Family Adventures in Roatan: A Holiday Getaway Recap

If you’ve ever wondered whether Roatan is a good fit for families, we’re here to say a big yes — especially if your ideal trip includes turquoise water, incredible snorkeling, spontaneous adventures (hello, whale sharks!), and just the right mix of laid-back island vibes and off-the-grid exploration.

For our winter holiday getaway, we packed up our family and headed to this small but mighty island off the coast of Honduras. Our goal: a balance of relaxation and discovery, with plenty of beach time and a few memorable excursions sprinkled in. Roatan delivered on all counts — and then some.

With its warm hospitality, stunning marine life, and charming villages, Roatan offers a travel experience that’s both accessible and adventurous for families. It’s not overly commercialized, which means there are fewer crowds, more local flavor, and the chance to craft a vacation that feels unique to your family’s travel style.

From ziplining through jungle canopies to snorkeling shipwrecks, holding sloths, and eating fresh lobster with hummingbirds at our table — this was one for the books.

Here’s our day-by-day recap of our Roatan itinerary: what we loved, what we’d tweak next time, and all the kid-friendly highlights that made this trip unforgettable.

And before you start packing, don’t miss our must-have family travel essentials — the gear that helped make this adventure smoother, easier, and a whole lot more fun (especially the kids’ tablet and wireless headphones, which were lifesavers on long flights).

Two children, a boy and a girl, sitting on a boat's seat with the ocean and sky in the background. The boy is wearing a white shirt with the name 'Henry' and blue shorts, while the girl is dressed in a floral top and shorts. Both are smiling and appear happy.

Day 1: Island Arrival, Local Flavor & Sunset Views

We kicked off our Roatan adventure on December 26th with an early flight out of New Orleans, connecting through Miami before landing at the island around 2 PM. Picking up our rental car was a breeze — Ramirez Rental Car even picked us up at the airport and provided two booster seats, which was a huge relief traveling with kids. The rental office was less than five minutes away, and the whole process was smooth and quick.

Our home base was a great Airbnb in West End—just a two-minute walk from Main Street and about ten minutes to beautiful Half Moon Bay. The complex had a large pool and security, which gave us peace of mind while the kids splashed around. After settling in, the kids spent a few hours in the pool trying out their new snorkel masks, getting comfortable with the breathing and fit so they’d be ready to explore the ocean.

After settling in, we explored the charming West End Village and stopped by the highly coveted Drunken Sailor to make a reservation well in advance. That evening, we had dinner at Pura Vida—a cozy spot run by a couple from Honduras and Costa Rica serving up fresh snapper wrapped in banana leaves and vibrant ceviche with a delicious Costa Rican twist. Afterwards, we caught a stunning sunset at Tequila Jack’s, which boasts one of the best unobstructed views on the island.

Two young children, a boy and a girl, sitting on a log on a sandy beach with trees and structures in the background.

Day 2: Ziplining & Relaxed Beach Time

We timed our visit to Gumbalimba Park to avoid the cruise ship crowds, making it a peaceful day. We didn’t book tickets in advance — just bought them at the entrance when we arrived, which worked out perfectly. The ziplining tour—17 cables weaving through the lush forest canopy—was a hit with the kids (and adults too!). Make sure to bring swimsuits because there are spots to cool off after the adrenaline rush.

Lunch at Trattoria da Piero near the park was scenic with beach views but a bit tricky to keep an eye on the kids since the dining area and beach are a little separated. We spent the afternoon snorkeling in the calm, clear waters of Half Moon Bay—perfect for teaching the little ones.

Dinner at Creole’s Chicken was a winner: delicious chicken and fried fish for the kids, plus a heavenly key lime pie for the adults.

A child in a pink shirt and helmet smiling while zip-lining through a tree canopy with the ocean and green forest in the background.

A young boy with brown hair and a pink shirt smiling, with a capuchin monkey sitting on his shoulders and holding his head, in a green forest setting.

A family of four posing outdoors on a wooden platform in a tropical setting with palm trees and lush greenery.

A young girl in a floral top and pink shorts standing outdoors in a wooded area, smiling with her arm outstretched. She has a red macaw perched on her shoulder and a green parrot on the wooden fence behind her.

Day 3: Private Boat Charters & Island Views

One of the best ways to see Roatan is by water! I did tons of research before the trip to find the best deal on a private boat charter versus group tours to Cayo Cochinos and snorkeling around the island. Prices ranged wildly — from $200 per person for group charters to $1,500 for a private boat. We ultimately decided to skip the Cayo Cochinos trip this time around — it’s a full-day excursion with a long boat ride, and we weren’t confident our kids could handle that much time on the water. Instead, our best luck came from a water taxi driver we met on our first day: Edmon at Sweet Life Excursions. The best way to contact Edmon is through WhatsApp — he’s super responsive, friendly, and easy to work with.

