Overwater Bungalows in Roatan, Honduras: Mango Creek Lodge & More
Last Updated on October 23, 2024
Travelers dreaming of overwater bungalows might not realize that the Caribbean offers several affordable options. The Bay Islands of Honduras are home to three Roatan overwater bungalows perfect for active adventures and laid-back escapes.
If you long to be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves, but the thought of a $1000+/night hotel bill gives you night terrors, I’ve got some good news. Not all overwater bungalows come with a luxury price tag! And even better, these unique stays are just a few hours from the U.S.
Introducing affordable Caribbean overwater bungalows in Roatan. This island just off the northern coast of Honduras is popular for scuba diving, snorkeling, and cruise ship day trips. Its three rustic overwater resort options make a great home base for active adventures at a price that won’t disturb your vacation sleep.
Ready for a Caribbean escape? I’ve got all the tips you need to plan your overwater bungalow getaway in Roatan.
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In this Guide to Overwater Bungalows Roatan
How to Get to Roatan | Mango Creek Lodge | CoCo View Resort | Anthony’s Key Resort
Roatan & Honduras Travel Basics
Where is Roatan: The Bay Islands of Honduras – Roatan, Guanaja, and Utila in order from largest to smallest – are 30 miles offshore from the northern coast of Honduras.
Language: English is commonly spoken on Roatan and you won’t have any trouble visiting with limited or no Spanish skills. In Honduras the official language is Spanish.
Currency & Money: The currency of Honduras is the lempira, abbreviated HNL or L. The exchange rate is around 25HNL to 1USD. Most merchants on Roatan will accept U.S. dollars as payment for a slightly lower exchange rate and return change in lempira. Plan to pay cash for most purchases, although hotels, dive shops, and higher-end restaurants generally accept credit cards.
Visas: Passport holders of 84 countries are eligible for visa-free travel to Honduras for tourism stays up to 90 days. This includes the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Travelers need a passport with at least six months validity, one empty passport page, and evidence of onward travel.
Safety in Roatan: The Bay Islands don’t experience the same crime rates as mainland Honduras. Most travelers won’t run into any issues as long as they observe commonsense safety practices. Check out Honduras travel info from the U.S. State Department and consider enrolling in their STEP program to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in the event of an emergency.
How to Get to Roatan
Roatan is located in the Bay Islands, about 30 miles from the northern coast of mainland Honduras. Roatan International Airport (RTB) has daily direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, as well as other cities in Honduras and the region.
Search flights to Roatan (RTB)
Daily ferry services from the mainland are also available. Grab info on the ferry between La Ceiba and Roatan.
Most resorts will arrange a transfer from the airport or ferry dock to the hotel. Or you can hire a taxi at the airport; there is a taxi stand just outside the door. (I paid $20 in USD for a taxi to the ferry port, just as a point of reference; we went to Utila first and then back to Roatan.)
Mango Creek Lodge | All-Inclusive Roatan Eco Overwater Bungalows
Mango Creek Lodge is a special place. This all-inclusive resort features six overwater bungalows in a secluded location on Roatan’s East End. So secluded, in fact, that the only way to get here is via boat!
Mango Creek is a favorite of travelers who love to snorkel, kayak, and fly fish in the nearby mangroves. The lodge’s eco packages include the daily usage of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and small sailboats. The staff can also take you for a snorkeling outing in the morning or afternoon, or arrange a day trip to nearby Pigeon Cay.
Bungalows at Mango Creek each feature a queen and a single bed, private bath, and a private deck with a chaise, adirondack chair and hammock for lounging. There is a ladder for swimming directly from your room. The bungalows are fully screened but don’t have AC; instead rooms are equipped with ceiling fans and louvered windows to make the most of ocean breezes.
Mango Creek is all-inclusive: expect 3 delicious home-cooked meals a day, snacks & fresh fruit, and beverages, including alcohol. Meals are served in the overwater restaurant and bar. Be sure to look for the resort’s resident octopus just before sunset in the lagoon next to the restaurant!
The inside scoop: I stayed in the Yellow Cabana for my visit. The lush gardens, adorable flock of roving guinea hens, and peaceful setting – as well as the genuinely friendly and attentive team there – made it one of my favorite hotel stays. The resort has a small sandy beach, but I preferred lounging on my cabana’s private deck, relaxing in the hammock, and watching the nighttime stars from the deck over the boathouse. We did a snorkeling outing which was fabulous: starting at the wreck of a small boat, then continued to the East End’s pristine reef.
- Eco features: Mango Creek Lodge generates 85% of its power needs by solar, wind, and a backup propane generator.
- Bring: insect repellent and sunscreen. I recommend both one with Deet and Avon Skin-So-Soft: the mosquitos here are the tiny “no see um” variety found in Florida.
