Roatan Glass Bottom Boat: Monkeys, Sloths & Coral Reefs

Discover tropical birds, sample fresh chocolate, and spot marine life without getting wet

A glass bottom boat tour in Roatan combines a wildlife encounter with monkeys, sloths and tropical birds, followed by a chocolate factory visit, then a 35-minute semi-submersible cruise along the barrier reef. The boat floats on the surface with viewing windows 6 feet below water level, so you see colorful fish and coral without getting wet. Round-trip transportation from your cruise terminal is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife encounter and glass bottom boat

• Meet staff at Roatan cruise terminal
• Travel to West End pier
• Visit monkey and sloth hangout
• See tropical birds and spider monkeys
• Board semi-sub glass bottom boat
• View marine life and coral reefs
• Return to pier and cruise terminal

The experience

The semi-submersible vessel holds up to 28 passengers and never submerges. It stays on the surface while you view through large windows positioned just 6 feet below the waterline. This setup works for anyone, whether you snorkel regularly or prefer to stay dry. After pickup from Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay cruise terminal, a short drive takes you to the West End pier. Once aboard, you descend eight stairs into the interior cabin where seats line the middle and windows run along both sides. The crew motors out toward the barrier reef (part of the second largest reef system in the world), and you watch tropical fish, coral formations and sponges drift past as the scenery changes at each window. The boat stays on the water for roughly 35 minutes.

Before the boat cruise, you spend time at a wildlife hangout where sloths, Capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys and parrots live. This is where the tour's animal encounters happen. You see and interact with these creatures in their space. Afterward, a visit to a chocolate factory includes a sample, adding a different kind of experience to the day. A guide speaks English or Spanish throughout, and each guest receives a complimentary bottle of water.

The tour is built around cruise ship schedules: the operator guarantees you'll be back at your terminal in time to reboard. Transportation is included in both directions, so there's no separate logistics to arrange. Large groups of 10 or more receive a discount.

What’s included

• Wildlife encounter with monkeys and sloths.
• beach break.
• round-trip transportation from your cruise port.
• one complimentary bottle of water per guest.
• glass bottom boat semi-submersible cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 88 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Roatan Henry Tour

Is this one for you?Families and groups traveling together will find this tour works for all ages and fitness levels, since the glass bottom boat keeps everyone dry and seated while the wildlife encounter and chocolate factory add variety without physical demands. The fixed schedule timed to cruise ship departures means you don't need to worry about getting back on time.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I actually see on this tour?

Sloths, Capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys and parrots are the main animals at the wildlife hangout. You'll also see tropical birds and, during the glass bottom boat portion, colorful reef fish, coral and sponges as the vessel cruises along the barrier reef.

How does the glass bottom boat work if it doesn't go underwater?

The semi-submersible vessel floats on the surface of the water. Large windows are positioned along the sides of the interior cabin, positioned 6 feet below the waterline, so you view marine life and coral from a dry, comfortable seat inside without needing to snorkel or dive.

Will I have time to get back to my cruise ship?

Yes. The operator guarantees return to your cruise terminal in time for reboarding. At booking, you'll provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and reboarding time so the schedule is coordinated with your vessel.

What's included in the price?

Round-trip transportation from your cruise port, the glass bottom boat cruise, the wildlife encounter, the chocolate factory visit and a complimentary bottle of water per guest are all included. Food, drinks and gratuities are separate.