As an avid snorkeler, I have had the opportunity to explore many stunning underwater locations around the world. Most of these places you had to travel there by boat. Very few places were accessible right off the beach and West Bay beach is truly exceptional. Located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, West Bay Beach offers a snorkeling experience like no other. In this personal account, I will share my insights on the best place to snorkel in West Bay Beach, where to enter the water, and the incredible variety of fish you can expect to see.
Paradise Found: The Ideal Snorkeling Spot
When it comes to snorkeling in West Bay Beach, there is one spot that surpasses all others – the West Bay Wall. This underwater cliff, located just a short swim from the beach, is a haven for marine life and a paradise for snorkelers. The West Bay Wall is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of colorful fish.
As you enter the water from the sandy shores of West Bay Beach, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking underwater world. The visibility is excellent, allowing you to see the vibrant coral formations that make up the wall. The water temperature is warm and inviting, making it comfortable for snorkeling throughout the year.
Entering the Water: The Best Access Points
Many people will tell you to go all the way to the end and in front of the Kimpton Grand Roatan. That was where we first went when we came to West Bay beach for the first time. The rocks were a great place to store our towels and bags.
The water is so crystal clear that you’ll be able to seem some fish already without putting your head under water. The silver/white larger fishes are Bermuda Chub. And the striped fish with a dash of yellow are sargeant majors. They have become accustomed to being fed by the tourists so will often swim right up to you as your enter the water.
The other place people say to enter is in front of Infinity Bay. Either place is fine. The reef is basically between Infinity Bay and the Kimpton. Over in front of Infinity Bay, there is a natural alley to swim in between the reef. If you enter in between, like for example in front of Govenors Palace, there are some parts that are very shallow and you could cut yourself or damage the reef.
Regardless of which access point you choose, always remember to respect the marine environment. Avoid touching or standing on the coral reefs, as they are fragile and easily damaged.
Exploring the West Bay Wall
Once you start snorkeling along the West Bay Wall, you’ll be amazed by the incredible diversity of marine life that calls this place home. From the moment you dip your face into the water, you’ll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and fascinating creatures. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw how high the coral was above the ground. It must have been at least 50ft high.
One of the highlights of snorkeling at the West Bay Wall is the opportunity to see an array of tropical fish species. From the dazzling blue and orange hues of the queen angelfish to the mesmerizing patterns of the parrotfish, there is no shortage of beauty beneath the surface. We were lucky enough to spot a hawksbill turtle, a spotted stingray and cushion starfish near the grassy part of the reef.
There are so many schools of blue tang that travel along the coral and I found myself chasing after hundreds of these many times. They were mesmerizing and distracted me often from seeing other species.
As you continue your snorkeling adventure, you may also encounter larger marine creatures such as sea turtles and eagle rays. These majestic creatures often grace the waters of West Bay Beach, providing an unforgettable experience for snorkelers lucky enough to spot them.
School of Blue Tang in West Bay Roatan
Stoplight Parrotfish
School of Blue Tang
Trumpetfish
Sea
School of Blue Tang
Hawksbill Turtle in West Bay Roatan
Squirrelfish in West Bay Roatan
Queen Angelfish in West Bay Roatan
Sargeant Major in West Bay Roatan
Tips
You can rent snorkeling gear on the beach. It’s usually around $40 for fins and mask for 4 hours. This is good if you only want to try it once. If you’d like to snorkel everyday, better to buy a quality pair and bring it yourself. I personally don’t bring fins. They would help but some areas are very shallow so it can be more of a hinderance than helpful.
If you aren’t a strong swimmer, then a life jacket definitely helps when you get tired. There are also a lot of boats that traverse across West Bay beach so a life jacket is helpful so that you can be seen by boaters. My wife likes to just use children’s water wings as she finds it more comfortable than a life jacket and they are easy to pack.
I always bring an underwater camera when I snorkel so I can remember everything I’ve seen but my wife prefers to just enjoy the moment. I definitely recommend buying a good camera.
In terms of your valuables and belongings, we do leave some of our stuff on the beach like our towels, sandals, etc. But we have a waterproof bag that we bring for things like keys, phone and money. There have been thefts on West Bay beach, not many but it is a public beach with a lot of people.
Snorkeling in West Bay Beach is an experience that will leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of the underwater world. I never get tired of going here every day that I’m in Roatan because you never know what you’ll see and each time is different.
So grab your snorkel gear, dive into the warm waters of West Bay Beach, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible fish and coral formations that await you.