Excursions In Roatan, Honduras
Roatan's Hidden Gems
When people think of Roatan, they often envision its vibrant coral reefs, bustling village of West End, and luxurious resorts in West Bay. However, this Caribbean paradise is home to many hidden gems that remain off the typical tourist track. In fact, some of these destinations are only accessible by boat; preserving the allure of an island that feels untouched by time.
Discover Roatan's Most Enchanting Destinations!
Camp Bay: Roatan’s Unspoiled Haven
Located on Roatan’s eastern end, Camp Bay (also known as Playa Barbon) is the longest natural beach on the island. Dotted by only a few houses hidden behind vegetation, Camp Bay offers a serene escape from the bustling tourist scene of the west side. Stretching over a mile of pristine white sand, here you can stroll along the shoreline, bask in the sun, and foster an intimate connection with the Island “as it was.”
Pigeon Cay: Tiny Place, Big Impact
Pigeon Cay is a secluded atoll located about 4 miles past the east end of Roatan. Sitting barely above sea level, this isolated cay can be found in the middle of a beautiful turquoise lagoon. However, the real attraction of Pigeon Cay lies beneath the waves, where the shallow fringing reef gives way to a spectacular sloping wall. Home to ancient barrel sponges, timid drum fish, and friendly nurse sharks – a visit to Pigeon Cay is nothing short of enchanting.
Jade Beach: A Scene From A Movie
Barbareta Island, home to the stunning Jade Beach, is one of Roatan’s best-kept secrets. This privately owned island remains completely wild and pristine. The beach derives its name from the surreal abundance of jade, which can be found adorning the rocks, cliffs, and even coloring the ocean with a stunning emerald hue. Visitors are welcome to relax on the beach, snorkel in the bay, or liaise with the guard on-site; but bear in mind that the exploration ends there. As a private island, the beauty which lies further in the jungle remains a secret.
JONESVILLE: lush MANGROVE TUNNELS
Paddling through Jonesville's mangrove tunnels feels like entering a hidden world. These narrow waterways wind through dense root systems where light filters green through the canopy overhead. The shallow channels serve as nurseries for juvenile fish darting between roots, while herons stalk the edges and tropical birds call from branches. The experience is intimate and unhurried—just you, the kayak, and the quiet lapping of water against ancient mangrove trunks. These ecosystems are vital to Roatan's marine biodiversity, making every paddle stroke a glimpse into the island's ecological heart.
Oakridge: The 'Venice of Roatan'
Oak Ridge, often called the "Venice of Roatan," is a waterfront village where canals replace streets. Colorful wooden homes on stilts line the waterways, where residents navigate in small dories and visitors can hire water taxis to explore. Fishermen repair nets on docks, children dive from porches into calm waters, and the smell of fresh seafood drifts from small eateries. Oak Ridge's appeal lies in its unhurried authenticity—a window into traditional island living largely unchanged for generations.
Starfish alley: a snorkeling treasure hunt
Starfish Alley feels like stumbling upon Roatan's own underwater treasure hunt. Located between West Bay and West End, this shallow snorkeling spot rewards patient explorers. Wade just a few yards into the dense seagrass beds—no more than 2-4 feet deep—and start scanning. Cushion stars hide throughout the swaying grass, masters of camouflage that reveal themselves only to careful observers. The thrill comes in spotting each one: a deep orange star nestled in green blades, a crimson beauty half-buried in sand, a pale yellow specimen you nearly missed - they're all the same species playing different color cards.
Old port royal: treasure & tales
Once a notorious pirate haven in the 1600s and 1700s, Port Royal is now one of Roatan's most secluded destinations. This peaceful bay sits cradled between jungle-covered cliffs that plunge to the water's edge. Today, visitors who make the journey find crystalline waters for snorkeling, untouched beaches, and hiking trails winding through dense forest to panoramic viewpoints. The bay's remoteness means you're more likely to encounter iguanas and tropical birds than other tourists. Port Royal remains what much of the Caribbean once was—wild, mysterious, and largely untouched by modern development.
Carambola Gardens: Botanical Beauty
Roatan's wild side flourishes across 40 acres of jungle trails and natural gardens in Sandy Bay. Weathered wooden bridges cross trickling creeks, dirt paths wind through rainforest canopy, and orchids bloom naturally among towering mahogany and chocolate trees. Patient visitors spot iguanas sunning on branches and parrots calling from the canopy. For those willing to climb, the trail to Carambola Mountain's summit passes the dramatic "Iguana Wall" cliff face before rewarding hikers with panoramic views stretching across the world's second-largest barrier reef. It's the kind of moment that reminds you why you came to a Caribbean island in the first place.
St. Helene: A Caribbean Time capsule
A car-free island where fishing families live much as their grandparents did, their wooden homes perched over crystalline water. Here, children still dive for conch from their front porches, fishermen mend nets by hand, and the only sounds are lapping waves and seabirds. Snorkelers can explore sea caves carved into the limestone coastline, their dark mouths opening onto chambers where light filters through submerged cracks. The water clarity is exceptional—on calm days, you can see 60 feet down to the sandy bottom. Visiting St. Helene feels like stepping into another era of Caribbean life, one where the rhythm of days follows tides and seasons rather than busy schedules.
Experience The Caribbean As It Used To Be
Learning about Roatan’s hidden treasures is fascinating, but experiencing them in person is even better! Our boat tours, in partnership with Blue Reef Explorers, are designed to take you on an adventure that few people get to experience.