Roatan Island: Private Tour, Monkey Park & Butterfly Garden

Summary

Roatan’s wild side with monkeys, butterflies & local stories

You’ll meet playful monkeys at Gumbalimba Park, wander through Roatán’s butterfly garden with a local guide, and hand-feed iguanas at Mr. Sherman’s sanctuary. Expect laughter, tropical scents, and glimpses of island life you won’t find on your own—plus pickup from your hotel or cruise port so you can just relax into it all.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell like mangoes when we first stepped out in Roatán. Our guide, Carlos, was already waving from his van — he called us “amigos” right away. The ride from the cruise port felt quick; maybe because Carlos kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: kids chasing chickens by the roadside, someone selling pastelitos under a blue tarp. I was still trying to remember everyone’s names when we pulled up at Gumbalimba Park and heard parrots squawking somewhere overhead.

The monkeys here are cheeky — one tried to unzip my backpack while another went for my husband’s sunglasses (Carlos just laughed and said they’re “little thieves”). I’d read about the park online but being surrounded by all that green, with the ocean peeking through the trees, is different than any photo. There’s this moment where you can just stand there and listen: water lapping against rocks, leaves rustling, someone playing reggaeton faintly in the distance. It was humid but not in a bad way — more like being wrapped up in a warm towel after swimming.

Later at the Roatán Butterfly Garden, we followed Maria as she showed us how to spot tiny eggs under leaves. She let us feed a toucan (its beak was softer than I thought) and told us about Mr. Sherman’s iguana sanctuary over in French Harbor. We ended up there too — holding out lettuce for these lazy green iguanas who barely bothered to move unless food was involved. The place smells like sun-warmed grass and salt air. I still think about that view from West Bay Beach — white sand underfoot, water so clear you could see your toes even knee-deep — and honestly, it felt like time slowed down for an hour or two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Roatan's nature and beaches

• Visit Gumbalimba Park in West Bay
• See flora and fauna of the island
• Relax on the best white sand beach
• Taste local dishes and drinks
• Join locals in fun fiestas
• Tour Roatan Butterfly Garden
• Feed toucans and see boa constrictors
• Visit Iguana Park animal sanctuary

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Roatan tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your cruise ship port, airport, or hotel.

How long does it take to get from the port to Gumbalimba Park?

It takes about 25-30 minutes by car from Mahogany Bay cruise port to Gumbalimba Park.

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

No, entrance fees to activities like Gumbalimba Park or Butterfly Gardens are not included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible if requested at booking.

Can infants join this private Roatan tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join and ride in a pram or stroller; children under 5 are free with paying adult.

What animals will I see on this day trip?

You’ll see monkeys, parrots, butterflies, iguanas, turtles, fish—and possibly tame deer at the butterfly garden.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No set lunch is included but you can buy local dishes during stops; your guide will recommend places.

How many people are needed to book this private tour?

A minimum of 3 people per booking is required; maximum is 45 people.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise ship port in an air-conditioned vehicle (fuel and parking covered), bottled water throughout the trip, plus a bilingual local guide sharing stories about Roatán’s history and wildlife as you explore parks and beaches together.