West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach
4.5
About
West Bay is what many consider the picture-perfect Caribbean destination: white sand, clear, calm waters and full service resorts. The variety of water activities include scuba diving, fishing charters, snorkeling and parasailing. Scuba diving and other outfitters leave directly from the beach so starting your water-based activities is easy and convenient.
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Top ways to experience West Bay Beach
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
119 within 5 kms
Attractions
23 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Mona_canada1Tecumseh, Canada76 contributionsBeautiful beachBeautiful beach. Lots of bars & places to rent chairs. The water was clear. The beach was very busy in New Years Eve & the vendors were out in full force. The massage ladies were relentless.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 14 January 2023
- Breezy_in_VirginiaPoquoson, Virginia168 contributionspretty spotSoft sand beach, unfortunately a little dirty. Can get busy especially on days cruise ships are in port. Lots of restaurants to chose from, many vendors selling wares on the beach. Easy to grab a water taxi to west end. Sun sets here are exceptional, good for families, felt safe while there all week.Visited January 2023Written 16 January 2023
- jmashTurnersville, New Jersey1,200 contributionsDay at the beach in RoatanMy wife and I recently visited Roatan on a cruise vacation. While there, we did an excursion to West Bay Beach. The beach is a 25 minute drive from the cruise port. The beach was very nice with calm water and smooth white sand. The local people were continually trying to sell their crafts or service, which was a bit annoying. There were no bathroom facilities unless you bought a day pass from one of the hotels.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 January 2023
- ljengen23 contributionsSpectacular!Wonderful beach, narrower than I thought but still enough space. Avoid cruise ship days, especially Thursday. I believe that is the day with 4 ships. Tues/Wed also a bit more crowded. Lovely clear water, warm and safe for the kids to play in all day! Even though we supported the local sales people, be prepared to say no A LOT, they will ask consistently.Visited January 2023Written 23 January 2023
- Jody S10 contributionsBeware of beach resort feeIf you are looking for a cheaper route just book this through your cruise line. We were originally told it was $20 usd per person to go to West Bay but then once we got to Henry Morgan’s beach resort we were told we had to pay a fee. $20 for use of the beach and bathrooms, $69 for beach and bathrooms and lobster and drinks, $89 for all the above and fried fish. All in we had $250 into cost and tips. The beach is gorgeous and the lobster took almost 2 hours but they were huge. So lots of positives just different way of doing business. I would have appreciated the details at the port but it was a good experience.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 March 2023
- MarinoBarrie, Canada11 contributionsAmazing beach, people and foodIf you go to Roatan West Bay is a spot you cannot miss. Incredibly clear light blue water where tides seem not to exist. White sands and warm sunny weather. If you go on a Cruise ship, get a cab to take you to the bananrama. They are located in a great spot on the beach and their food is amazing. You can grab a table in their restaurant and enjoy the beach while drinking and eating. The island is poor but still amazing.Visited March 2023Written 13 March 2023
- AussiesinmaineFalmouth, Maine217 contributionsCrowded tourist beach, beautiful white sand and clear waterWest bay beach has lovely white sands and crystal clear water. However, it is a narrow beach with many beach front hotels, so there are large numbers of tourists. The whole beach is privately owned by the various hotels, so you do need to stay at one of the hotels or pay for a day pass ($usd15). There are numerous hawkers selling all kinds of things - t-shirts, hair braiding, massage, tamales, fruit, banana bread. This could be quite annoying if you intend to enjoy a quiet day on the beach. However, the banana bread is excellent- warm and just a little gooey where the banana has softened.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 March 2023
- sunking64_1119 contributionsMajor league snorkeling from shore!Major league snorkeling right off the beach! All the way to the end until you hit the rock wall. The farther out you go the better it gets. Nice white sand beach, but gets very crowded with cruise ship passengers. Best day to go is Sunday, no cruise ships. I wouldn't want to stay in this area as it's all resorts and no local character. West End is much more vibrant and funky with lots of local food and shops.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 April 2023
- Antonio C12 contributionsMarcusWent for the day to west end beach off our crusie ship, didn't like all the hassling over a cab from locals. Until Marcus (Serafin Marquez) tool us to west end beach, just me and my wife. He stayed with us for the whole thing, leaving us alone when wanted to and there when we needed him. Made sure nobody bothered us. If you go to Roatan go to beautiful west end beach or find Marcus he was really a kind man.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
3,414 reviews
Excellent
2,418
Very good
689
Average
217
Poor
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Terrible
32
luvmy32000
San Antonio, TX1,296 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
This is a pretty spectacular beach. Lots to do here and tons of restaurants. Very laid back. If your on roatan plan a day here. The water is fabulous
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarAway126632
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Loved West Bay! Beautiful, friendly people. Cheap lobster. Great diving/snorkeling. Cute boutque hotels, line the beach.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonio C
12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Went for the day to west end beach off our crusie ship, didn't like all the hassling over a cab from locals. Until Marcus (Serafin Marquez) tool us to west end beach, just me and my wife. He stayed with us for the whole thing, leaving us alone when wanted to and there when we needed him. Made sure nobody bothered us. If you go to Roatan go to beautiful west end beach or find Marcus he was really a kind man.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shirley p
6 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
The beach is nice, but be prepared to stay in the water a lot, as it is very hot there. Also, there’s some nice little beach bars and restaurants all around!
