Roatan has some of the most amazing scuba diving sites in the world. The water is always warm, no matter what time of year you choose to visit, and the visibility is incredible. Roatan’s best scuba diving spots are close to the shore, and they’re shallow, so they’re actually some of the best snorkeling areas as well. Most areas of Roatan have great snorkel spots that you can swim to from shore on your own. You can go off by yourself, or you can go on one of the many Roatan snorkeling tours to make sure you don’t miss anything.
It is also recommended to do at least one Roatan snorkeling tours by boat to rach deeper and more diverse waters. With the second largest reef in the world, take advantage of such stunning marine life and vibrant coral and make sure you don’t miss anything. At Blue Cool Running tours, we can customize the perfect Roatan snorkeling excursions for your group and take to you a variety of diverse, uncrowded spots.
If you are looking for some spots to snorkel from shore, here are some fantastic areas:
1. West Bay
The West Bay beach is picturesque white sand, warm blue waters, and the world’s second largest barrier
reef. There’s plenty to see on the beach, iguanas like to bathe along the shore. Under the water, there’s colorful fish, and you might even see some turtles. There are signs under the water where there are areas of shallow coral. These signs are there to both protect the coral and your own safety. The West Bay is a highly popular spot, and you will find plenty of Roatan snorkeling tours.
2. Sandy Bay
Such a beautiful place! It has a lot to offer for snorkeling, and some of the best spots are right outside your hotel. Sandy bay is very popular with not only snorkelers and divers, but it’s also really popular for boating activities, so it’s very important to pay attention to the safety markers. As long as you take care to stay in the marked areas, it has some of the easiest and most incredible snorkeling in Roatan.
3. West End
The West End is a busy area with plenty of shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars, but it also has some of the best snorkeling Roatan. The Half Moon Bay is exceptionally pretty, and when you snorkel here, you could see seahorses, turtles, and sometimes an octopus. If you really want to see the octopuses, try around and under the docks. This area is also really popular for boating, so make sure you stay within the marked swim zones.
4. East End
The East End is less popular with tourists and is more rural, but it still has a lot to offer for snorkeling. There are catamaran tours that you can go on, and there are some amazing spots for spotting fish and other marine life. Try Old Port Royal, and The Cow and Calf for some of the best snorkeling you’ll ever do in your life.
No matter where you choose to snorkel, always remember to take care. You shouldn’t touch any of the reef or marine life, and you shouldn’t leave any trash behind you. If you want to help the Roatan marine life further, you can make a donation to the Roatan Marine Park. They’re a non-profit organization who protect the reef, the marine life, and Roatan’s natural resources.