Roatan

Honeymoon Guide

A honeymoon in Roatan offers a tropical reprieve from wedding stresses and a complete disconnect from the outside world. Enjoy that newlywed bliss in this easily accessible Caribbean island paradise.

Roatan Overview

Location – The Caribbean island of Roatan is located about 30 miles off the northern coast of Honduras. This western Caribbean island location offers some protection away from the hurricane belt, while still being very easily accessible from North America.

Flights – Direct international flights arrive from several US and Canadian cities, making Roatan a delightfully easy island for a honeymoon escape!

Amenities – Roatan offers soft, white sand beaches fringed in palm trees with no high-rise condos to block your ocean view. It also boasts the world’s second-largest barrier reef just off-shore, offering a kaleidoscopic array of tropical fish and corals.

This island oozes old-school Caribbean charm, with homes on stilts over the water and that iconic laidback vibe. A single, winding main road running along the island’s central ridge provides views of both the north and south shores.

History – Roatan’s diverse history is highlighted in its town and family names, layered with indigenous tribes, European colonists, pirates, Garifuna, Latinos, and countless nationalities living there today.

Cruising – Roatan also receives cruise ship visitors regularly, so you can still stop by this beautiful island if you’d prefer a cruising honeymoon. If you want to avoid the cruise ship crowds, there are plenty of options for a quiet, romantic honeymoon in Roatan without busting your budget.

reclining chairs on Roatan sandy beach with umbrella

Why Honeymoon in Roatan

A honeymoon in Roatan is a beach lover’s dream come true. Whether you want an all-inclusive relaxing getaway or an adventure-fueled outdoor extravaganza, Roatan offers it all.

Scuba divers started visiting the island for its pristine coral reef and abundant marine life, which drew attention to this beautiful island tucked away from the main Caribbean crowds. Since those days, dive shops have popped up all around the island, continuing to cater to the scuba diving crowd and the snorkelers who prefer to stay on the surface.

Scuba and snorkeling might be the main highlights in Roatan, but they aren’t your only options! There are plenty of fun activities, eclectic dining options, and always that good old-fashioned beautiful beach with a cold drink at sunset.

A honeymoon in Roatan is not for city-loving couples nor for the designer swimsuit aficionados. This island is totally laid back and casual, with prices to match. That’s not to say you can’t bask in luxury here! On the contrary, enjoy a luxurious stay with high-end amenities at prices not often found elsewhere in the Caribbean.

In a save vs. splurge debate, Roatan helps you save on accommodation costs so you can splurge on some fun outdoor activities!

Roatan Accommodation

Boutique Picks

All-inclusive getaway

Escape to Nature

  • Head to Roatan’s East End where development is more elusive and pirate lore is rich. Mango Creek Lodge is accessible only by boat. The resort offers over-the-water cabanas that are simple, yet allow you to reconnect with nature in true tranquility.

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Food & Drink

restaurant section photo

  • The Lotus at Xbalanque near West Bay
  • Vintage Pearl on West Bay Beach
  • Roatan Oasis just outside of West End
  • Cal’s Cantina at First Bight along the main road
  • La Sirena at Camp Bay Beach

Things to Do in Roatan

Underwater coral reef scene Roatan

Roatan is world-famous for its incredible underwater views, so make sure you take advantage! The western part of the island is known for its flat, calm seas that are ideal for most watersports. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, or a glass-bottom boat tour to see the colorful coral reef and diverse local marine life.

The eastern end of the island enjoys better breezes and therefore offers kitesurfing.

Unique to Roatan is the Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration (RIDE) with Stanley Submarines. This is one of the only locations in the world where the general public can ride in a deep-sea submarine craft. You can explore down to 2,000 feet, with the prospect of spotting rare creatures few humans have ever encountered. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Check out all of our recommended activities for a fun Roatan honeymoon:

Three dolphins jumping in oceanPin

Swimming with Dolphins in Roatan

Whether you want to swim, snorkel, or just kiss dolphins, you're sure to make lasting memories while supporting a good cause.

Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

beach adventure

Completely Unwind in Paradise

Day 1

Most visitors from the US or Canada will arrive in Roatan after several hours of travel. So plan to use this arrival day to just unwind! Many hotels offer airport transfers, allowing you to head straight to the hotel and get those toes into the sand ASAP.

Spend the entire day relaxing on the beach or by the pool.

Stay at the hotel for dinner, unless you’re in West End and want to explore the options in town. Grab some drinks and relax into Island Time.

Day 2

Beautiful beach and warm crystal clear water of West Bay RoatanWake up and sample the local Honduran coffee as you laze into the morning. Today is all about that gorgeous turquoise Caribbean water. No need to rush, take your time heading to the beach, and don’t forget that sunscreen!

Whether your hotel is right on the sand or not, you’re bound to be near a beautiful stretch of beach to claim as your own for a few hours. Relax, listen to the sounds of the island, and feel the stress melt away.

Day 3

Now that you’re sufficiently relaxed into Island Time, introduce yourselves to some of the slowest movers on Earth.

Morning: Grab a taxi to Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hang Out at French Cay, which is located mid-island. Cuddle a sloth, contribute to their care and protection, and give your skin a break from the tropical sun for a few hours.

Afterwards, head next door to Sherman Arch’s Iguana Sanctuary. These dinosaur-type lizards run all around the property freely, safe from poachers and dangers of living near human development. Feed them banana leaves – don’t worry, they won’t bite. They are gentle creatures so you can even reach down and pat them!

Lunch: For a bite to eat, head to Cal’s Cantina farther along toward the East End. This popular Roatan eatery offers a lovely view and delicious local dishes.

Afternoon: After lunch, carry on toward the East End to spend the afternoon in Punta Gorda at the Flamingo Cultural Center. Learn about the history of the Garifuna culture on the island. This should be booked in advance.

Taxi back to your hotel for an evening of relaxation. Marvel at the plentiful stars overhead and keep that Island Time vibe going.

Day 4

Morning: Another day at the beach means an opportunity to snorkel! Rent snorkel gear from a vendor on the beach, or check with your hotel. If you’re on West Bay Beach, snorkeling at the far end in front of Grand Roatan Resort is excellent.

Don’t get into shallow spots and never touch the coral or any sea life!

A day in the sun and sea warrants a delightful afternoon siesta. Find a hammocks or head back to your hotel room for a luxurious midday (honeymoon) nap. 

Evening: When heading out for the evening, the first priority is sunset drinks. Sundowner’s in West End is a fun spot for locals and tourists alike, while The Beach House offers a more upscale vibe. In West Bay, Bananarama is a fun spot while Grand Roatan is at the quiet end of the beach. Wherever you end up, make sure you get a comfy spot and a cold drink as that sun sinks into the sea.

Enjoy a fun night out with dinner, drinks, and even some dancing! There is typically an event for every night of the week between the many bars in West End.

Day 5

Morning: After a night of fun, it’s time for a morning of tranquility. Golfers should head to Pristine Bay for a round on the vibrant greens overlooking the beautiful blues of the Caribbean Sea.

Otherwise, go visit the dolphins of Anthony’s Key Resort (AKR) in Sandy Bay. Either activity will take a few hours, so plan for a full morning.

Afternoon: After lunch, get back to the beach to unwind and fix any strange tan lines you might have acquired.

Evening: Tonight, book a romantic dinner for two on the beach at your hotel, on the dock at Caribe Tesoro (West Bay), The Beach House (West End), or in your own hotel room with a private chef. Your hotel concierge can make arrangements.

Day 6

Day Trip: Today requires an early start to visit Cayos Cochinos (the Hog Islands). These barely-inhabited islands are an utter refuge from the world outside. Bask in the tropical sun, marvel at the abundant marine life, and enjoy feeling of your own private island for the day. 

This day trip leaves from West End on Ruthless Roatan Charters. Make sure to check the weather ahead of time, and book in advance. It is a unique experience that you won’t want to miss!

Note: this is a weather-dependent activity.

