Home to the second biggest barrier reef in the world, the island of Roatan offers ideal conditions for water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters here are crystal-clear, which means that you can expect to have a world-class snorkeling experience, especially at Roatan’s famous West Bay. There are over 400 species of fish and nearly 100 species of coral inhabiting this spectacular reef and both beginner and experienced snorkelers are invited to join the adventure.
Best Snorkeling Spots in Roatan
If you wish to get away from the crowds, head out to the most western tip of Roatan where you will the amazing Texas snorkeling site. Expect to see plenty of huge game fish like snappers and jacks, as well as a couple of hammered sharks. Excellent snorkeling conditions can also be found in more central parts of the island like West End Beach which offers easy entrance to the barrier reef and is a great place for less experienced snorkelers. You will see stunning coral formations and small tropical fish here. To see a large variety of marine life such as eels, soft coral, shrimp and turtles, its best to visit the Half Moon Bay. Swimming from the bay is relatively east at this site.
Thanks to its shallow and crystal-clear waters, Sandy Bay is an ideal site for the little ones to enjoy turtles. They will have an opportunity to spot an array of tropical fish, as well as a few turtles. Here, you can also spot turtles, parrotfish, eels, and stingrays.
When to go Snorkeling?
Thanks to its tropical climate, Roatan offers excellent conditions for snorkeling. The dry season which lasts from January to September is an ideal time to go snorkeling on the island. During this time of year, the waters are calm and crystal-clear, which means that world-class snorkeling is guaranteed. The rainy season which runs from October to December is less suited for snorkeling because of the winds and waves at some beaches.
Snorkeling Excursions in Roatan
The best way to have an incredible snorkeling experience is to join an organized snorkeling excursion. For instance, the Western End Snorkeling Excursion takes you on a snorkeling trip to West End where you can go snorkeling from a boat and then transfers you to the popular West Bay Beach for more snorkeling. If you go on the West Bay Beach Snorkeling Excursion you will exclusively snorkel from the nearby reef to which a snorkeling boat will take you. There is also the popular Roatan Snorkeling & West End Excursion which allows you to explore the crystal-clear waters of Half Moon Bay and the nearby reef which is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling sites on the island.
For more information on Snorkeling in Roatan please view our Roatan Excursions or Contact Us.
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