Excursions In Roatan, Honduras
Everything You Need To Know For A Day In West Bay Beach
Consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, West Bay Beach is a must-see for anyone planning a visit to Roatan. Famous for its turquoise waters, soft white sand, and miles of reef, West Bay Beach has something for even the most discerning beach bum. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a day there.
West Bay vs. West End: Which Is Which?
These two destinations are often used interchangeably – but are quite different. The confusion typically comes down to the name – as West End is home to Half Moon Bay, while West Bay is a long stretch of beach located at the furthest end of the island. West End is home to bars, dive shops, and restaurants – making it the go-to spot for meals out and nightlife. While West Bay is home to larger resorts and fewer restaurants, making it the go-to spot for a beach day and sunset view.
Pro-tip: West Bay Beach is also a popular stop for cruise shippers, so we recommend planning your day around the cruise ship schedule to beat the crowds.
Getting To West Bay Beach
While West End is the center for restaurants and activity, West Bay is where visitors go for visiting one of Central America’s top rated beaches. From Puerta Azul, the simplest option is usually a taxi arranged through the hotel for a rate of $15 one way or $30 round trip. The drive typically takes around fifteen minutes from Sandy Bay to the being dropped on the beach in West Bay.
Water Taxi
One of the most charming ways to get to West Bay Beach is by water taxi from West End. This option is not only scenic but usually quicker than driving overland. The official water taxi dock is across from Splash Inn, but sometimes boats are also waiting in Half Moon Bay. Fares are typically $5 per person (minimum of 4 people), or you can pay $20 for the whole boat before being dropped off at Infinity Bay Dock or Foster’s Dock.
Returning is just as easy! Most water taxis waiting in West Bay will ask you if you’re ready to head back to West End. Just bear in mind that water taxis run less frequently once it gets dark.
Collectivo Taxi, Private Driver or Rental Car
Taxis should charge roughly the same as the water taxi at $5 per person. That being said, finding a shared ride can be tricky, as West Bay is mostly tourist traffic and drivers will expect anyone heading there to pay a premium.
For comfort, air-conditioning, and no haggling, hiring one of Puerta Azul’s private drivers is a great option! Expect to pay $30 roundtrip for up to 4 people. Just let the concierge in the office know at least 45 minutes in advance. If you’re renting a car, parking is available down Bananarama Street for about $2 per hour. Hotels like Infinity Bay and Mayan Princess often provide free parking if you plan to visit their properties.
Day Passes & Restaurants
Although West Bay Beach is lined with resorts, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the amenities. If you’re looking for a pool, Infinity Bay and Paradise Beach Hotel are the most popular choices for day passes, with prices ranging from $30 to $60 per person – depending on the season. These passes typically include access to the pool, restrooms, and poolside chairs. If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Kimpton offers a pricier day pass that not only gives you access to their pool, but also guarantees you a lounger right on the beach – a wonderful touch if comfort is your top priority.
For those who don’t feel like paying for a day pass, hanging out at one of the beachfront restaurants is a great alternative. The system is simple: order food or drinks, and you’re welcome to stick around for as long as you’d like. This option is especially popular with locals and expats who prefer a more laid-back day at the beach. Ahari at Arca offers a sophisticated menu and stylish atmosphere, while the Argentinian Grill and Sea Cat offer hearty plates with island flair. If you’re after something more easygoing, spots like Beachers and Bananarama are always buzzing.
Things To Do In West Bay Beach
While the beach is the draw, there’s plenty to do in West Bay besides lounge on the sand! Here are some of our favorite activities for a day in West Bay Beach:
- Snorkeling: Snorkeling is the star attraction of West Bay Beach. Black Rock, located at the far end of the beach, is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Roatan. Thanks to the Roatan Marine Park, this area directly in front of the Kimpton is now a no-boat swim zone, making it safer than ever for visitors to explore the reef. Poke around the sand patches near shore before moving further out, where you’ll encounter reef shelves, deeper sandy patches, and drop-offs teeming with marine life.
- Glass Bottom Boat: Want to explore the reef without getting your hair wet? A glass bottom boat tour lets you see the reef and its inhabitants – including groupers, turtles, and sometimes passing scuba divers – from the comfort of their semi-submarine. You’ll be situated 6 feet below the surface, with AC and windows on either side of you for comfortable viewing.
- Banana Boat Ride: Nothing screams family vacation or lifelong memories like a ride on a banana shaped inflatable in the Caribbean sea. Soak in the panoramic views of West Bay Beach while the banana is pulled behind a speedboat, and try not to fall off.