After a full day out on the boat catching tuna and snorkeling overtop a pristine coral reef, grab a celebratory drink back on Roatan.

Day 7

Today is all about the sand and the shade – relax!

Morning: If you want to do a bit more, snorkel from shore or rent a paddleboard for a little gliding along the surface with views of the island.

A relaxing massage is also in order to make sure you are completely rid of any stress.

Evening: Enjoy the last night of your honeymoon with a bottle of champagne and a fantastic meal at Luna Muna at Ibagari Hotel near West Bay. It’s some of the finest dining you can enjoy in Roatan, with a romantic setting right on the beach.

Day 8

Departure is such sweet sorrow! Enjoy a final breakfast in paradise with a relaxing cup of coffee on the beach. Stroll along the surf until it’s time to pack and head to the airport. Bon Voyage!

Active & Energizing Honeymoon

Day 1

Check into your hotel and shed all those bags — it’s time to put on the swimsuit and hit the beach! There’s nothing better than splashing into the sea to wash away any leftover wedding stress. Spend these first precious hours of your honeymoon having fun together and letting loose!

Day 2

Scuba diving is the ultimate Roatan adventure, so make sure you get underwater and blow some bubbles.

Beginners: If you’ve never tried diving, book a Discover Scuba Dive (DSD) to test it out in a few hours. If you want to get fully certified, the course takes a minimum of 3 days to complete, with homework! You might want to do the classroom portion while at home so you can skip the homework and just do your in-water training in Roatan.

Experienced: If you’re already certified, remember to bring your dive card and brush up on skills if necessary. Book dives in advance with the dive shop of your choice. Most hotels have their own dive centers, but there are plenty of places to choose from throughout the island.

Book for later in the week: For an extra adrenaline rush, be sure to book the shark dive! Only one dive shop offers this dive, but your current shop or the Roatan Marine Park can make the arrangements for you. The site is outside of Coxen Hole, so you may need to arrange transport to the dive center on that side of the island.

Evening: Whether you were scuba diving all day or not, it’s time to go deeper! Book with Stanley Submarines to take one of the world’s only deep-sea submarine rides available to the general public. Venture down 2000 feet below the surface to see creatures few humans have ever seen first-hand. It’s the ultimate adventure!

Day 3

After a day of diving, stay above the surface to get some much-needed sun.
 
Morning: Rent a few paddleboards and enjoy lovely views of the coastline.
 
After that, strap your feet to a different kind of board. On West Bay Beach, you’ll see a boat buzzing around with someone flying behind it. This is called Flyboard and it’ll be a fun adventure for you both!

Afternoon: Don snorkel gear and head out to the reef. Don’t forget to wear a rash guard shirt to protect your skin from the sun! And remember – never touch any coral or marine life. You can get up close and personal without putting them (or yourselves) at risk.

Day 4

Day out together: Rent a car and head to the far East End of the island for the day. The drive between West Bay and Camp Bay can take hours if you stop a few times en route. While it’s only a single road for about 25 miles, it’s winding and can get busy on cruise ship days. Try to get an early start and enjoy the views along the ridge without the traffic. 

At Camp Bay Beach, test your skills at kitesurfing. This should be booked in advance.

Otherwise, enjoy some beach time on one of the island’s more remote beaches. It’s likely you won’t see another person!

After lunch at La Sirena on Camp Bay Beach, make your way back west, stopping along the way for photos and views.

Afternoon: At French Cay, drive down to Daniel Johnson’s Sloth and Monkey Hangout as well as Sherman Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park. Meet all the rescued animals while helping support the conservation efforts of both places. You can also opt to snorkel in the area, or just drive back toward your hotel, exploring the island’s neighborhoods along the way. 

Day 5

Morning: Today is your chance to do the shark dive out of Coxen Hole! If you aren’t qualified to Advanced Open Water, then you will not be able to go. Instead, use the morning to go deep-sea fishing. It’s an early start, but well worth it if you can catch your own lunch!

