Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay between marine science and island history

The Institute of Marine Sciences and the Roatan Museum connect Sandy Bay with two distinct topics: marine science, and the culture and history of the Bay Islands. These themes can help you organize your interests when planning your trip. In addition to the attractions in Sandy Bay, the broader destination of Roatán offers other nature and culture experiences.

Dolphin activities and hyperbaric chamber

At the Institute of Marine Sciences in Sandy Bay, visitors can swim or dive with dolphins. Before your trip, check whether these activities are available during your visit. The only hyperbaric chamber on the island is also located at the Institute of Marine Sciences on the grounds of Anthony’s Key Resort in Sandy Bay. If the chamber is important to your plans, check in advance to confirm current services.

The Roatan Museum

Cheryl Galindo founded the Roatan Museum in Sandy Bay in 1992. The museum presents the culture and history of the Bay Islands through artifacts, murals, maps, and documents. This collection includes objects as well as visual, spatial, and written materials, offering different ways to explore the island’s history. If you are planning a visit, check visitor arrangements in advance.

Roatán as a broader travel destination

Roatán offers beaches and lush coastal vegetation. Visitors can reach Roatán by scheduled flights, cruise ships, domestic flights from the mainland, and a ferry from La Ceiba. Check the relevant connections, operators, and schedules before your trip to ensure your plans suit your chosen mode of travel.

Roatán’s nature experiences vary: Carambola Botanical Garden is home to orchids, medicinal plants, exotic spice plants, fruit and nut trees, and a Chocolate Tree; activities include hiking, ecotours, birdwatching, and nature studies. Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to protecting coral and marine life. Gumbalimba Park offers walks through tropical gardens, encounters with free-roaming wildlife, and the chance to explore a cave with a pirate history.

On Roatán, the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences welcomes colleges, universities, and high schools from abroad year-round for structured programs on tropical marine ecosystems, coral reefs, oceanography, biology, and bottlenose dolphins. This educational offering is intended for the educational institutions listed.

Punta Gorda is part of Roatán’s cultural history. The town is considered the Garifuna’s point of arrival in Central America: the ship that brought them there after the English took them from San Vicente following their rebellion arrived there. In Punta Gorda, the predominantly Garifuna population has a long tradition of artisanal fishing. The Punta Gorda Carnival is celebrated in April and is associated with Garifuna traditions as well as Punta music and dance. If you would like to include the event in your trip, check the specific date.

Discover more destinations: Oakridge, West Bay, Dixon Cove, West End, French Harbor, Coxen Hole, Guanaja, Crawfish Rock

For the broader travel overview: Islas De La Bahía.