Stay at Mango Creek Lodge for:
- A perfect family vacation, romantic escape, or group getaway in a low-key, eco setting
- Six overwater cabanas and three lodge rooms: the resort can host groups up to 26 guests
- Private rooms each with an ensuite bath and hot-water shower
- Private deck for relaxing and to make the most of expansive water views
- All-inclusive packages: three home-cooked meals a day, snacks and beverages, including alcohol
- Use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and small sailboats
- Airport greeter and car transportation to the dock in Oak Ridge, then continue via boat to Mango Creek
🌴 Book Mango Creek Lodge: Booking.com 🌴
Pro tip: Check the Booking.com mobile site for mobile-only deals!
Want more Bay Islands adventures? Don’t miss my guide to Utila!
CoCo View Resort | Overwater Dive Resort in Roatan
Coco View is a top-rated dive resort in Roatan with rooms located over the water and just at the water’s edge. The four over-the-water bungalow rooms at CoCo View are their most private and romantic rooms, connected to the rest of the resort and Hawksbill Cay via wooden walkways.
An additional 12 overwater cabana rooms are the most spacious rooms in the resort. All overwater rooms are air-conditioned, with private baths, a mini-fridge, and WiFi. Porches with hammocks are perfect for relaxing after a busy day of activities.
Resort amenities include 3 delicious daily buffet meals, a clubhouse, evening entertainment, Alcohol isn’t included, but happy hour appetizer snacks are! An onsite photography shop rents equipment and offers photo tips, while in-room spa treatments offer pampering and extra relaxation.
But by far, the reason to stay at Coco View is their 5-star PADI dive center and affordable dive packages. These weeklong packages include unlimited beach diving (day and night) plus 2 boat dive trips daily. Each trip includes 1 tank at the selected site and an optional drop-off dive on return to the resort, for up to 4 tanks daily from the boat.
Snorkelers are also welcome at CoCo VIew. Snorkel directly from the shore, or join the daily dive boat trips.
Stay at CoCo View Resort for:
- Excellent dive packages, including unlimited diving from the shore day and night plus 2 boat trips daily
- Four overwater bungalow rooms and 12 overwater cabana rooms, with a total of 29 rooms
- Rooms based on double occupancy, but reasonable single supplement rates
- Friendly, knowledgeable dive staff and great reviews for service overall
- Kayaks, WiFi throughout the resort, on-site boutique and camera shop
- Fall and winter discounted rates
🌴 Read reviews and book CoCo View Resort 🌴
Packing Must-Have: Cell Phone Lanyard
Be sure to pack a cell phone lanyard for your overwater bungalow vacation. Don’t risk accidentally dropping your phone in the water or losing hold of it when you fall asleep in a hammock! (Eek!)
Anthony’s Key Resort | Roatan Overwater Bungalows & Dive Resort
Anthony’s Key is a resort located on a private island just off the coast of Roatan. Their overwater bungalows (the “Key Deluxe” rooms) feature Honduran hardwoods, large windows to take in the gorgeous views, and air conditioning. Rooms include 1 king and 1 full bed, a mini-fridge, and a private bath with hot shower.
Adjoining balconies are equipped with hammocks for lounging and outdoor table with seating. Resort activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and an outdoor freshwater swimming pool. The onsite spa offers massages, spa treatments, facials and manicures.
But by far, the most popular activities at Anthony’s Key are diving and snorkeling. Weeklong dive packages include 3 single tank boat dives per day (6 days) and two night dives, 3 daily meals, airport transfers, kayaking and SUP, and more. Snorkel packages and resort packages are also available.
Access to the key is by private island taxi boat upon request. Roundtrip airport transfers are included, and COVID tests are available onsite for return travel to the U.S. The resort doesn’t have a sandy beach, but day trips are available, or take a day trip to nearby Bailey’s Key for a beach day.
Stay at Anthony’s Key Resort for:
- A relaxing setting after days filled with scuba diving and other activities
- All-inclusive snorkel, dive, and stay packages (excludes alcohol)
- 10 overwater “Key Deluxe” bungalow rooms that sleep up to 5 guests; 61 rooms total to accommodate groups (although not all offer AC)
- Full-service oceanfront dive shop
- Tranquil pool and bar
- WiFi throughout the resort
- Kids’ summer camp programming
🌴 Book Anthony’s Key Resort: Booking.com 🌴
Weather & Best Time to Visit Rotan, Honduras
Roatan is a year-round vacation destination. Daytime temperatures vary by only a few degrees through the year, ranging in the mid 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round (about 27-30 degrees Celsius).
The rainy season in Roatan begins in late September and continues through early January. Rain won’t deter dive boats, however, unless the conditions are also very windy. Hurricanes are rare in the Bay Islands.
The Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as Easter and Semana Santa (Holy Week), are peak times for tourists.
Ready to Escape to Roatan?
Pin these Honduras overwater bungalow tips for later for when you’re ready to book!
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