A friend of mine and I are looking to spend 3 days on either of the two islands. From what I've read it looks like Utila offers cheaper water activities but Roatan has better beaches.

We're looking to spend time snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. I don't want to be competing with cruise ship traffic.

Anyone have a recommendation?

Thanks

crisc wrote:A friend of mine and I are looking to spend 3 days on either of the two islands. From what I've read it looks like Utila offers cheaper water activities but Roatan has better beaches.

We're looking to spend time snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. I don't want to be competing with cruise ship traffic.

Anyone have a recommendation?

Thanks

Roatan has a better range of activities and accommodations, as well as beaches worth mentioning. Utila is great if you're looking for cheap diving and hard partying with backpackers. You'll dive and snorkel on the same reef from either island, and Utila's dive shops are only marginally cheaper than Roatan's. I recommend Utila for budget travelers in their 20s who are focused on diving, Roatan for everyone else. Utila's beaches are desultory and infested with sand flies. Roatan has some gorgeous strands. It's also big enough that you don't have to compete with the occasional cruise ship that calls for a few hours.

Thanks Felix, your response helps a lot as we're looking for a nice beach resort/hotel and the fact that we're both a bit older than 20 something

Have you ever snorkeled with the whale sharks?

crisc wrote:Thanks Felix, your response helps a lot as we're looking for a nice beach resort/hotel and the fact that we're both a bit older than 20 something

Have you ever snorkeled with the whale sharks?

Can't help you with resorts on Roatan - I'm typically happy with a hammock and something to block the rain, when on the beach. West End is generally where you want to be on Roatan though. You can rent apartments there for fairly cheap, and stock up on goods at the grocery in Coxen Hole.

I have been diving with whale sharks around the Bay Islands - they are spectacular.