Family Tip: Bring your kids’ waterproof snorkel masks (we loved ours!) and floatation devices if needed — they make snorkeling safer and more fun. Also pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen to protect little skin during long boat rides and quick dry towels. And if you’re planning a full day out, a compact battery pack is a lifesaver for keeping devices charged for music, pictures and videos (don’t forget the underwater phone case!). Bringing along lunch boxes and snacks can also be a game-changer to keep little ones happy and prevent any meltdowns.

We ended up booking a private tour with him for about half the cost of what others were charging, which included multiple snorkeling stops and a scenic pass by Anthony’s Key Dolphin Excursion (where we spotted dolphins right from the boat, no crowds or entry fees required). But the real magic happened just five minutes into the ride when Edmon got word over the radio: other boats had spotted a whale shark just a few miles offshore.

He turned to us and casually asked, “Want to go try and find it?” Um… duh! We immediately took off. Within 30 minutes, we were in the water swimming with a whale shark. It was completely unexpected — definitely not on our vacation bingo card — and hands down one of the most incredible adventures we’ve ever had with our kids. We were riding the high of that moment for the rest of the trip.

After all that excitement, we refueled with lunch at Sunset Sport and Grill — the mixed ceviche and whole fish were solid, though a bit on the pricey side. What really made this spot shine, though, was the location: the beach here was perfect for the kids to snorkel safely right from shore without needing the adults to hop in with them. Easy, low-stress fun for everyone. Dinner that evening was at Happy Harry’s, which was just okay and didn’t quite live up to the hype, so we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. But honestly, after swimming with a whale shark? Everything else was just lagniappe.

Two children, a boy and a girl, sitting together on a boat with a water body and clear blue sky in the background. The boy is wearing a black cap with colorful dinosaur prints and a white rash guard, while the girl is wearing pink sunglasses with flowers and a purple dress with floral sleeves.

A family of four enjoying a boat ride on a sunny day, wearing sunglasses and casual summer clothes, with a scenic body of water and green hills in the background.

A spotted whale shark swimming in the ocean with a purple-blue background.

Day 4: More Snorkeling and Laid-back Evenings

We had such a great time with Edmon from Sweet Life Excursions the day before that we asked to book him again—and this time, he took us to explore new snorkeling spots, including vibrant starfish beds and a sunken shipwreck. It was another unforgettable day on the water, topped off with lunch at Palmetto Bay Resort. The food was excellent, and the views were just as good.

Dinner that night was at Ginger’s Caribbean Grill, which quickly became one of our favorite restaurants on the island. Their lobster and shrimp tacos were a hit with both adults and kids, and the relaxed, waterfront setting let the kids play in the bay while we enjoyed our meal. Just a heads up — they only take cash or PayPal.

A person wearing a blue snorkel mask with a dragon design on it, swimming in clear water, holding two starfish.

Two children, a girl and a boy, are lying on their stomachs on blankets at the front of a boat, looking at each other and enjoying the ocean view under a partly cloudy sky.

Day 5: Exploring West End & Local Flavors

We spent the morning browsing local shops in West End before heading to Sandy Buns Bakery for lunch. Don’t be intimidated by the line — it moves quickly, and trust us, it’s so worth the wait. Run by a couple from Texas, this cozy bakery serves some of the best cinnamon rolls we’ve ever tasted — gooey, warm, and dangerously good.

After that sugar rush, we made a quick stop at the local chocolate factory, where the kids gleefully declared ice cream as their official lunch. (Vacation rules, right?)

In the afternoon, we attempted a hike at Carambola Gardens, but it was a bit of a bust. The trails weren’t well maintained — likely due to the island’s recent record-setting rainfall — and it made the experience more slippery than scenic. We’d probably give it another try next time because we heard there are great views at the top of the trail!

Dinner at The Drunken Sailor capped off the day. It's run by a small but mighty team of just two people, so bring your patience… and your appetite. The Italian-inspired dishes were absolutely worth the wait, especially paired with a bottle of wine and the laid-back island vibes.

Two young children, a girl and a boy, standing on a stone pathway in a lush, green jungle or rainforest, smiling at the camera.

A family of four stands on a wooden path in a lush, green botanical garden. The father wears a light gray polo shirt and shorts, the mother a yellow floral dress, the daughter a white dress with pink shorts, and the son a light blue shirt and white shorts. They are smiling and posing for the photo.

