Roatán - How do I get there and why should it be on my bucket list?
Updated: Apr 4, 2025
Often, when people hear of Roatán, they don't quite know exactly where it is.
In this blog, we will explore:
Where is Roatán exactly?
How to get to Roatán?
Why is it so special?
How can you book Scuba Diving with us in Roatán?
1. Where is Roatán exactly?
Roatán is an island located in Central America about 35 miles/60 km from Honduras, close to Belize and Guatemala. Roatán is one of the three Bay islands (Roatán, Utila, Guanaja) and is the largest of the three. The island itself is only 40 miles long and only 5 miles wide at its widest point (kind of like a slightly bent sausage shape!).
Roatán is situated in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea and has the second largest reef in the world - The Mesoamerican Reef surrounding the island. Roatán is an ideal diving destination for Americans and Canadians due to its close location and accessibility.
2. How to get to Roatán?
There are many flights from Canada and the USA into Roatán (RTB). The major departure airports directly to Roatán are Miami (MIA), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Minneapolis (MSP), Houston (IAH), Denver (DEN), Toronto (YYZ) & Montreal (YUL).
The Bay Islands Tourism Bureau has collected recent airline information to create this handy schedule so you can see the best flight path and airline for your next trip!
Find out more travel information and stay up-to-date via the Bay Island Tourism Bureau here:
Not finding an easy route from your departure airport? Try looking at flights into San Pedro Sula (SAP), an airport one-hour away from Roatán, then take one of the smaller CM Airlines planes straight over to Roatán instead! We know a number of people who regularly take this journey, and although it can sometimes be a slightly longer journey, it may be worth it for timings and prices.
Check out CM Airlines for a short domestic flight here:
3. Why is it so special?
Our island is famous for its close-to-shore and abundant reef system, easily accessible for both, shore dives & short boat rides. With access to over 250 dive sites, a vast majority within a ten minute boat ride, it is a diver's paradise.
The Mesoamerican Reef is bursting with life with daily sightings of abundant fish populations such as Rabbitfish, Pufferfish, Sergeant Majors, Parrotfish, Trumpetfish, Blue Tang, Scorpionfish, Damselfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Grouper and Snapper and many others are present on almost every dive site.
We have very common sightings of White Spotted Eagle Rays, Southern Sting Rays, Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Green Moray Eels, Brown Spotted Eel, Nurse Sharks and of course the Spinner, Clymene, Bottlenose and Atlantic Dolphins.
More uncommon but special sightings include our Great Hammerheads, Scalloped Hammerheads, Pilot Whales, Whale Sharks and Rough Tooth Dolphins. Swipe through our gallery below of some pictures we have taken recently of our Ocean Life.
The island isn't just for Scuba Divers by any means, there are many great activities for kids and adults, all over the island, along with great restaurants at every turn. You will not be short of adventure on your visit to Roatán.
4. How can you book Scuba Diving in Roatán?
West Bay Divers has two locations on West Bay Beach, one of the Caribbean's top-rated beaches known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and abundant food and activity options.
West Bay is the ideal spot on the island for Shore Diving! Never been diving before? If you have never tried Scuba before and have limited time on the island you can try a one-day Discover Scuba Diving Adventure with us from our location at the Grand Roatan. Learn more about doing a Discover Scuba Dive with us here:
To become a fully qualified PADI Open Water Scuba Diver, we offer courses on the island that can be completed in 2-4 days, depending on your preferences and whether you choose to complete the theory portion at home before arriving. Discover more about certification with West Bay Divers here:
If you're already a certified Scuba Diver and are just looking for a great place to go fun diving, look no further than West Bay Divers. We have full concierge service for all of our customers. Just sit back, relax and wait till you can backroll in!
We take care of everything from setting up your gear, cleaning and storing and of course, providing you with some juicy watermelon between each dive! To book a dive package with us and check out our prices click below:
But don't take our word for it... come and check out our Diver's Paradise - Roatán and come dive with the West Bay Divers Family!
Any more questions about getting to Roatán or diving with us? Email us at dive@westbaydivers.com to find out more.
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