Dive-focused resort in West Bay offering comfortable bungalows, beachfront location, and on-site PADI dive center. Popular with divers seeking good value and excellent dive services.
Bananarama Dive and Beach Resort occupies a beachfront position on West Bay, widely regarded as the finest beach on Roatán Island and one of the most celebrated stretches of Caribbean shoreline in Honduras. West Bay's calm, turquoise waters and white sand sit directly above the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second-longest barrier reef system on Earth — making it a natural anchor for dive-focused accommodation in the Islas de la Bahía.
The resort is built around its PADI-certified dive center, which serves guests ranging from beginners pursuing Open Water certification to experienced divers seeking the wall dives, tunnels, and swim-throughs that characterize Roatán's offshore reef. Dive package pricing bundles accommodation and dive access, representing competitive value for the Bay Islands market. Equipment rental, air fills, and nitrox are available on site, reducing the logistical burden for traveling divers.
Accommodation consists of bungalow-style rooms and cabanas positioned close to the beach, with air conditioning, ceiling fans, and WiFi throughout. The character of the property is unpretentious and relaxed, well-suited to travelers whose priorities lie underwater rather than in elaborate surroundings. A beachfront restaurant and bar serve fresh seafood, international dishes, and tropical drinks, with meals and evening sundowners available directly on the sand.
West Bay Beach is accessible directly from the resort, and the strip of bars, dive shops, and restaurants along the beachfront is within easy walking distance. Water taxis from West End, Roatán's primary backpacker and dive hub, arrive and depart throughout the day. Anthony's Key Resort and the marine mammal facility at Sandy Bay are short boat rides away for divers seeking additional sites.
The resort suits travelers seeking a dive-focused holiday at mid-range pricing, with room rates ranging from approximately $110 to $210 per night depending on season. The sociable, laid-back atmosphere draws a loyal repeat clientele of dive enthusiasts from Europe and North America.
Amenities
- beachfront
- PADI dive center
- restaurant
- bar
- WiFi
- air conditioning
- beach access
- dive packages
Location
West Bay, Roatán, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras
16.3245, -86.5934 View on map
Highlights
- Direct beachfront access on West Bay, one of Honduras's finest Caribbean beaches above the Mesoamerican reef
- PADI dive center with certification courses and guided reef and wall dive excursions
- Bungalow-style accommodation combining beach access with convenient dive package pricing
- Relaxed beachside restaurant and bar serving fresh seafood and tropical cocktails at the shoreline
Tips for visiting
- Book dive packages that combine accommodation and diving for the best value per dive on West Bay.
- Arrive at the dive center early to secure spots on popular afternoon wall dive and wreck boats.
- West Bay Beach attracts day visitors at midday; the resort's beach area offers a quieter retreat from the main strip.
- Water taxis to West End depart regularly from the West Bay dock for a few dollars per person each way.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — standard chemical sunscreens are harmful to the coral reef system directly below the beach.
Accessibility
The resort is set on flat beachfront terrain, with most facilities accessible without significant steps. Sandy beach surfaces may present challenges for wheelchair users. The restaurant and bar areas are at ground level and generally accessible. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the resort directly before booking to confirm suitable room and facility access.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Bananarama offer PADI dive certification?
Yes, the on-site PADI dive center offers Open Water certification for beginners as well as advanced and specialty courses. Certified divers can join guided boat dives to reef and wall sites around Roatán.
How far is the resort from West End village?
West End is approximately 20 minutes by water taxi from West Bay. Water taxis depart regularly from the West Bay dock and are the most convenient connection between the two areas.
Is the resort suitable for non-divers?
Yes, West Bay Beach offers excellent snorkeling directly from the shoreline, with the shallow reef accessible to swimmers. The beach bar and restaurant are enjoyable for guests not participating in dive activities.
What is the best season to visit Roatán for diving?
Roatán's dive conditions are good year-round, but the drier months from March through September typically offer the best underwater visibility. December through February can bring occasional weather interruptions from cold fronts.