Day 6: New Year’s Eve on the Water

We kicked off 2025 with another private snorkeling adventure — we hired Edmon again, and he took us on an unforgettable tour around the island. We cruised from West End to West Bay, stopping to snorkel the incredible West End Wall, known for its dramatic drop-offs and colorful sea life. As we rounded West Bay, we could even see the Honduran mainland in the distance — a surreal reminder of how close yet far we were from everyday life.

But this was also the day we learned an important (and scary) lesson about snorkeling safety. From now on, our snorkel flag is an absolute must.

West Bay is buzzing with activity, and unfortunately, that includes a lot of jet skis. While we were snorkeling, one came dangerously close — and Henry was nearly hit. From the water, snorkelers just look like tiny dots, especially from a distance. By complete luck, I happened to lift my head at just the right moment and spotted the jet ski barreling toward us. I was able to wave and get the driver’s attention, and they swerved away just in time.

It was a terrifying moment that we won’t soon forget — and it taught us a crucial lesson: when snorkeling in high-traffic areas, visibility is everything. From now on, we’ll be using dive flags and making sure everyone wears brightly colored rash guards. It's a mistake we’ll never make again.

After that adrenaline spike, lunch at SeaCat was much needed. The seafood burger was fantastic, and the trio ice cream was so big it absolutely counted as a full meal. Later in the afternoon, Edmon took us fishing and wrapped up the day with another favorite dinner at Creole’s Chicken, grateful and a little more seasoned as snorkelers.

A young boy on a boat holding a fish he caught, with a girl leaning on him, in a body of water with hills in the background.

A person in a snorkeling mask and white shirt is in the water, holding a small turtle with one hand while another person assists, both submerged up to their arms.

A young girl in a patterned long sleeve top holding a slice of watermelon in front of her face on a boat with water and cloudy sky in the background.

Two children, a boy and a girl, sitting on a boat with a bright ocean and sky in the background, smiling at the camera.

Young boy with wet hair, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, enjoys eating ice cream with a spoon from a bowl on a wooden table.

Day 7: Off to Camp Bay & Dinner with Hummingbirds

The remainder of our vacation took us to the quieter, more remote side of the island — Camp Bay. On the way, we stopped at Eldon’s in Coxen Hole, a large local grocery store near our Airbnb, to stock up on essentials. Our new place was right on the water with its own pool and peaceful vibes — a perfect reset after a busy week of snorkeling and exploring.

We quickly learned that this side of the island is not ideal for beach time, swimming, or snorkeling with kids. The significant wind, waves, and rocky shoreline make it better suited for kite surfing enthusiasts rather than casual swimmers or snorkelers. In fact, the conditions were rough enough that the kids weren’t able to get in the ocean at all — which was a bit of a letdown after so many water-filled days on the West End.

The house was also within walking distance of Camp Bay Lodge, which made it easy to grab a drink or meal nearby whenever we didn’t feel like venturing far.

That evening, we had dinner at La Sirena, a cozy beachfront spot with a small but delicious menu. The highlight for the kids? The hummingbird feeders set right on the tables — they were mesmerized watching the birds zip in and out while we waited for our food. It was one of those magical little moments that made the trip extra memorable.

A glass candle holder with a candle on a wooden surface, overlooking the ocean during cloudy weather, with a hummingbird flying nearby.

A young boy standing on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean with a cloudy sky, with a traditional candle holder on the table in front of him surrounded by flying insects.

Family of four enjoying a meal at a seaside open-air restaurant, with a thatched roof overhead and ocean view in the background, during daytime.

Day 8: Monkeys, Macaws & Dinner with a View

We kicked off the day hoping to explore more of Roatan’s culture by heading to Punta Gorda, a town known for its Garifuna heritage. Unfortunately, the area was heavily littered and had very few dining options — not quite what we expected. We also visited the nearby Garifuna Cultural Center, which sounded promising but didn’t live up to its potential. While we always try to support local experiences, we wouldn’t recommend either of these stops unless things improve in the future.

Luckily, the day took a much cuter turn.

Our next stop was Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout, and it absolutely delivered. For just $12 per person, we got to hold a sloth (yes, a real sloth!), feed monkeys, and take photos with vibrant macaws. It was a short and sweet experience, but one the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults too) won’t forget anytime soon.

