One of the things I love most about Roatan is how easy snorkeling can be. On the southern tip of the island, you don’t need a boat, a guide, or an organized tour to see beautiful reefs : you just walk into the water and start exploring.
This part of the island concentrates some of the most accessible and beginner-friendly snorkeling spots, with calm water, shallow reefs, and great visibility. Whether you’re traveling light or staying longer on the island, these are the places where snorkeling feels effortless.
Before getting into the spots, a quick note on gear: I always snorkel with my own snorkeling set and a reef-safe sunscreen (french brand oc). And for photos and videos underwater, I personally use a GoPro. It’s compact, reliable, and perfect for reef shots without carrying bulky equipment.
Here are my top 5 snorkeling spots on the southern tip of Roatan, all accessible directly from the beach.
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1. West Bay
West Bay is iconic and for good reason. The water here is crystal clear, the sand is white, and the reef is easily reachable straight from the beach.
Once you’re in the water, you’ll find colorful tropical fish, coral formations, and sometimes small rays or turtles if you’re lucky. The reef starts close enough that even beginners can feel comfortable, making it one of the best all-around snorkeling spots on the island.
The only downside? It gets busy.
My advice is to snorkel early in the morning, when the water is calmer and visibility is at its best. West Bay is also heavily affected by cruise ship arrivals. If you want to enjoy this beach without the crowds, I explain exactly how to do that in my article : How to Avoid Cruise Ship Crowds in Roatán (Even on 6 Ship Days) timing really makes all the difference here.
2. West End Reef (in front of Creole's Rotisserie Chicken)
If West Bay feels a bit too busy, West End Beach is a great alternative. Entering the water near Creole’s Rotisserie Chicken, you can snorkel directly from the beach in a much more relaxed atmosphere.
The reef here is closer to shore in some areas, and the snorkeling is easy and calm. You’ll see plenty of tropical fish, small corals, and reef details that make this spot perfect for slow exploration.
This is one of those spots where you don’t need to rush. I usually take my time here, swimming out to the reef from the beach : a diver’s buoy (I use this one) can be useful because of the boat traffic. Water shoes might help for the entry if there’s sea grass near the shore.
3. Half Moon Bay / The Point
Half Moon Bay is one of my favorite snorkeling spots on the southern tip of Roatan because of its diversity. The reef structure here is interesting, with coral gardens and plenty of marine life packed into a relatively small area (& a submarine sinks with eels inside).
You can enter directly from the beach and swim along the reef, adjusting how far out you go depending on conditions. On calm days : visibility is excellent.
This is also where I love filming underwater. The light, reef structure, and fish activity make it ideal for photos and videos, which is why I usually bring my GoPro here.
4. Sandy Bay (in front of Puerta Azul)
Sandy Bay offers a quieter, more laid-back snorkeling experience. Entering the water in front of Puerta Azul, you’ll find calm conditions and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect if you want to avoid crowds altogether.
Close to shore, you’ll see schools of fish and seagrass areas, and if you swim a bit farther out, the coral becomes more interesting and dense. It’s a great spot for beginners, but still enjoyable for intermediate snorkelers who want a peaceful session.
I like Sandy Bay for longer, slower snorkels : it’s the kind of place where you lose track of time just floating and observing.
5. Flowers Bay
Flowers Bay feels more local and less touristy than the other spots on this list, which is exactly why it deserves a place here.
Snorkeling is accessible directly from the beach, and while it’s not as famous as West Bay or Half Moon Bay, it offers beautiful shoreline snorkeling with plenty of fish and shallow reef areas. It’s especially nice in the middle of the day, when more popular beaches start to feel crowded.
Flowers Bay also reminds you that Roatan isn’t just about famous beaches. If you’re curious to explore more shoreline spots, I’ve put together a full guide to the Most Beautiful Beaches in Roatán, including quieter areas like this one.
✨ Tips from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨
- Starfish Alley : It used to be known for starfish, but honestly, there’s not much to see anymore. I mention it more as an anecdote than a must-do.
- Best time to snorkel : Mornings are almost always better : calmer water and clearer visibility.
- Safety : Always check sea conditions and avoid strong currents, especially when snorkeling alone.
- Respect the reef : Don’t touch coral or marine life, and always use reef-safe sunscreen.
BISOUS
