Here is what I can tell you.
Roatan is one of those rare places where you can actually SWIM OUT to the barrier reef from the beach, so no need for an expensive tour. Just take your own equipment, and you are home free.

There is a place called Half Moon Beach (or Half Moon Bay???) that has a beach, a restaurant, snorkel equipment rental, and some good snorkeling. I am told that you need to swim out 50-100 yards to see a spectacular 'drop off.' the time I was there, we only had a few minutes there, so I stayed closer in for fear of getting left, but I wish I could have had more time there, and hope to one day.

Zydecocruiser has snorkeled several times at Roatan, and hopefully, will happen by shortly to share more with you.

By the way, the water is spectacular there!!!!

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