Roatan: 3-Stop Snorkeling, Shipwreck & Starfish Tour

Summary

Snorkel Roatan’s reefs starfish fields & shipwrecks with locals

You’ll glide through Roatan’s clear waters alongside starfish fields, weave through Blue Channel’s coral maze with local guides, and explore a real Caribbean shipwreck—all gear included. Expect laughter on the boat ride, fresh fruit after snorkeling, and those small moments when you realize you’ve left your everyday world far behind.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped off the bus in Big Bight and honestly, I was still a little damp from the sea air blowing through the windows—Roatan feels like it gets under your skin right away. Our driver, Carlos, joked about how you can always tell first-timers by how wide their eyes get when they spot that blue water for the first time. He was right. We met our snorkeling crew there—three guys who looked like they’d grown up on these boats. They handed out masks and fins (mine smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen), helped us wriggle into vests, and then we all piled onto this small boat that felt just rickety enough to be fun.

The first stop was this shallow patch where starfish dot the sand like someone scattered gold coins underwater. Our guide pointed out which ones were safe to touch (gently, he kept saying) and which weren’t—he even had names for a few regulars. The water was so clear you could see your own shadow on the bottom. I floated there for what felt like ages, just watching the light ripple over everything. Someone from our group tried to pronounce “estrella de mar” and Li laughed so hard she nearly lost her snorkel.

Blue Channel was next—a proper maze of coral and fish darting everywhere. There’s this moment when you’re swimming above the reef and suddenly a school of tiny electric-blue fish splits around you; I don’t know why but it made me grin underwater (which is harder than it sounds). The current tugged at my fins but never too strong—just enough to remind me I wasn’t at home anymore. Then came the shipwreck: half-swallowed by coral now, with bits of old metal poking up like bones. The silence down there is different—thicker somehow—and I caught myself holding my breath for no reason at all.

Back on shore we rinsed off in cold showers that felt better than any spa, grabbed fruit and cold drinks at a little place by the dock (the pineapple juice tasted like actual sunshine). People lingered around swapping stories about what they saw—someone swore they spotted an octopus but nobody else backed him up. We piled back into the bus still dripping saltwater and laughing about who got sunburned worst. I still think about floating over those reefs sometimes—you know how some places just stick with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Roatan snorkeling and island tour

• Meet local guides at designated point
• Enjoy 30-40 minute island sightseeing drive
• Arrive at Big Bight community
• Receive snorkeling gear from expert guides
• Boat trip to starfish snorkeling area
• Snorkel and view starfish and island mountains
• Snorkel at blue channel coral reef
• Snorkel at sunken shipwreck near resort
• Enjoy drinks and use restaurant facilities

Top questions

How long is the Roatan 3-stop snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about three hours including transfers from cruise ports or hotels.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkel gear including mask, fins, vest, and snorkel are included in the tour.

Where does the snorkeling take place in Roatan?

You’ll visit a starfish area, Blue Channel reef system, and a sunken shipwreck near Big Bight community.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

Yes, pickup from hotels or cruise ports is included as part of your booking.

Are drinks or food included after snorkeling?

You’ll get water, juice, fruit, and access to local beers at a restaurant after your swim.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes—children must be accompanied by an adult but it’s suitable for most fitness levels.

Can infants join? Are strollers allowed?

Infants can join; strollers are allowed on this tour according to info provided.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port in Roatan, round-trip transfer by island bus to Big Bight community where you meet your guides, use of snorkel equipment (mask, fins, vest), boat trip to three unique snorkeling spots—the starfish area, Blue Channel reef system, and shipwreck site—as well as fresh fruit snacks with water or juice afterward before heading back.