Which is better is entirely up to you – if you're looking for more nightlife, stay in West End. If you're looking to relax on the beach all day every day, stay in West Bay. If you're SCUBA diving in Roatan, stay anywhere you'd like!
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West Bay. Probably the most popular area in Roatán – and there's a reason for that. West Bay has literally the nicest beach on the island, with soft white sands and calm blue water, and the famous coral reef just 50 feet away.
The walk between West End and West Bay is about 30 minutes along the beach or 5 minutes by car or water taxi. With a vibrtant village atmosphere, if you're looking to dine, dance, and drink 'til the break of dawn, night time is the right time in West End.
West Bay Beach Honduras is world-famous for a reason. It features the longest stretch of beach on the island that's both easy to access and packed full of amenities. If it's your first visit to Roatan, make a beeline for West Bay where you'll find all the action.
There is no shortage of taxis to get you around the Island, just choose one you like the look of. Expect to pay about $15 to get into West End and $25 into Coxen Hole or the Airport. The best way to get about from West Bay Beach is by water-taxi to West End.
Areas to avoid after dark.Conversely, there are areas or town around Roatan which should be avoided after dark or in which extra precaution is recommended. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye.
A week in Roatan is the perfect amount of time to explore the island without feeling rushed. Most of the tourist traffic comes from cruise ships, but I think 8 hours isn't enough time to get a real taste of the island.
Ferry TicketsIf you want to travel to Roatan by Ferry, you must get to La Ceiba by road or by a domestic flight from Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula using CM or Sosa airlines. The Ferry is called Galaxy Wave, and when it arrives at Roatan, it docks at the Dixon Cove near Mahogany Bay.
For the majority of the year, trade winds cross the island from east to west. This makes the Eastern and Southern side of the island very rough. Conversely, the mountainous island impedes the wind resulting in flat calm seas on the Western edge and Northside of the island.
The West End and West Bay area, in the west of the island, is the hotspot for snorkeling in Roatán. West Bay reef, healthy and easily accessible from the beach, should not be missed. With its corals cascading in crystal blue waters and its wide diversity of colorful fish, it offers amazing snorkeling experiences.
The weather in Roatan is usually great and only varies by 8 degrees. May and September are probably the best months to visit Roatan since the weather is great and the island is not overcrowded with fellow tourists.
The Bay Islands and Roatan are popular destinations today for many vacationers, including some rather famous people. The islands in the area are popular for celebs such as Christopher Lambert, Richard Gere, Michael Douglas, and Cameron Diaz.
In the Sandy Bay West End Marine Reserve, people have the great fortune to see turtles on an almost daily basis. The green turtles and hawksbill's are so abundant in the Reserve that more than 5 turtles may be encountered on a single dive or snorkel.
For snorkeling lovers and inmersions, Roatan it's a paradise the whole year thanks to the sea temperatures that are always around 28-30 degrees and it is recommended a 3mm shorty wetsuit. Another consideration, as a further highlight, is the geographical uniqueness of the area.
There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Some of these include the areas of Palmetto Bay, Pristine Bay, Turtle Crossing, & Lawson Rock. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols.
Currency in RoatanThe Lempira is the official currency of Honduras but US dollars accepted throughout Roatan and can be used in most parts of the island. Credit Cards can also be used in larger stores and restaurants, but not all.