Explora Journeys in Roatán

Roatán is the largest of Honduras's Bay Islands, a long ridge of green hills fringed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. The reef sits close enough to shore here that you can snorkel a living coral wall straight off the sand at West Bay, which is what earns the day. It is a beach-and-reef stop, not a city stop.

What to do on a day in Roatán

• West Bay Beach, the island's best stretch of white sand, where the reef drops off a short swim from shore for shore-entry snorkeling over coral and reef fish
• Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout near French Harbour, a small rescue park where you hold sloths and meet capuchins, macaws and parrots
• West End village, a low-key strip of dive shops, beach bars and restaurants that is the island's social center
• A reef snorkel or dive by boat over the barrier reef wall, deeper and less crowded than the West Bay shore entry
• Half Moon Bay near West End for a quieter swim and snorkel than West Bay

Getting ashore

Explora and other non-Carnival ships dock at the Town Center pier in Coxen Hole, alongside, no tender required, with shops at the terminal gate. West Bay Beach is about 8 miles away, a 15 to 30 minute taxi or water-taxi ride, so plan a transfer rather than walking. One day is enough to pair one beach with one reef snorkel or the sloth park.

When to book the ship's excursion vs your own →

Weather and when to visit

• December to February. Typical highs near 80F/27C with warm humid air. This is the wetter end of the high season, so a passing tropical shower is normal, often clearing fast. Water stays warm for snorkeling.
• March to April. Typically the driest, clearest stretch of the cruise season, highs around 80F/27C, low rainfall and calm water. The best odds for a full beach-and-reef day.