Best Jade Beach Snorkeling

On the northwest side of Barbareta Island in the Bay Islands, the Jade Beach snorkeling is known for its sand flats providing habitat to goatfish, filefish, wrasses and hogfish. The Jade Beach snorkeling dive site is located near Garbin Bay, and is accessed by either shore or boat. The waters are 20 feet to 80 feet deep.

The private Barbareta Island is a nature reserve surrounded by a marine park known as Barbareta Marine National Park. Within the protected marine park, the protection of the reef is strictly enforced and the endangered species including sea turtles, conch, grouper, and Spiny Lobster are also protected. On this 3.5 mile long island, there are lush tropical forests, exotic fauna and one small Mayan archeological site. There is also one resort called the Barbareta Beach Club located next to West End Beach. While there is a small airport near Pelican Point on the south point, most tourists arrive by boat to explore the offshore reefs including around the secluded Pigeon Cay.

To reach the snorkeling in the Bay Islands by air, fly into Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in San Pedro Sula. Then, you will need to transfer to an inter-island flight to the Bay Islands. Alternately, if you are coming from the US, you may be able to find a direct flight to Roatan into Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB) from Miami or Houston. To reach Barbareta Island snorkeling, there are dive boats from Roatan or inter-island flights from Roatan.

Overall, Jade Beach is the 3rd most popular snorkel dive spot of all 4 snorkeling dives in Barbareta Island.