Another way to get around on Roatan, at least between West End and West Bay, is via Water Taxi. These are basically small boats with outboard engines that will shuttle passengers between docks in the West End and West Bay. Ability to use Water Taxis as a means of transport are going to be limited by both time of day and weather conditions.
Water Taxis are generally only available for daytime transport starting around 8AM ending around 6PM. Some of the operators offer later service until around 9PM but think that is when daylight hours are longer. It is very dark at night on Roatan, and even more so on the ocean, so night-time Water Taxis would not in my opinion be terribly safe anyway. Otherwise plan to take a regular taxi.
Water Taxis also are limited by the weather conditions. They generally travel close to the shore inside the reefs which helps make for a smoother ride. However, when the seas are rough, they are not going to be good options. Even if the captains will go out, that does not mean you want to go along for the ride. Use your own judgement in deciding if you want to be out on the water in the current conditions. Heavy waves can affect both the ride and getting on/off the boats.
If you are remotely challenged in either balance or your ability to get down into a boat or out of a boat from a relatively high boat dock you may want to reconsider taking a water taxi as transport even in smooth weather conditions.
More than one tourist has taken “the plunge” getting on/off the boats in rough conditions – often with their expensive cell phone in the pocket. This is a good point to be reminded that water-proof pouches are an essential piece of travel equipment when taking to the water. Even if a cell phone is considered water-proof, they generally don’t do well with salt water or impacts to water from a few feet above the water.
Where / How to Find a Water Taxi
Water Taxis run between West End and West Bay.
From West End – the main dock to get a water taxi is near Splash Inn more or less in the middle of West End. There is another dock near Sueno del Mar that is less crowded depending on the tourist levels. It also looked to be a bit easier to get in and out of. We also had several water taxi offers direct from the beach in Half Moon Bay near SunDowners.
From West Bay – there are a few docks. The one in front of Infinity Bay will drop you off near some of the best short snorkeling on the island. There is also a popular dock on the other far end of the beach.
If there is not a Water Taxi at the dock you are at, the best thing to do is to wave at any passing boat. If it is a Water Taxi it will usually stop…
Water Taxi Fares
Fares per person run L60 or ~$3. However, most of the boats have a minimum fare of around $12 for runs between West End and West Bay. This means you may end up having to wait for more people wanting a ride to show up or you may end up paying more for the ride.