West Bay Reef Snorkel & Beach
Highlights
- — Snorkel directly from the shore over the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
- — You may encounter sea turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant parrotfish
- — Three unhurried hours on West Bay — consistently named the Caribbean's finest beach
- — All snorkel equipment included
- — Refreshments and a Honduran lunch available beachside
- — Air-conditioned private transfer from your cruise pier and back
The experience
Step off your ship and into Roatan at its most luminous. Your guide receives you at the cruise terminal and accompanies you twenty minutes west, through the island's quiet hills, to West Bay — a slow crescent of white sand fronting the clearest water in the Caribbean.
The reef begins just twenty yards from shore. After a brief orientation and gear fitting, you’re free to drift over the second-longest barrier reef in the world for as long as you wish. You may spot green sea turtles grazing the seagrass, eagle rays gliding along the channel, or parrotfish nibbling the coral. The reef wall drops dramatically into deep blue — a sight divers travel oceans to find, and one you can take in with your face just below the surface.
Afterwards, settle into the shade. Wade into warm shallows. Order fresh-grilled fish at one of the family-run beach restaurants (typically $12–18, paid directly). The pace is yours; your guide remains nearby for whenever you’re ready.
You'll be returned to your ship a full ninety minutes before all-aboard time.
The day, hour by hour
- Reception at the pierWithin fifteen minutes of arrival, your guide greets you outside the cruise terminal.
- Private transfer to West BayA twenty-minute drive west, with island history along the way.
- Orientation and gear fittingSuitable for first-time snorkelers. Life vests available throughout.
- Reef snorkeling and beach timeThree hours to snorkel, swim, dine or simply rest in the shade.
- Return to your shipDelivered to the cruise gate, ninety minutes before all-aboard.
Included
- — Round-trip private transfer from your cruise pier
- — Mask, snorkel and fins (or full-face masks on request)
- — Bottled water throughout
- — Licensed bilingual guide
Not included
- — Lunch at beach restaurants ($12–18)
- — Beverages beyond water
- — Underwater camera rental ($15)
- — Gratuities (entirely at your discretion)
What to expect
- — Your land vehicle and driver-guide are reserved for your party; public attractions may be shared
- — Reception at Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay) or Coxen Hole pier
- — Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- — No charge if your ship is unable to dock
- — Returned to your ship 60–90 minutes before all-aboard
Good to know before booking
- — Beginner-friendly; flotation is available and swimming is optional
- — Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, a towel and dry clothes
- — The reef entry includes sand and shallow water; tell us about mobility needs before booking
From recent guests
My mom and I had the most amazing day with Roatan Wonders! I honestly stumbled upon this booking and I'm so glad I went with it. Danny picked us up right outside of the cruise terminal and from the moment we met him, the whole day felt so easy and personal. We started with a boat ride out to the reef for a couple of hours of snorkeling, which was incredible. From there, we headed toward West End, where we spent time on the most beautiful white sand beach with clear blue water. I believe you have the option to add this after the snorkeling if you want to extend your day, which I highly recommend. We had a few drinks at the beach bar and had some of the best fresh ceviche, followed by an amazing fresh seafood lunch at a local spot. What really made the day special was getting to spend so much time with Danny and actually hear about Roatán from someone who knows and loves the island. On our way back to the ship, he drove us through downtown, told us about the island, and even showed us some of the Independence Day celebrations happening that day. It made the experience feel like so much more than just a list of stops on an excursion. I couldn't recommend this experience enough. If you're visiting Roatán, absolutely book with Roatan Wonders! Danny was wonderful, and we had a perfect day from start to finish.
Used this service on our cruise, and it was the best tour service of our entire Royal Caribbean trip by far. Danny was so incredible, he knew everything and taught us so much about the island. But outside of this, he was so over the top nice, attentive, friendly, and fun to be around. He regular checked in on us at our beach retreat, we never had to ask for anything because he was always there and somehow knew what we needed and even things we didn't know we would end up loving (island drinks, water sports activities, you name it and he can and will coordinate it). He squeezed in a trip to the zoo which was not even part of our package, got us 30 min of sloth time which was the highlight of our trip. Roatan was our favorite place which was a surprise, and will be the place out of all the places that we go back to. I can't thank Danny and Roatan Wonders enough for the lifelong memories he created the setting for us to have. Use this service, I promise you will not regret it.