Punta Sal Day Trip from San Pedro Sula: Boat, Hike & Garifuna Lunch

Summary

Boat ride to Punta Sal hike wildlife and Garifuna beach lunch

You’ll leave San Pedro Sula early for a day trip to Punta Sal with boat rides from Tela, hiking rainforest trails with a local guide, spotting monkeys and birds, snorkeling coral reefs, and sharing Garifuna-style lunch on Cocalito Beach. Expect salt air in your hair and laughter over fresh fish as you relax into this wild corner of Honduras.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the city noise faded as we left San Pedro Sula before sunrise — I’d barely finished my coffee. The drive to Tela was quiet, except for our guide, Carlos, who kept pointing out little details about the villages we passed. He said something about the morning light making the palms look “like they’re waking up too.” That stuck with me. Once we reached the coast, that salty breeze hit me right away — it’s stronger than I expected. The boat to Punta Sal (locals call it that instead of Jeannette Kawas) bounced over the water for what felt like forever and just when I started wondering if my hat would survive, we saw jungle spilling down to these white beaches.

Carlos led us into the trees almost immediately — he knew every birdcall and stopped us for howler monkeys (louder than you’d think) and these tiny white-faced monkeys that watched us like we were the show. At one point he crouched down and showed us a hermit crab shuffling through leaf litter. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the wind in the mangroves; I didn’t expect to feel so small in a good way. The air smelled earthy and sweet at once — maybe some kind of flower? Not sure but it lingers in your clothes.

Snorkeling came next. The water was clear enough that you could see fish flickering below even before getting your mask on — I’m not great at swimming but Carlos stayed close by and kept making jokes about “city people” floating like logs. Lunch at Cocalito Beach was fresh fish (still steaming), fried plantains, rice and beans — all cooked Garifuna style by a woman named Marisol who laughed when I tried her coconut sauce (spicy!). We ate with our feet in the sand while local kids played soccer nearby. Afterward I just lay back listening to waves and thinking how far away work felt right then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeannette Kawas National Park tour

• Pick up passengers in San Pedro Sula
• Travel to the city of Tela
• Take 45-minute boat ride to Punta Sal
• Guided walk along park trails
• Observe monkeys, toucans, and wildlife
• Snorkel to explore underwater wonders
• Enjoy Garifuna style lunch at Cocalito Beach
• Relax on white sandy beach and swim

Top questions

How long does it take to get from San Pedro Sula to Punta Sal?

The drive from San Pedro Sula to Tela takes about 1-2 hours depending on traffic, followed by a 45-minute boat ride to Punta Sal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Punta Sal day trip?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included in the tour package.

What animals can I see in Jeannette Kawas (Punta Sal)?

You might spot howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, toucans, butterflies, hermit crabs, spiders and various seabirds along the trails.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included at Cocalito Beach featuring Garifuna-style dishes like fresh fish with sides.

Are there activities suitable for all fitness levels?

The guided walk is suitable for most fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Do I need to arrange transportation from my hotel?

No need — private transportation with pickup is included from San Pedro Sula.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup in San Pedro Sula with air-conditioned transport to Tela, a boat ride out to Punta Sal (Jeannette Kawas), guided hiking through rainforest trails with a certified local guide, snorkeling gear for exploring coral reefs, park entrance fees covered throughout, plus a traditional Garifuna-style lunch served right on Cocalito Beach before heading back in comfort.