Islanders say it’s what West Bay was like 25 years ago, before the rapid rise of the resorts. Ocated in the municipality of Santos Guardiola, which comprises the eastern half of Roatán island, this Blue Flag beach is a popular barbecue spot for locals, and its undeveloped, pristine white sands, flanked by natural coconut trees, are a step back in time. If you ask local Roatánians what their favorite beach is, you’ll always get the same answer – Camp Bay. You’re bound to find something to enjoy with lots of local seafood options such as fish tacos or coconut shrimp at The Thirsty Turtle.įor something more elevated, Luna Muna, the restaurant of the fancy Ibagari Boutique Hotel, caters to a more refined palate, serving up octopus ceviche and conch carpaccio.Īs West Bay is a hub for many of the American and Canadian expats living on Roatán, it’s also not hard to find pizza, hamburgers or even proper Canadian poutine at the Hangover Hut, run by an expat couple from Toronto.Īs well as the busy resort beaches, Roatan has secluded getaways such as Camp Bay Beach © Antonio Busiello / Getty Images Camp Bay Beach, Eastern Roatán There are also many beachside restaurants, with most of the menus catering to, not surprisingly, the Western palate – which may be welcome news if you’re a picky eater. As this is the most popular beach for tourists coming to Roatán via cruise ship or direct international flights, solitude is rarely an option. However, along with this convenience, there are a few caveats. Since the Bay Islands were under British rule before returning to Honduras in 1859, the majority of islanders speak good English. When you want to get more active, fit in an off-shore snorkel session or scuba dive with a local operator such as West Bay Divers. West Bay Beach is lined with beachfront resorts, making it super easy to step outside a hotel, kick off your flip-flops, and be barefoot in its white sands right away. If your time is limited and you are on a mission to find an easy, clean beach to relax on with a book and a cocktail, then this 950m (3116ft) stretch of sand on the north coast of Roatán couldn't be more convenient. Idyllic West Bay Beach is Roatán's favorite beach © Jae-yoong Kim / 500px West Bay Beach, Western Roatán It's the crowd who frequent these places, joined by local families, that set the scene along Half Moon Bay. The beach's water quality is tested regularly to maintain its Blue Flag status, and despite its proximity to the island’s busiest nightlife, the water here remains pristine.Ĭlose by, West End’s Main Street is a lively hub of restaurants and bars catering to locals, backpackers and expats, including notable staples such as Sundowners, known for live music, Happy Harry’s Hideaway on the end of a pier, and Booty Bar, whose name is sometimes spelled “Barrrr” to go with its pirate theme. This means this beach is Blue Flag certified and has met the standards determined by this global non-profit organization in areas of safety, accessibility, education and above all, environmental protection. You’ll notice a blue flag waving in the wind amongst the palm trees with the words “Bandera Azul Ecológica” on it. Heading north from the resorts of West Bay, West End is the first hub of tourism you'll reach, with an appealing little beach of its own, Half Moon Bay Beach, which runs for just 400m (1312ft). These two beach hubs are connected by taxis, water taxis or a 40-minute walk along the coast. While they might have similar names, don’t confuse famous West Bay with West End, the beachy area on the north coast of Roatán.
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