Roatan, an island off the coast of mainland Honduras, has long been a haven for scuba divers drawn to its vibrant coral reefs and marine life. But recently, families are discovering the magic of Roatan, where laid-back Caribbean charm and outdoor adventure come together perfectly.
This isn’t a place for glitz and glam—Roatan embraces a low-maintenance, no-fuss vibe that makes it ideal for parents who want to swap schedules for sandcastles and leave the fancy shoes behind. Think $3 beers, beach shacks, and boutique hotels with character, where relaxation is effortless.
The island’s welcoming community of divers, expats, and locals adds to its charm. People here have fallen in love with Roatan’s unpretentious beauty, and they’re more than happy to help you explore it.
Head to West Bay Beach for a laid-back scene where white sand, calm turquoise waters, and snorkeling just a few feet offshore make it the ultimate spot for young families. Picture your kids building sandcastles, grabbing pizza or ice cream, and learning to snorkel with colorful fish just steps away. When you need a beach break, Roatan’s rainforest-covered hills are home to iguanas, monkeys, sloths, and more, while also offering family-friendly activities like ziplining, horseback riding, and ATV tours.
Roatan may be small, but it’s packed with excitement, and its easy-going nature means that no adventure feels too far away for families.
Roatan was my very first scouting trip for Mango Tree, and has been one of my favorite Caribbean destinations to send families ever since.
On my second night in Roatan, I grabbed a seat at the bar at Roatan Oasis and met Foxy, a tattoo artist who found her way to the island’s laid-back shores a decade ago. We chatted like old friends, and when I ran into her the next night at a different restaurant, she didn’t seem the slightest bit surprised. It’s that small-town vibe and friendly warmth that make Roatan feel so welcoming—I was there just 3 days and yet somehow left feeling I had found a community. That’s exactly the kind of atmosphere I love sharing with my kids.
– Lee, Founder of Mango Tree Travel
Roatan is known for its incredible diving and snorkeling, thanks to the world’s second-largest barrier reef just offshore. Beyond the water, it offers lush rainforests, laid-back beach towns, and a welcoming community of expats and locals who make the island feel like home.
Spanish is the official language of Roatan, but English is widely spoken throughout the island, especially in tourist areas. This makes it easy for families to communicate and navigate during their trip.
The currency in Roatan, as part of Honduras, is the Honduran lempira (HNL). However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island, especially in tourist areas.
Roatan is long and thin, measuring roughly 5 miles wide and 40 miles long, with a population of about 115,000. Its vibe is distinctly low-key, with mostly rustic dive accommodations, beach shacks, and a small-town feel where everyone seems to know each other.
Getting around Roatan is surprisingly easy for families. A single paved road runs the length of the island, making driving simple and straightforward. Water taxis also run between West Bay Beach and West End Village, which are a fun way to get around. Renting a car allows for the most flexibility, but we know a fantastic tour guide if you’d prefer excursions with a driver.
West Bay is the best area for family-friendly beaches and snorkeling, with hotels right on the sand. If you prefer a quieter experience, pick a boutique hotel a little outside West Bay Beach, and just plan to spend a day or two there.
Peak Season: April to July; great weather and fewer crowds than other Caribbean islands
Shoulder Season: February to March; fewer tourists and good hotel deals
No Go: Late fall / early winter is the island’s rainy season
You do not need to through mainland Honduras to get to Roatan. Fly straight to the island (airport code RTB) from a few major US and Canadian cities, including Miami, Dallas, and Toronto.
Roatan is a rare Caribbean gem—an island that feels both welcoming and easy, but like you’ve uncovered a huge secret. It’s all about nature, friendly community vibes, and underwater exploration that’s hard to beat. Roatan offers a relaxed, low-key atmosphere, making it perfect for families who want to experience an authentic island getaway.
Roatán, Honduras
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Roatan, Honduras
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Roatan, Honduras
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Gumbalimba Park is really worth a stip. It serves as a sanctuary to several species of animals, and all its animals roam freely. You can get up close and personal with parrots, monkeys, and iguanas, and also go ziplining with older kids.
