For my birthday weekend, we spent five days in Roatan, a destination that had been on my bucket list for its renowned diving. The Roatan reef system is famous for its proximity to shore—you can literally swim to the reef—and its incredible health, thanks to the conservation efforts of the Roatan Marine Park, which ensures the ecosystem remains pristine.

Diving with Sun Divers

We opted for a “dive and stay” package, diving twice each morning and leaving the afternoons free to relax and explore. Sun Divers, our dive shop, was fantastic. Each morning, we boarded a boat for a quick 10-15 minute ride to a local dive site. The dives were generally shallow, allowing for hour-long explorations of the vibrant reef.

One of the highlights was how close the dive sites were to shore. After each dive, we returned to the dive shop—and our hotel—during the surface interval. This convenience made for stress-free mornings, starting around 8 a.m. and wrapping up by 12:30 p.m.

Afternoons were spent lounging in the sea, snorkeling in Half Moon Bay, or visiting the beautiful West Bay Beach. Sundowners, the bar next to our hotel, was a standout with its floating waiter delivering drinks to guests relaxing in the water. For ultimate relaxation, they even provided inner tubes.

Sunset Dinner and Water Taxi Adventures

One evening, we hopped on a water taxi to Luna Muna for an unforgettable dinner. The sunset view was spectacular, and the food was equally amazing—a perfect way to celebrate my birthday.

West Bay or West End?

We debated between staying in West Bay or the West End. Ultimately, we chose the West End, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for us. While West Bay offers pristine beaches, the West End’s clear, calm waters and laid-back vibe won us over. It felt more local and quieter, with just enough restaurants to keep us happy.

Is Roatan Safe?

Safety was a question that came up often when I mentioned our trip to friends. While Honduras has a reputation for being dangerous, Roatan felt quite safe. The hotel played a big role in this—they organized our airport transfers and maintained a well-guarded property. We ventured out for dinners at nearby restaurants, and while there were armed guards on the streets, we never felt uneasy. In fact, the locals were incredibly friendly.

If you stay at a reputable property in the West End or West Bay, you’ll likely have a similar experience. The combination of a well-maintained hotel, organized transport, and friendly locals made for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Final Thoughts

Roatan was a nice long weekend getaway. The diving was a bit underwhelming, but the easy going approach and clear waters made it a perfect beach getaway, and I’d recommend it if you can get to the destination easily but wouldn’t if it’s a difficult flight from where you are.