- Jet-Skis & Parasailing: For more adrenaline, try jet-skiing or parasailing! Just be mindful of snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers if jet-skiing, and maintain a safe distance from fishing boats. Especially if they have their lines in the water.
- Catch The Sunset: West Bay Beach sunsets are legendary and not to be missed. Find a spot at your favorite restaurant and try to catch a glimpse of the green flash as the sun dips into the horizon.
A Helpful Tip About Cruise Ships
One thing that surprises many visitors is how much cruise ship schedules affect West Bay. Roatan receives cruise ships several days each week, and West Bay is one of the main destinations for excursions. When ships are in port, the beach can become quite busy during the late morning and early afternoon. Because of this, many locals recommend planning your visit later in the day. Cruise passengers usually begin returning to their ships around mid-afternoon, and the beach often becomes noticeably quieter afterward. Arriving around 2:00–3:00 PM can make the experience much more relaxed. You’ll also be there at a great time to watch the sunset over the water.
West Bay Live Music & Events
West Bay’s evening scene is livelier than most visitors expect. 101.1 Blue Wave Radio tracks the local schedule on their Roatan Music Scene Facebook Group, and it’s worth checking before you go. Several venues host live music, DJ sets, and weekly events throughout the week and the full lineup shifts regularly but here is a sample schedule from June 2026:
- Mondays: Beachers hosts Tommy Morris or other musicians playing American, British, and Canadian classics on guitar from 5:30pm.
- Wednesdays: Hacienda Caribe Tesoro brings in Ryan Ruin (Country, Rock, Top 40) every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30pm, weather permitting. Bananarama runs karaoke night hosted by DJ Tigerson starting at 5pm.
- Thursdays: Arca Roatan’s Ahari bar hosts Lisandro Cabrera (Acoustic Latin, Rock, and Reggae) from 5:30pm. The Beach Club San Simon runs a Moonlit Movie Night at 7:30pm but call to confirm.
- Fridays: One of the best evenings of the week. Maia Karagozlu plays Bossa, Latin, and Soul at Arca Roatan’s Ahari bar from 5:30pm. Jess Londoner performs Pop and Soul classics at Bananarama, also from 5:30pm. At 7pm, Ibagari on Tamarind Drive presents a Traditional Garifuna Dance show, a genuinely distinctive Roatan experience. Infinity Bay hosts a family fire show at 7pm as well.
- Sundays: Bananarama runs their Fire Show and Charity Crab Races at 6pm. The Kimpton Grand Roatan’s Drop Off bar hosts DJ sunset sessions from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Hacienda Caribe Tesoro typically has live music in the afternoon as well.
Most events ask you to call ahead to confirm, especially for smaller venues. Our concierge team is happy to check for you.
Getting to West Bay FAQs
How far is West Bay Beach from Sandy Bay and Puerta Azul hotel?
West Bay Beach is about a 15-minute drive from Puerta Azul in Sandy Bay, depending on traffic. West End is closer, typically around 7-10 minutes.
How do I get to West Bay Beach from Puerta Azul?
The easiest option is a taxi arranged through the hotel, which takes about 15 minutes for a rate of $15 one way or $30 return trip. If you prefer a shared colectivo taxi, fares to West Bay typically run $10 or more for one person or around $20 for a group. A third option many guests enjoy: take the water taxi from the West End. The boat leaves from the dock across from Splash Inn and West End Divers, costs about $5 per person ($20 minimum for the whole boat), and drops you directly on the beach in about 10 minutes.
When is the best time to visit West Bay Beach?
Arriving around 2:00–3:00 PM makes for the most relaxed experience. Roatan receives cruise ships several days a week, and West Bay is one of their main excursion destinations. Cruise passengers typically leave the beach by mid-afternoon, after which the sand and water quiet down considerably and you’ll be right on time for the sunset.
Where can I sit at West Bay if I'm not staying at a resort?
Two good options. Several resorts sell day passes to outside visitors like Infinity Bay commonly offers pool and beach chair access for $30–60 depending on the season. Alternatively, most beachfront restaurants (Beachers, Bananarama, and the Argentinian Grill are the most popular) let guests use their chairs and tables while ordering food or drinks. These spots tend to open up considerably after the cruise ships leave in early afternoon.
What is there to do at West Bay Beach?
Other than the beach itself, snorkeling is the main draw; the reef starts just a short swim from shore. Toward the far end of the beach near Grand Roatan is a spot called Black Rock, where the reef drops off slightly and you’ll often find schools of fish along the coral wall and stingrays near the sandy bottom. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for anyone who’d rather stay dry. Operators along the beach also offer jet skis, parasailing, and banana boat rides, all arrangeable on the spot.