West Bay vs West End: A Traveler’s Guide to Roatan’s Two Most Popular Areas

A breathtaking sunset over West End Beach in Roatan fills the sky with golden and orange hues. Palm trees frame the view, a small boat rests on the sand, and the calm Caribbean water reflects the fading light of day.

If you are planning a trip to Roatán, one of the first questions that comes up is where to stay. Most travellers narrow it down to West Bay or West End, two beautiful areas on the island’s western tip that look close together on a map but feel very different once you get there.

Both are excellent choices, and each offers its own version of island life. The question is not which one is better, but which one fits you best.

After visiting Roatán three times and nearby Utila once, I have come to know both sides well. Each has its own rhythm, strengths, and quirks, and understanding them can be the difference between a good trip and a great one.

In this guide, I will break down what makes West Bay and West End unique, what to expect from each, and a few things I have learned along the way that most first time visitors never hear about.

Overview of West Roatán

The western end of Roatán is where most visitors spend their time, and for good reason. This is home to the West Bay and the West End, two spots that sit only a few kilometres apart yet feel completely different once you’re there.

What I like most about Roatán is how close and accessible it feels. The island sits in the same time zone as most of North America, so there is no jet lag to worry about, and getting there is surprisingly easy. From Canada and the United States, you can connect through cities like Houston or Miami without long layovers, and during high season some places such as Toronto even have direct flights.

A view from above Roatan shows wind turbines scattered across lush green hills with the turquoise sea and coral reef shimmering in the distance.
A small plane waits on the tarmac at Roatan’s seaside airport, with the Caribbean Sea stretching out behind it under a bright blue sky.
The famous I Love Roatan sign glows at sunset along a wooden pier lined with colourful direction signs, creating an inviting island scene by the water.

Once you arrive, it feels different from places like Mexico, more rustic and relaxed with a touch of culture shock that makes it feel authentic. At the same time it is familiar enough that it is easy to get around, especially since English is widely spoken. It is also more affordable than many other Caribbean destinations, which makes it even easier to fall in love with.

🌴 Planning a trip to Roatán? Get my free Mini Travel Guide with quick tips, a 3 day itinerary, safety advice, and budget insights.

West Bay at a Glance

West Bay is what most travellers imagine when they picture a Caribbean getaway. It has the island’s nicest stretch of beach, calm turquoise water, and a lineup of Roatán’s biggest resorts like Grand Roatán, Infinity Bay, and Mayan Princess. It is ideal for families or anyone looking for a laid back resort style family vacation.

West Bay Beach in Roatan is a tropical paradise with calm turquoise water, soft sand, and palm trees lining the shore. Beachgoers swim and relax while colourful boats float nearby, capturing the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.

That said, West Bay can feel a little too self contained and it’s honestly not my favourite area of Roatan. There’s no real central street that connects everything, so it is mostly a series of resorts and restaurants scattered along the sand. It is beautiful, but outside of swimming and relaxing, there is not much exploring to do and it can get boring. The lack of small shops and local cafés makes it easy to spend all your time within one resort, which is great for convenience but not for variety.

West Bay Beach in Roatan features soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and rows of shaded loungers under palm trees. Colourful boats and snorkelers line the shore, creating a relaxed Caribbean scene perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

If you are staying in the West End, it is worth taking the quick water taxi over for the day. Many resorts offer day passes that include a lounger, an umbrella, and access to food and drinks. It makes for an easy beach escape before heading back to the livelier atmosphere of the West End.

A traveler sits on a small water taxi crossing the calm Caribbean Sea between West End and West Bay, enjoying the sun and ocean breeze under a clear blue sky.
A traveler walks along a wooden dock in Roatan surrounded by turquoise water and colourful boats, moments before boarding the water taxi from West End to West Bay.
👉 Compare prices and availability for West Bay hotels

West End at a Glance

West End is Roatán’s laid back heart and one of the island’s most vibrant areas. It feels more like a small coastal village than a resort zone, with colourful dive shops, family run hotels, boutique shops, dive shops, and beach bars that open directly onto the sand. This is where most of the island’s dive community gathers, creating a friendly and social atmosphere that instantly makes visitors feel part of it.

The main street in West End, Roatan, runs alongside the beach, lined with palm trees, small shops, and local vendors. It captures the island’s laid-back charm with bright sunlight, colourful buildings, and the Caribbean Sea just steps away.
Palm trees line the shore of Half Moon Bay in West End, Roatan, creating a peaceful tropical scene. Small boats rest in the calm turquoise water, while a local relaxes in the shade on the sandy beach.

Half Moon Bay sits at the centre of it all, a calm and sheltered beach where dive boats come and go throughout the day. The water here is excellent for snorkelling, and it is common to see locals swimming or kids playing along the shore. The entire area feels alive yet never rushed, and it is easy to spend the day moving between cafés, shops, and the beach.

