, beaches and activities for guests staying in either area — so you can make the most of your Roatán vacation.

West Bay vs West End: What's the Difference?

The two areas are very close. A water taxi connects West End and West Bay in about a 10-minute ride for roughly $5 per person, running throughout the day. You can also walk the scenic beach path between them in about 30–45 minutes. This means wherever you stay, you can easily enjoy both.

Best Things to Do in West Bay

West Bay is the heart of Roatán's water activities, and most of these depart right from West Bay Beach — if you're staying at a West Bay hotel, no transportation is needed.

• Reef snorkeling: the West Bay reef wall is one of the most accessible world-class snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
• Parasailing: soar 500+ feet above the bay for the best aerial views.
• Jet ski rental: ride the coastline at your own pace, 30 or 60 minutes.
• Jet Car adventure: a unique amphibious ride straight off West Bay Beach.
• Banana boat ride: classic family fun on the water.
• Glass bottom boat tour: see the reef without getting wet — great for kids and non-swimmers.
• SNUBA and night snorkeling: unique underwater experiences, both departing from West Bay.
• Sunset catamaran cruise: departs from West Bay and sails the scenic west coast with an open bar.

Best Things to Do in West End

West End is Roatán's village for dining, nightlife and a more local atmosphere. Spend an afternoon and evening here even if you're staying in West Bay — it's a short water taxi away. For everything else about the village, see our complete West End guide.

• Half Moon Bay beach: a relaxed, palm-shaded public beach with calm water and good shore snorkeling just feet from the sand.
• Walk the waterfront strip: souvenir and local art shops, dive centers and cafés line the main road — all walkable end to end in about 15 minutes.
• Dining & nightlife: West End has the island's best variety of restaurants and beach bars, from casual local spots to upscale waterfront dining, especially lively at sunset.
• Sunsets: the orientation of Half Moon Bay makes for spectacular sunset views from the beachfront restaurants.

Fishing From West Bay or West End

Our private Roatán fishing charter departs from either West Bay or West End. It combines trolling the deep blue for pelagic species with fishing the reef edges for snapper and grouper, with a local captain, fishing gear, cold drinks and fresh fruit on board.

Day Trips From Either Area

Wherever you stay, these island-wide experiences are worth a dedicated day, with pickup arranged from your hotel:

• Pigeon Cay — snorkel with nurse sharks on a remote cay.
• Dolphin encounter at Bailey's Key in Sandy Bay.
• Island city tour — sloths, chocolate, rum and shopping.
• Jonesville mangrove tunnels on the authentic East End.
• Coastal horseback riding in Sandy Bay.
• Canopy zipline & jungle park with sloths and macaws.

Where Should You Stay?

Already know which area suits you? These are the hotels we drive guests to most often, and who each one is best for.

Hotels in West Bay

Kimpton Grand Roatán. The upscale option on West Bay Beach, with a pool deck, jacuzzi and resort service. Good for couples and travelers who want a full-service hotel. Not staying there? We also sell its day pass. Arriving by plane: airport to Kimpton Grand Roatán.

Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort. Right on West Bay Beach, with an infinity pool facing the sea, a spa, a dive shop and two restaurants: La Palapa on the beach and an international buffet. A good fit for families and groups who want space and everything on site. Arriving by plane: airport to Infinity Bay.

Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort. An all-inclusive on West Bay Beach built around a long lagoon-style pool, with villas that include kitchens and a kids' club, so it works especially well for families. It also has its own dive center.

Paradise Beach Hotel. A beachfront hotel with its own PADI dive center, Paradise Beach Divers, plus La Mouette restaurant and the Cayuco Beach Bar. The natural choice for divers who want to be on West Bay Beach. Arriving by plane: airport to Paradise Beach Hotel.

Las Rocas Resort & Dive Center. Bungalows with private verandas, hammocks and ocean views, an open-air bar and restaurant, and a PADI dive resort on site. A relaxed, smaller alternative to the big resorts.

Henry Morgan Beach Resort. A large all-inclusive on West Bay Beach with pools, a buffet restaurant and a beachside grill. A practical choice for groups and families who want meals and drinks covered.

Between West Bay and West End

Ibagari Boutique Hotel. A boutique hotel between the two areas, with the Luna Muna restaurant and the Duna Divers dive center. The main hotel is for guests 12 and older, and it is a popular spot for weddings. Arriving by plane: airport to Ibagari.

Hotels in West End

Splash Inn Dive Resort. In the heart of the village, right at the water's edge, with its own dive instructors and boat, and an open-air bar and grill with live music. A favorite with divers who want to walk everywhere.

Seagrape Plantation Resort. Oceanfront on the coral shore, a short walk from the West End restaurants, with a dive shop and an oceanfront pool. Quieter than the center of the village.

Posada Arco Iris. A small hotel close to Half Moon Bay, the calm little beach in front of West End. Good for travelers who want something simple and central.

ROA LIVE is not affiliated with these hotels. Hotel details come from each hotel's published information.

Getting to Your Hotel

Begin your trip with a private airport transfer from Roatán International Airport (RTB) directly to your hotel in West Bay, West End or anywhere on the island. Larger groups can book the van transfer for extra luggage space. For the exact routes and drive times, see our guide on getting from the airport to West Bay and West End.