Top Things to do in Bay Islands
10 Nature & Parks in Bay Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly island vacation, consider the Bay Islands. Each one appeals to different travelers—Roatan’s the most developed (but still not as built-up as, say, St. Thomas), Guanaia’s rustic and Utila’s in between. All three have great dive spots and beaches.
Restaurants in Bay Islands
1. Chepes Beach
2. Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 134 reviews
Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum is OPEN for PRIVATE TOURS only please contact to book in advance. Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum is home to Roatan's most exotic tropical gardens and some amazing hiking trails. Featuring the only commercial hydroponic lettuce farm in the Caribbean, exotic tropical fruit trees, large orchid collection, heliconia gardens and a conservatory with an indoor waterfall surrounded by lush tropical plants. Enjoy our pond with several varieties of aquatic birds. Breathe deep and take in nature at Roatan's tropical Eden covering over 150 acres.
Reviewed By philsF8767CV - Narragansett, United States
We chose to take a guided tour of the lettuce farm and conservatory, and a guided hike. It was a great way to spend an afternoon away from the crowds. The conservatory was beautiful and well-kept with many native plantings. The hydroponic farm was very impressive in its size and our guides Dean and Josiany were very knowledgeable. There were great island views from numerous spots along the somewhat strenuous hike - good shoes and water are a must, but you can rest as needed and enjoy the views. The tours and hike took about 3 hours, but there was one section of the trail we couldn't do because of recent rain. We will probably go back again for both the hike and the gardens in a couple years.
3. Blue Island Divers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 235 reviews
At Blue Island Divers Roatan you can get away from the crowds and join us at our relaxed, beachfront location. We offer scuba diving for all levels of certified divers, snorkeling excursions, kayak rentals, and lodging. All gear is modern and our boats are some of the best on Roatan. Roatan sits atop one of the largest and diverse barrier reefs in the world and we dive some of the finest, least-visited dive sites on the island. At Blue Island Divers Roatan, we guarantee small groups and professional, personal attention. We are a short 10 minute drive to West End Village and 15 minutes from West Bay beach. We are conveniently located in Sandy Bay, just a ten minute drive to both the RTB international airport and Town Center at the port of Roatan cruise dock.
4. Manawakie Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 151 reviews
Manwakie Eco Nature Park Is the first outdoor nature park, where you will live and learn Roatan culture and history, at the same time interacting with the most beautiful exotic animal, it's a guided tour of all ages. This is a family park of culture, sloth's and monkey's.
Reviewed By 559corym
This was an amazing park! William and his staff were extremely friendly, knowledgeable and so much fun! We learned about the animals as well as the island’s history We were shown natural remedies the locals use too. We had such a great time with monkeys , bunnies The gorgeous birds and the Sloths were so amazing this place is a must see
5. Camp Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By NBTEx
The camp bay lodge is a long way from anything else on Roatan. You will think that you are never going to get there, but keep driving and swerve to miss the potholes and rocks and eventually you will be rewarded. The beach is is so clean and was only occupied by two other couples plus a few walk thrus from down the way and a very friendly dog. The snorkeling is not great because of turtle grass unless you go far out to the reef, but there are lessons for kite surfing and scuba dives are also available. The lodge and restaurant are full of friendly , helpful , lovely people. We had lunch and it was very good and we’ll prepared. The pina coladas will knock your socks off they are so sweet and taste the best that we had in Roatan. The water is warm, the sand is white, the cHairs and hammocks are in a beautiful shaded grove of trees and the sound of the waves is about all you will hear. This was our favorite place on the whole island
6. AJ's Monkeys and Sloths
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Join us as you play around with some friendly white-faced monkeys, hug a beautiful yet gentle sloth, hold or hand feed our beautiful national bird The Red Scarlett Macaw and shoulder our beautiful yellow headed parrots. Join us to have a lifetime experience. To book directly with us, visit our Facebook page.
Reviewed By SuzyQIndiana - Yorktown, United States
We only had a short time in port available before a previously planned excursion but really wanted an opportunity to see sloths and monkeys. Ashley (the owner) arranged for a driver to pick us up as soon as we docked. It turned out to be her grandfather, who was very enjoyable to talk with and gave us a lot of information about their country along the way. He waited on us and drove us back to port when we were done. It is a small park, basically in her backyard. Each species was in their separate walk-in enclosure and had an employee stationed at each one. They took small groups in at a time and were very knowledgeable about the animals. We were able to spend quite a lot of time with the wildlife, consisting of Guinea pigs, sloths, 2 kinds of birds, and white faced monkeys. Be prepared, the monkeys jump all over you and are quite mischievous pulling hair bands out of your hair or anything they can find on you! Quite the opposite of the sloths. We absolutely loved it!
7. West Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,326 reviews
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.
Reviewed By darinf695 - Windsor, Canada
Loved this beach was very safe both day and night lots of restaurants and bars the Palapa beach bar was excellent Juanito and his day team and Carlos and then night staff keep things lively and moving excellent food n drinks . And for out in the sea excitement check out the crew at West Bay Divers with 2 shops on the beach from scuba to snorkling they're the best specail shout out to Jorge Laínez for making my dive experience in Rotan amazing.
8. Carambola Botanical Gardens & Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
The 100% natural 40 acres of the Carambola Botanical Gardens and their many jungle trails offer a perfect place for hiking, wildlife and scenic photography, eco tours, bird watching, nature studies, and of course, relaxation. So, "take a walk on the wild side" and watch the playful Monkey La La scurry along jungle trails as you enjoy flowering plants, orchids, medicinal plants, exotic spices, fruit and nut trees, including the very popular "Chocolate Tree" and the world famous Honduran mahogany tree.
Reviewed By JLS1000 - Incline Village, United States
We love this place but wish it had frequent visitors discounts. We love the hikes and the information on the plants we see around Roatan.
9. Utila Cays
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By samsS4052AX
Our family spent a week in Coconut House near Utila Cays and loved it. Not a location for those looking for the bar hopping & nightlife of Utila Town. About a 40 minute water taxi ride from town will get you to this small, beautiful and laid back locale. Friendly local people will make you feel welcome and good options for a wonderful local meal and a cold beer. Spent our week relaxing and diving with Utila Cays Diving - great experience. I think it would be a nice day trip from Utila Town, as well. Amazing sunrises & sunsets, incredible star gazing at night and friendly people. Worth the trip off the beaten path.
10. Gumbalimba Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,377 reviews
Reviewed By tbouchard55 - Montreal, Canada
Just enjoyed our discovery of this beautiful park. Magnificent grounds, great history well explained by our young guide, beautiful parrots in total liberty, playful capuchin monkeys having a great time , awesome site and very beautiful grounds, luxuriant autre , peace and quietness.