Afternoon: Rent a few kayaks, grab your snorkel gear, and go exploring. Make sure the kayak has a rope so you can loop it around your arm while you snorkel. It serves as a safety marker for boat traffic!

Evening: head out in West End for a fun night on the town. Drinks, dancing, maybe even some karaoke! Ask around for the evening’s events. There are usually special event nights or live music at various places.

Day 6

After last night’s festivities, it’s okay to take it easy this morning. Relax on the beach for a while and dip into the sea whenever you need to cool off.
 
Afternoon: Time to fly through the jungle! Zipline canopy tours are popular in Roatan due to the island’s high central ridge leading down to the sea on both sides. Gumbalimba Park is a particularly good option for combining the zipline with a walk in the park to see the animals and the beach afterward.

Day 7

Day trip: A full day trip by boat! Book in advance with Ruthless Roatan Charters to visit Cayos Cochinos. These islands are sparsely inhabited, meaning the coral reef is nearly pristine and the marine life is abundant. The trip to the islands is across open water, so this is weather-dependent. On a clear day, the ride is fun and then the arrival at Cayos Cochinos will offer a fantastic day on what seems like your own private islands.

Enjoy a full day trip, fishing for tuna en route and arriving back on Roatan in time for a few sunset beers at the beach bar. Before those first beers, however, you should swim out to the listing sailboat in Half Moon Bay, called the iSoar. Climb aboard and test your Tarzan skills as you swing off the rope swing hanging from the mast!

Day 8

Departure day is the worst day. But that doesn’t mean you have to sulk!
 
Instead, get up early for a final frolic in the sea. Saltwater cures everything, so get out there and enjoy the Caribbean for the final few hours of your honeymoon. It’s been an adventure, but the real adventure starts when you get back home as a married couple.

Planning & Travel Tips

Honeymoon in Roatan

All resorts offer spa options, so don’t forget to book that couples massage! Ideally, it will be on a dock over the sea or on a quiet stretch of beach to wash your worries away.

Book a private dockside dinner for two through Caribe Tesoro in West Bay.

Camp Bay Beach is often empty, so head to the far East End of Roatan for a quiet escape from it all. A cruise ship day on West Bay Beach is especially nice!

About Roatan

Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, a series of islands between 5-40 miles of the northern coast of Honduras. The island is approximately 35 miles long but only 5 miles at its widest point. The island has a central ridge running much of the length, offering lovely views off both the north and south shores.

The population of Roatan is currently estimated to be around 120,000 residents. Among those are local islanders, mainland Hondurans, Garifuna, and a large expat population from a variety of countries. You’ll find restaurants reflecting the varied heritage, from Italian to Czech to pan-Asian flavors mingling with local options.

Roatan is part of the country of Honduras, which means the national language is officially Spanish. Most islanders speak English as a first language and learn Spanish in school. This harkens back to the colonial days of Spanish and English influence over these Bay Islands. Knowing a bit of Spanish can help, but is not necessary.

Travel Help

Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (airport code RTB) receives regular direct flights from the following cities:

  • Miami and Dallas via American Airlines
  • Atlanta via Delta Airlines
  • Houston via United Airlines
  • Montreal and Quebec (seasonally) via Sunwing and Transat Airlines
  • Belize City via Tropic Air
  • San Salvador via Avianca Airlines

You can fly into San Pedro Sula (SAP) on the mainland first and then hop on a local flight to the island. Avianca flights are popular from other South and Central American destinations.

The Carl O. McNab Sr. Maritime Terminal can be reached by the Galaxy Wave ferry from the mainland at La Ceiba. It is approximately a 75-minute trip and runs twice per day. This service could be affected by poor weather.

Set up a flight price alert to get the best deal on Skyscanner here.

Getting around Roatan is easy enough without a car – especially if you plan to spend most of your honeymoon at your resort. If you stay on West Bay Beach or in West End, everything is within walking distance. There is also a water taxi between the two locations. Your resort or hotel should be able to arrange your airport transfers for you.

If you stay elsewhere, you might want a car to get around and explore more. Pristine Bay, Paya Bay, and the East End are all quite remote, so you’ll want your own vehicle unless you do not intend to leave the resort at all.

