The Caribbean is just a 3 min walk from the hostel, with great snorkelling from shore

Snorkel and Scuba Dive in Roatan

Roatan is known for it's incredible coral reefs, part of the Meso-American barrier reef.  Snorkeling can easily be done from shore- if you don't have your own snorkel gear, you can rent a set at the hostel for $5/day, or purchase a set if you'll be here for awhile.  From Roatan Backpacker's Hostel, it's about a 3 minute walk to get down to the water, and then about 200 meters to swim out to the reef.

Snorkeling's great, but scuba diving is even more amazing!  If you're not yet certified, you can do a PADI Discover Scuba (takes 1/2 day, gives you a chance to try diving without committing to a full course), or the PADI Scuba Diver certification (2 days), or the full Open Water certification (3 1/2 to 4 days).  

If you're thinking about pursuing a career in diving and would like to work on your divemaster course or do your instructor course, Roatan's a great place to do it!  There are several PADI  IDC Centers on the island, including the Anthony's Key, which has a great pro training program and is just a 5 min walk away.  The hostel has monthly rates available as well, so you can put your money towards other expenses.  
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There are several great dive shops on Roatan that offer quality instruction and small classes, and several give us special rates.   Octopus Dive School is located a short ride away, between here and West End, in a lush jungle setting.  It's a little outside of walking distance, but they'll come and pick you up in the morning.   We also have a few dive shops within walking distance (approx 15 min by foot), including Sandy Bay Divers (who also offer special pricing to hostel guests), and Le Grand Bleu.   

If you're already a certified diver, then you can head out for fun dives, or continue your education through a course like the Advanced Open Water course, or a specialty.   Head out on a night dive, try a deep dive, go on a wreck dive- lots of great choices!