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skier3010
Seattle19 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
If you're visiting Roatan, and need safe, dependable, friendly transportation, I've got the person for you! Larson Bodden is amazing. (tel: 504-9510-9383; larsonbodden41@gmail.com).
We were going to be docking in Roatan and wanted to head to West Bay Beach for the day without the cruise-tour excursion. We didn't know what the taxi situation would be upon arrival; and were also worried about our ability to get back from the beach to the cruise terminal in time for departure. I saw Larson's name mentioned favorably in another Trip Advisor review, and we emailed and called him just 30 minutes before arrival. Not only did he answer his phone and the email back immediately...but he was waiting for us as promised with an air conditioned car. He made an arrangement to take us to West Bay Beach and confirmed a pickup time; and didn't accept payment until the end of the day, which gave us great confidence in him. Larson also stopped and got us big bottles of water as his gift.
He had a recommendation for a resort at West Bay, which sold us a day pass that included beach chairs and full facilities. (But I will say there are many good ones, all side by side.) DO NOT MISS THE SNORKELING ON WEST BAY. We skipped the boat tour options, and just rented fins and snorkel masks right on the beach -- for two hours, we swam among the most gorgeous underwater vistas of coral, mesmerizing fish, and grottos. Like something out of the Little Mermaid.
As promised, Larson was waiting for us at the appointed time. (He even offered to add additional stops at a toy store and orphanage we wanted to visit for no extra charge -- but the facility was no longer available.) If you're going to Roatan, do not miss the opportunity to hire Larson -- he's fully fluent in English, a delight to hang with, and will bring you great peace of mind.
We were going to be docking in Roatan and wanted to head to West Bay Beach for the day without the cruise-tour excursion. We didn't know what the taxi situation would be upon arrival; and were also worried about our ability to get back from the beach to the cruise terminal in time for departure. I saw Larson's name mentioned favorably in another Trip Advisor review, and we emailed and called him just 30 minutes before arrival. Not only did he answer his phone and the email back immediately...but he was waiting for us as promised with an air conditioned car. He made an arrangement to take us to West Bay Beach and confirmed a pickup time; and didn't accept payment until the end of the day, which gave us great confidence in him. Larson also stopped and got us big bottles of water as his gift.
He had a recommendation for a resort at West Bay, which sold us a day pass that included beach chairs and full facilities. (But I will say there are many good ones, all side by side.) DO NOT MISS THE SNORKELING ON WEST BAY. We skipped the boat tour options, and just rented fins and snorkel masks right on the beach -- for two hours, we swam among the most gorgeous underwater vistas of coral, mesmerizing fish, and grottos. Like something out of the Little Mermaid.
As promised, Larson was waiting for us at the appointed time. (He even offered to add additional stops at a toy store and orphanage we wanted to visit for no extra charge -- but the facility was no longer available.) If you're going to Roatan, do not miss the opportunity to hire Larson -- he's fully fluent in English, a delight to hang with, and will bring you great peace of mind.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tedog
Las Vegas, NV31 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Nice calm beautiful beach, lots to do lots to offer, restaurants, lounge chairs, snorkeling, jet-ski, shades areas, wifi include with your $20 day pass.
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunking64_11
Richfield, Minnesota19 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Major league snorkeling right off the beach! All the way to the end until you hit the rock wall. The farther out you go the better it gets. Nice white sand beach, but gets very crowded with cruise ship passengers. Best day to go is Sunday, no cruise ships. I wouldn't want to stay in this area as it's all resorts and no local character. West End is much more vibrant and funky with lots of local food and shops.
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaiMai
4 contributions
Mar 2023
Really nice area, has many restaurants, dive shops, vendors selling shirts etc. We stayed in an AirBNB on beach and was very pleased with the entire stay. Quieter area that West End
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussiesinmaine
Falmouth, ME217 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
West bay beach has lovely white sands and crystal clear water. However, it is a narrow beach with many beach front hotels, so there are large numbers of tourists. The whole beach is privately owned by the various hotels, so you do need to stay at one of the hotels or pay for a day pass ($usd15). There are numerous hawkers selling all kinds of things - t-shirts, hair braiding, massage, tamales, fruit, banana bread. This could be quite annoying if you intend to enjoy a quiet day on the beach. However, the banana bread is excellent- warm and just a little gooey where the banana has softened.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin C
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Family
Beautiful beach but please whatever you do, be careful!! There is very limited resources for emergencies and help if someone is in trouble. No regulations and no warnings for dangerous water or areas. And please please do not jump off the pier it is not safe and it should be taken down.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn Kathleen M
Brownstown Township, MI22 contributions
What bars/restaurant's offer free seating if purchasing drinks and snacks?