Taxis are readily available and rental car options are available at the airport in Coxen Hole.

Planning Your Visit

Roatan is a tropical island, meaning there are dry and wet seasons. The primary rainy season is October to March, with a second rainy season between June and July.

Rainy season is not like monsoon season. During the rainy season, you are still very likely to get lots of sunshine! The likelihood of rain increases during these times, as does the likelihood of stormy weather.

Roatan is not typically hit directly by hurricanes – statistically once every 26 years a direct hit occurs.

Expect temperatures to be between 26-33*C or 78-92*F on average. The most humid months are between May and September.

The winter months are the busy season in Roatan, as lots of North Americans head south. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a popular holiday time in Central and South America, and Roatan gets very busy during that week!

The summer months are not quite as busy, but they will be hot. Luckily, Roatan is outside of the main hurricane belt, so you can more safely book your Caribbean honeymoon to this western isle during the hurricane season.

April and May are ideal months to visit Roatan, as they tend to be a bit drier, yet not quite into the summer humidity!

Remember: You can always take a delayed honeymoon to optimize your time to visit!

Know Before You Go

Roatan is generally a laid back and casual island. You won’t need to dress to impress here, so leave the high heels and the suit jacket back home. Pack casual clothes, and have fun with your maxi dresses and new swimwear!

Everything in Roatan works according to “mañana,” which means it can wait until tomorrow – or next week – or forever! Relax and slip into island time…there’s no rush, unless you’re trying to catch that next dive boat.

With so many expats living on the island, you’ll undoubtedly meet some interesting characters during your stay – folks love to chat and share their stories here! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation at the bar.

The most popular local snack or breakfast item is called a baleada. It’s a handmade flour tortilla filled with refried beans, cheese, and a local version of sour cream. You can add any meat or avocado to make it a more filling meal!

For local fish, you have to try lionfish. This invasive species has been doing incredible harm to the local marine life and coral reefs. When you see lionfish on the menu, do your part to protect the reef! Lionfish tacos and lionfish ceviche are both particularly delicious options.

Special Note: In Roatan, the lobster season is from July 1st to February 28th. If you see lobster on the menu between March 1st and June 30th, be sure to ask where it’s from! Some local fishermen will have permits, but the lobster could be poached. Please help support local conservation practices by making sure the lobster comes from legal sources. You can always ask at the Roatan Marine Park if you need any more information.

The local currency in Honduras is called the Lempira, named for a Lenca warrior who fought against European colonists. However, on Roatan, US Dollars are accepted everywhere. You might receive your change in Lempiras, so it’s a good idea to check the current exchange rate to ensure you receive the correct change.

If you use a credit card, you might notice an additional fee being charged. This is standard, but it’s a good idea to double-check all your charges and try to use cash when appropriate to avoid the extra fees.

If you bring US Dollars, be sure they are new and do not have rips or writing on them at all. Since it is not the local currency, banks will only accept clean, newer bills.

Tipping is expected for all services, from restaurants to scuba shops and more. Generally, tipping your bartender $1 per drink is most welcome, while tipping a waiter/waitress 10-20% is also standard. Wages are quite low and most folks working in the service industry rely on tips to make ends meet.

Honduras has not been listed as a country at risk for the Zika virus, but the region as a whole has had issues. Always consult with your doctor before booking any travel to the Caribbean or to Central or South America.

Malaria and Dengue Fever do occur in Roatan, as in the entire region. You can view the US CDC Honduras information here and the Canadian government’s travel warnings here.

Remember to leave nature as you found it – never touch any marine life or coral and be careful not to kick or stand on coral with your fins! This is both to protect nature and you.

If you do get cut by coral, there is a high risk of infection. Be sure to seek professional local medical advice if necessary.

Roatan has three hospitals and several medical clinics, including a hyperbaric chamber for scuba-related issues at the Anthony’s Key Resort (AKR) clinic.

Make sure to check that you have the appropriate travel insurance before leaving on your honeymoon.