A group of locals ride in the back of a pickup truck along the main street in West End, Roatan, surrounded by palm trees, colourful shops, and beachside views. The lively scene captures the island’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

West End attracts a mix of divers, retirees, expats, locals, and travellers who prefer character over polish. It is walkable but rustic, with narrow roads and scooters weaving by, giving it that lived in Caribbean charm. Sundowners Beach Bar captures that spirit perfectly, busy throughout the day with people swimming, sunbathing, having drinks, then turning into a lively social hub as the sun goes down.

A lively night scene at Sundowners Beach Bar in West End, Roatan, shows people gathered under palm thatch roofing with colourful lights and music. The open-air bar sits just steps from the beach, creating a perfect Caribbean atmosphere for sunset drinks and evening fun.
👉 Compare prices and availability for West End hotels

Comparing the Beaches of West Bay and West End

If your ideal day involves swimming, snorkelling, or simply floating in warm turquoise water, West Bay is the winner. Its long beach doesn’t have much of a current and very little seagrass, making it perfect for kids and families. The snorkelling is incredible, especially around the buoy near the Kimpton Grand Roatán.

A beach scene in West Bay, Roatan, shows the turquoise Caribbean Sea, soft sand, and boats anchored near the shore. The Honduran flag waves gently in the breeze as visitors enjoy swimming and relaxing under the bright tropical sun.

West End’s beaches are smaller and more rugged. They are not quite as postcard perfect but have a more natural, unpolished feel. You will see locals swimming beside visitors, and the water at Half Moon Bay is still excellent for snorkelling.

Half Moon Bay in West End, Roatan, offers a calm and scenic stretch of beach with golden sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water. Lounge chairs line the shore, creating a peaceful setting perfect for swimming and relaxing in the Caribbean sun.

West Bay Pros:

  • Calm, shallow water ideal for swimming
  • Reef only a short swim from shore
  • Easily accessible beach bars and loungers

West End Pros:

  • Local vibe and community feel
  • Great snorkelling at Half Moon Bay
  • Easy access to dive boats and shops
🌴 Ready to explore the reef? Book a small group snorkelling tour from West Bay that includes all equipment and hotel pickup.

Diving and Snorkelling

Diving is where Roatán truly stands out. The entire western coastline borders the Mesoamerican Reef, giving both West End and West Bay access to dozens of world class dive sites only minutes from shore.

A diver relaxes on a boat off the coast of Roatan, enjoying calm seas and clear blue skies after a day of exploring the island’s famous coral reefs. The scene captures the peaceful beauty of a Caribbean dive trip.

West End is the island’s diving hub and home to many long standing operators such as Splash Inn, Native Sons, and West End Divers. Having spent time diving here on several trips, I can say the quality and professionalism of the local dive community are what make this area so special.

I have done more than thirty dives in Roatán, and a few stand out among the rest. Blue Channel is one of my favourites, a winding passage through the reef filled with swim throughs, coral gardens, and a massive school of Bigeye Scad that gather near the end of the dive like a moving wall of silver.

A scuba diver explores the Blue Channel dive site in Roatan, surrounded by a massive school of fish. The clear Caribbean water and vibrant marine life make this one of the island’s most famous and memorable underwater experiences.

Mary’s Place is another must dive, with steep vertical walls and narrow crevices covered in sponges and black coral that make it feel like descending into a hidden canyon beneath the sea.

For more details on dive sites, conditions, and what to expect underwater, read my full post about scuba diving in Roatán.

A diver explores the dramatic coral canyon at Mary’s Place in Roatan, one of the island’s most iconic dive sites. The deep crevices and vertical walls are covered in vibrant sponges and soft corals, creating an unforgettable underwater experience.
👉 Dive into Roatán’s vibrant reef with a certified package that brings you to stunning sites off West End and West Bay — all gear, tanks and boat transport included.

Things To Do In Roatan

Roatán has plenty to explore beyond the water. Renting a scooter for the day is a great way to see more of the island, winding through hills and small villages with ocean views around every turn. Road conditions can vary and traffic rules are relaxed, so it is best suited for confident drivers.

A scenic view overlooking the lush green hills and coastal towns of Roatan, Honduras. The landscape stretches toward the Caribbean Sea under a bright sky filled with tropical clouds, capturing the island’s natural beauty and relaxed charm.

For something more adventurous, a dune buggy tour takes you off the paved roads and into Roatán’s countryside. The red dirt trails twist through the jungle and open up to incredible views over the coast. Best after a rainfall to keep the dust down.

A traveler gets ready for an off-road adventure in Roatan, sitting behind the wheel of a dune buggy at an outdoor tour base. The scene captures the excitement of exploring the island’s rugged terrain and tropical scenery.

Roatán offers more to experience beyond its beaches. Visitors often spend a day exploring the island’s lush interior, visiting sloth and monkey sanctuaries, sampling locally made chocolate and rum, or taking a scenic drive to quiet villages and lookout points. These small day trips give you a glimpse of everyday island life and are a great way to see more of Roatán’s culture and landscape.

🌴 Ready to explore more of the island? Browse Roatán activities and day trips here to find guided tours, adventures, and cultural experiences.

