16/07/2026
If you are planning a trip to Roatan and want to get away from the massive crowds at West Bay or the cruise ports, you need to put Pigeon Cay on your list.
It’s a tiny, pristine white sandbar on the East End surrounded by some of the most vibrant turquoise water you will ever see. The absolute highlight? Wade out into the knee-deep water, and the local, incredibly friendly nurse sharks will swim right up to you. It feels like stepping into a travel documentary.
A few quick tips if you're trying to go:
It’s a full-day trip: Pigeon Cay is remote. If you are visiting on a cruise ship, do not try this. Cruise ships only dock for about 6 hours on average, and this excursion takes at least 7 hours. You will miss your ship! Save this purely if you are staying overnight on the island.
Go private: Avoid the packed tour boats. We went out with Dos Reyes Roatan Charter (dosreyesroatan.com), and I cannot recommend them enough.
The boat matters: The boat ride to the East End can get choppy, but their boat is a custom 34-foot center console powered by twin commercial 250 HP Yamahas. It is fast, super smooth, and—most importantly—completely fume-free (no diesel exhaust in your face the whole ride).
If you're staying on the island and want a true bucket-list day without the tourist crowds, check out dosreyesroatan.com and book a private run out there. It’s easily the best thing you can do on the island.