We ended the day at Cliffsides Restaurant in Camp Bay — and it ended up being one of our more memorable dinners of the trip. The restaurant is owned by Patricia (Trish) and Matt Colvin, a couple from Texas who sold everything, moved to Roatan, and now live out of an RV on the property. Their passion for bringing their dream restaurant to life is felt in every detail, from the warm hospitality to the thoughtful, flavorful food. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, patiently answering questions about the menu and offering up great local insight. Combine that with panoramic ocean views and a laid-back vibe, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the day.

A boy with a pained expression stands with his eyes closed and mouth open, as a colorful macaw parrot perches on his head. The scene takes place outdoors with a dirt ground and a fenced enclosure in the background.

A young boy in a purple polo shirt and shorts is laughing while a black and white capuchin monkey sits on his head. The monkey's arm is resting on the boy's head, and the boy is holding his hands near his stomach. There is another small capuchin monkey on the ground looking up, in an enclosure with a dirt floor and wooden structures in the background.

Young girl holding a large, furry sloth with a green, lush forest background.

A family of four with two children, a boy and a girl, standing under a wooden shelter at a zoo or wildlife park. The boy is holding a large stuffed animal, possibly a sloth, and all are smiling.

Day 9: Nurse Sharks & Island Flavors

We kicked off our final full day with the East Roatan Signature Tour — an off-the-beaten-path experience that took us to some of the most pristine and quiet snorkeling spots on the island. The absolute highlight was snorkeling with stingrays and nurse sharks — a safe, kid-friendly adventure that felt straight out of a nature documentary. Along the way, we stopped at the mangrove tunnel that connects the north and south sides of the island — a peaceful, scenic detour that felt like drifting through a hidden jungle waterway. We also stopped by a local turtle sanctuary and enjoyed calm waters and vibrant marine life throughout the trip. Just a heads-up: it’s cash only, and lunch isn’t included (though drinks are provided).

For lunch, we made a memorable stop at Jerline’s Place, a no-frills, family-run restaurant on the far end of the island. You pick your protein — chicken, fish, or lobster/fish combo — and the rest comes set: rice, plantains, shared black beans, and slaw. Plates were $15 ($20 for lobster), and the food was simple, light, and so delicious. It was the perfect way to experience authentic local flavors (including lobster!) without breaking the bank.

Back in Camp Bay, we closed out the day with dinner at La Sirena, our go-to spot for oceanfront vibes, fresh seafood, and hummingbirds dancing around our table. A calm, joyful ending to a big day — and the trip as a whole.

A woman and a young girl by the water holding a small turtle, girl wearing a snorkeling mask shaped like a crocodile, woman smiling, on a wooden dock with cloudy sky and boats in the background.

People swimming in the ocean with a whale shark nearby

Family of four sitting on the bow of a boat with lush greenery and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Reflections from the Reef: Why Roatán Captured Our Hearts

Roatán was everything we hoped for in a family getaway — sun-soaked days, crystal-clear water, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and just enough island adventure to keep everyone excited. From swimming with whale sharks to watching hummingbirds buzz around our dinner table, this little Caribbean island delivered far more than just a tropical escape. It gave us memories we’ll be talking about for years — and a strong urge to start planning our return.

Still on Our Bucket List: What We’ll Be Back For

Visit Little French Key - Yes, it’s touristy — but it’s also family-friendly, well-maintained, and packed with animals, water swings, and shaded cabanas. We skipped it this time, but it’s definitely on our radar for a future trip.
Explore Cayos Cochinos - This protected marine area is often described as “what Roatan used to be” — remote, unspoiled, and ideal for snorkeling and nature lovers. It’s a longer boat ride, so better suited for older kids.
Dive certification (when the kids are ready!) - Roatan is one of the most affordable and beautiful places in the world to get scuba certified. We’d love to come back when the kids are old enough to join in.

Pro Tips for Roatan with Kids

Rental Car: We used Ramirez Rent a Car — super reliable and convenient. They picked us up from the airport and provided booster seats, which was a huge help traveling with kids. Contact: paula@ramirezrentacar.com.
Charter Tips: Check the port schedule before booking snorkeling or boat tours. Plan for days when cruise ships aren’t docked to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Music & Nightlife: Follow the Roatan Music Scene Facebook page for up-to-date local event schedules. Sundowners always has live music but isn’t very kid-friendly — plan accordingly if you’re traveling with children.
Connectivity & Power: You might hear about blackouts and spotty cell service, but during our 10-day stay, we only experienced one day without cell service and about three hours of blackout. Bring a charged backup battery for your devices — it’s a smart move. My Verizon phone lost service that day, but my husband’s Google phone worked fine throughout the trip. Honestly, it was nice to unplug a bit without it being a major inconvenience.
Money: Locals strongly prefer U.S. dollars, so bring plenty of cash!