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This horseback riding experience will take your through all the different landscapes that Roatan has to offer, so you can get a true sense of the island's beauty, plus see a local village.
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Explore Roatan by sea on a 28 foot Catamaran with your multilingual boat captain. Snorkeling gear, snacks, juice, and rum punch all provided!
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Roatan is known for its underwater experiences, and there's none more unique than to see what comes to life at night.
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Kat and Tay from TKM Photography have taken some incredible shots of Mango Tree families on vacation, so don't miss the chance to truly capture your vacation and your time away together.
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This is our go-to beach bag for island getaways: It comes in multiple cool patterns, is water resistant, folds down into a suitcase, and can fit tons of travel toys and snacks.
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If you want to get your kids comfortable snorkeling, getting them their own gear will get them excited, involved, and give them a practice in the pool.
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Give your kids extra confidence for ocean swimming, beach walks, and snorkeling with water shoes to keep them sure-footed. These low profiles shoes are easy to pack and come in lots of colors.
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We've tried a lot of face sunscreens, and these clear sunscreen sticks are really the best no-tears solution. Goes on wet or dry, and reef safe too!
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There’s a new gem in the market for mom swimsuits! Change of Scenery, an accessible but luxurious resort wear and swimwear line, designed by Jamie Banks, working mom of three, will make you feel fantastic on your next beach trip.
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Our founder spent hundreds of hours researching the best lightweight, waterproof baby carrier with sun protection for her Caribbean travels, and this is the winner. Beach naps baby.
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If you’re eager to learn all the best things to do in Roatan, Honduras, you’re in the right place. You might have a vision in your head of a not-so-great version of Roatan. Mega cruise ships do unload thousands of passengers onto the island several days a week. Look in the wrong place and you’ll find tour […]
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The Caribbean is home to some of the best snorkeling resorts in the world — hotels where you can walk out of your room, dive into the water before your morning coffee, and almost instantly see hundreds of tropical fish just offshore. But the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts for adults are not always great […]
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Roatan, Honduras: Get excited, because this small island packs a punch! And this comprehensive Roatan destination guide will help you make the most of your family trip. A snorkeling and diving paradise and a tropical jungle in one, Roatan offers all you need to relax and have fun with your kids. You’re in for a great […]
Learn MoreOur family traveled to Roatan, Honduras in March of 2024 for a family celebration. Lee, at Mango travel guided us to Xbalanque which was the perfect destination for our family of 9 , including 3 generations, ranging in age from 2 1/2 to 70. Everyone had a wonderful time. Each day was packed with water and land adventures. The weather was perfect, the water was warm and inviting. The resort and staff were amazing. Thank you Lee for the wonderful recommendation.
Nora, MultiGen Trip, Winter 2024
Lee from Mango Tree facilitated in planning our trip to Roatan, Honduras to surprise our daughter for her 10th birthday and I know it’s a trip full of memories that our family will cherish for a lifetime. Prior to working with Lee, I was a control freak obsessed with details. Planning brought me joy. However, if you’re like me, your resources (time and finances) are finite. Unless you have intimate knowledge of your destination, have recently traveled to said destination and/or have connections at you desired location…. You WILL miss out on opportunities during your trip. Maybe that dream restaurant you wanted to visit has recently closed for the month of November for the holidays, or that excursion is a tourist trap that practices animal cruelty and is poorly run, or the cruise ships visit on Wednesdays so you want to avoid that part of the island, or the hotel you selected is a logistical nightmare and has outdated facilities not shown on their website. The reverse is also true. What about the hidden gems that are off the beaten path? Or the designer boutique hotel away from the crowds? How about having an itinerary that never loses focus of the big picture while mindfully placing the puzzle pieces of your trip perfectly into place? Our experience with working with Lee is that she is knowledgeable, highly organized, and enthusiastic. She made trip planning fun and easy. Our advice: take the trip! Just make sure you take the trip with Lee of Mango Tree…. Your trip and memories depend on it. We can’t wait for our next trip!
Kelly, Family of 3, December 2023
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