Are there beach/lounge chairs available, or you have to bring a beach blanket with you?
Leah K
Winnipeg, Canada5 contributions
There are beach chairs available all along the beach, for various prices and situations.
1. All of the beach front hotels and restaurants have beach chairs included in your accommodations when you're staying there.
2. If you are on a cruise ship and coming for the day, in Feb 2023 you could expect to pay $15 US for most of the restaurants and hotels ($20 at Infinity Bay) which gives you a wristband that entitles you to a chair and umbrella and the security that you can safely leave your belongings at your chair while you go snorkeling or exploring. (you can also get a wifi code for 2+ hours, duration depending on the place, with the purchase of the wrist band).
3. If you are staying in accommodations that are not on the beach but want to enjoy the beachfront with chairs, expect to pay $10-$15 US per day for the same beach front chairs on cruise days.
4. If you are staying in accommodations that are not on the beach, but want to enjoy the beachfront in a chair on days where it is not busy or there are no cruises at port, some places will let you use their chairs for no charge if you eat and drink at their establishment.
5. If you don't want to rent a chair, or if you plan to spend most of your time in the water, snorkeling, scuba diving, walking around or eating/drinking in beachfront restaurants or you're totally comfortable all day on the sand on a towel, then yes, you could also sit on towels that you bring. (Although if you're on them all day you might be bothered by little invisible sand flies that give you bites like mosquito bites but you don't feel them biting). My husband and I did that some years ago the very first time we were in Roatan on a cruise because we didn't have that many hours there. We asked another person on the beach to keep an eye on our towels and belongings while we snorkeled and it was fine.
Hi I'm looking for transportation for a group of 20 from Norwegian Escape on August 8 2023. We want to go to a beach for the day as a group. Water Taxi from port. or land taxi to a public beach. Any ideas.
McCooks
Collingwood, Canada1 contribution
How long did it take you to get to the location for the busses from the Cruise line port?
Thanks so much!
Göran C
Scottsdale, AZ61 contributions
There are two different cruise ship ports. The one in Gravel bay takes about 15 min, if you dock at Dixon cove it is about 35 min.
Jennifer
Weatherford, TX5 contributions
Hello, we are staying several days at Infinity Beach Spa and Beach resort in April. Trying to decide whether to do the all-inclusive option or not. Is it best to stick to hotel restaurants or are there plenty of restaurants nearby to choose from ?
Avid_travelling_duo
Montreal266 contributions
If you are not staying at one of the hotels in West Bay, and you're renting an apartment nearby, is there a public beach area in West Bay where you can bring your own chair and set it up on the beach, for free?
Robin642
Vancouver Island, Canada57 contributions
There are bunch of lawn chairs on beach between infinity and the Grande hotel
I think they are for cruise ship or anyone else I don’t think they let you sit there for free probably have to buy drink or food I think Infinity resort will let you use their chairs if buy something from restaurant
When we were staying at infinity resort couple visited parents there and used chairs even though not staying there or eating
segurtasun
Bilbao, Spain51 contributions
Cuanto puede costar el taxi o bus del puerto a West bay beach por persona??
Se puede coger ida y cuando te quieras volver pillar alli uno? No hay problema?
Muchas gracias
zaraguais
Zaragoza, Spain57 contributions
No sé cuanto puede costar porque el hotel tiene servicio de transfer. Te recogen cuando llega tu vuelo y te llevan al aeropuerto cuando termina tu estancia.
De todas formas no creo que resulte caro y los taxis llegan al hotel sin problemas.
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Claim your listingWEST BAY BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about West Bay Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience West Bay Beach:
- Roatan Beach Break at Infinity Bay Resort (From RMÂ 457.89)
- Catch a ride to West Bay & back to Port, Hotel, or Airport (Roundtrip Transfer) (From RMÂ 303.70)
- Zipline, Optional Monkeys/Sloths/Macaws Visit & West Bay Beach Resort: Roatan,HN (From RMÂ 179.74)
- 4-to-5 Hour Cultural Sightseeing Tour, Optional Monkeys/Sloths & West Bay Resort (From RMÂ 186.89)
- West Bay Beach, Chocolate, & Rum Factory & Transfer (From RMÂ 311.50)
- Hotels near West Bay Beach:
- (0.02 km) Ananta Sun
- (0.05 km) Seaside Inn : Macaw King Suite - Private Pool! West Bay Beach!
- (0.16 km) Naboo Resort & Dive Center
- (0.15 km) Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort
- (0.08 km) Paradise Beach Hotel
- Restaurants near West Bay Beach:
- (0.03 km) Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill
- (0.04 km) Bad Ass Java
- (0.04 km) PizzaRama Brick Oven Pizza
- (0.16 km) Hangover Hut
- (0.07 km) Cayuco Beach Bar
- Attractions near West Bay Beach:
- (0.02 km) Roatan PaddleSports
- (0.02 km) Roatan Go Charlie
- (0.02 km) Bottom Time Scuba
- (0.02 km) Real Deal Roatan Tours
- (0.02 km) Roatan Private Excursions