The second stop for most travelers is the West End. As the most tourist-centered part of the island, visitors will find many small hotels and restaurants as well as upscale resorts and endless activities. However, West End travelers must remember to bank in Coxen Hole, as West End offers very few business transactions and no banks.


Sandy Bar is the hub of Roatan's cultural activities. This quaint, seaside community houses the Roatan Museum, the Institute of Marine Sciences, the Carambola Gardens, and numerous small resorts and marinas.


Located just northeast of Coxen Hole, French Harbour is a busy little town with one of the Caribbean's largest fishing fleets and many of the island's business and financial institutions. Marinas include the French Harbour Yacht Club, Coco View Resort, and Fantasy Island Resort and Marina. Several fine hotels, a few charming restaurants, and a local disco are among the area's most noted offerings.

Continuing northeast out of French Harbor, visitors will arrive at Punta Gorda, the first Garifuna settlement in Central America. In addition to various land and water-based activities, hotels, and cultural highlights, Punta Gorda is also the gravel road gateway to smaller communities such as Port Royal and Camp Bay.


Brick Bay is yet another tiny settlement offering diving, mountain biking, and sea kayaking adventures as well as two major marinas, Romeo's Resort and Marina and Mermaid Marina and Tavern.


While each community offers its unique attractions, both land and water-based activities can be found all over the island. With the world's second largest barrier reef just 100 yards off shore, diving and snorkeling top the list of activities. Walls, volcanic tunnels, canyons, and ridges are home to endless marine life including everything from colorful sponges, coral, and tropical fish to playful dolphins and awe-inspiring whale sharks.