Nightlife and Restaurants

West End is where evenings feel the most alive. Cafés and beach bars stay open late, attracting a friendly mix of locals, divers, and travellers. Sundowners is one of the best known spots, busy from midday into the evening, and there are plenty of other small bars and cafés along the Half Moon Bay strip, each with its own easygoing feel.

A lively night scene at Sundowners Beach Bar in West End, Roatan, shows people gathered under palm thatch roofing with colourful lights and music. The open-air bar sits just steps from the beach, creating a perfect Caribbean atmosphere for sunset drinks and evening fun.
Colorful boats rest on the calm water at sunset in West End, Roatan. The sky glows softly as waterfront restaurants and bars light up for the evening, creating a peaceful and inviting Caribbean scene.

West Bay has a quieter atmosphere after dark, with most activity centred around resort lounges and beachfront restaurants. It is better suited to couples and families looking for a calm night by the water.

Food across the island is consistently excellent. Try baleadas from small local stands, a warm flour tortilla filled with beans, cheese, and optional extras like eggs or avocado. Anthony’s Chicken is a popular spot for chicken, but my favourite there is the rich and flavourful conch soup. The Splash Inn Dive Resort serves great pizza after a day of diving, and Yahongreh Café at Native Sons Dive Resort is my go to for breakfast, banana bread, and freshly made bagels.

Enjoying a meal at Anthony’s Chicken in West End, Roatan, with a plate of crispy chicken, fries, and a bowl of rich conch soup. The open-air local restaurant offers a relaxed island vibe and some of the best Honduran comfort food on the island.

Insider Tip: In the West End, look for the small beachside BBQ shack in front of Woody’s Grocery. It may not look like much, but it serves some of the best food on the island. Try the barracuda if it is on the grill — it is excellent!

A traditional island lunch of fried fish, rice and beans, plantains, and coleslaw sits on a plate overlooking the calm Caribbean Sea in Roatan. The peaceful beachside view perfectly complements the authentic local flavors.

Accommodation and Price Comparison

West Bay offers mostly mid range to luxury resorts, with prices generally between 150 and 400 USD per night. Most properties sit right on the beach and feature pools, spas, and full service restaurants.

West End caters more to budget and mid range travellers, with rooms typically ranging from 50 to 150 USD per night. You’ll find small boutique inns, family run guesthouses, and dive lodges within easy walking distance to the water.

🌴 Check what’s available now to see which area fits your budget and travel style.

Why Trust Me – What I’ve Learned Exploring West Bay and West End

I have visited Roatán three times, completed my advanced scuba course in nearby Utila, and logged more than twenty dives around the island. Having stayed in both the West Bay and West End, I have experienced the island from different angles and learned what makes each visit memorable.

A traveler stands in front of the colorful Roatan sign by the sea, with calm blue water and palm trees framing the scene. It is a classic island photo spot that captures the bright and cheerful spirit of Roatan.

Travel Tips
• The water taxi between West Bay and West End is one of the most scenic rides on the island and costs about three to five dollars per person. My advice is to stay in the West End and visit the West Bay for a beach day.
• Renting a scooter is a great way to see the island but only if you have some experience and take extra care, as the roads are narrow and traffic can be unpredictable.

Two scooters parked by the sea in Roatan, Honduras, with the ocean and blue sky in the background. The scene captures the freedom and simplicity of exploring the island on two wheels.


• Roatán’s airport is small and efficient, so arriving too early is unnecessary. All the times I’ve gone through it took me about fifteen minutes to check in, drop bags, and clear security. There’s absolutely nothing to do in the airport so don’t plan to get there 3 hours early for your flight.
• When booking flights, keep in mind that hurricanes or heavy rain can affect connections through destinations like Houston or Miami. Last year I was stranded in Roatan for an additional 3 days as a hurricane was passing through Houston.
• Bring cash, as ATMs can run out or go offline. US Dollars and the local Lempira can both be used, and in combination.
• Roatán is generally safe, and locals are friendly, but a little awareness goes a long way. I found it safe and common sense will do you well. For a deeper look at staying safe while exploring, check out my full post on safety in Roatán.
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Roatan FAQs

Is West Bay or West End better for diving?
Both share the same reef system. West End has more dive shops, while West Bay offers great diving with easy beach access.

Is West Bay more expensive than West End?
Yes. West Bay’s resorts are pricier, while West End offers budget friendly stays and local dining.

Where should first timers stay?
If you want nightlife and diving, choose West End. For calm beaches and comfort, choose West Bay.

My Verdict: Should You Stay In The West End or West Bay?

After spending time in both areas, my pick is West End. It has more character, better energy, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer. The mix of beach bars, dive shops, and small restaurants gives it a social, welcoming feel. It is also more affordable, easier to explore on foot, and offers plenty of places to grab a meal or a drink after a day in the water.

West Bay, on the other hand, feels more like a traditional beach area. The beach is beautiful and perfect for swimming, but it is not as convenient for exploring or finding local spots to eat or shop. For me, visiting the West Bay is better as a day trip from the West End as it offers a better balance of local charm, activity, value, and amenities.

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