Roatan: Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary, Chocolate & Rum Tasting Tour

Summary

Meet sloths taste fresh chocolate and sip rum with island views

You’ll ride through Roatan with a local guide, stopping for panoramic city views before meeting monkeys and sloths in an island sanctuary. Sample handmade chocolate and taste small-batch rums (don’t miss the banana rum cake) while learning how they’re crafted right here. Expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe a quiet moment overlooking the sea.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Roatan to smell so green — like sweet leaves after rain, even though it was dry when we landed. Our driver, José, waved from the curb with a grin that made me feel like I’d already met him before. He pointed out Coxen Hole as we climbed the hill; honestly, I almost missed the city for the view behind us — ships bobbing in blue water, roofs scattered like confetti. We stopped at this bright Roatan sign where everyone took photos (I tried to look casual but probably failed), then José handed out cold water from a cooler in the van. Small thing, but I appreciated it.

The animal sanctuary was louder than I thought — parrots squawking somewhere above us, and those white-faced monkeys darting around like they owned the place (maybe they do). The sloths were slower than slow; one blinked at me so lazily I laughed out loud. Our guide explained their favorite trees and how they only come down once a week to poop — which is apparently a big deal here. A little girl next to me gasped when a monkey tried to untie her shoelaces. There’s something about being up close with these creatures that makes you forget about your phone for a while.

Chocolate came next — rich-smelling air inside the factory, almost sticky-sweet. We tasted dark pieces that melted fast on my tongue (I liked the coffee one best), and then someone handed me banana rum cake. I don’t even like banana much but… yeah, this was different. The mango-flavored rum was lighter than I expected; Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” in Spanish — probably butchered it, but she just smiled wider. The shop had all these tiny bottles lined up by color, sunlight catching on glass.

I still think about that moment on the hilltop outside the rum place — breeze in my hair, ocean stretching forever, everyone just quiet for a second watching clouds move over Roatan. It wasn’t perfect or planned; sometimes travel just sneaks up on you like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Roatan island tour with wildlife and tastings

• Pickup from port or Airbnb
• Sightseeing and city culture tour
• Stop at highest point for photos
• Visit animal sanctuary and eco park
• Souvenir shopping in West End village
• Sample artisanal chocolate at factory
• Taste rum and rum cake at distillery
• Drop off at port or Airbnb

Top questions

Is hotel or port pickup included for this Roatan tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel, Airbnb or cruise port are included.

Can you hold or interact with sloths on this tour?

You can get close to sloths at the animal sanctuary; interaction depends on their mood and staff guidance.

Are chocolate samples provided during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get to sample several types of locally made chocolate at the factory stop.

Is rum tasting part of this Roatan experience?

Yes, you can taste different rums—including mango flavor—and try rum cakes at the distillery.

How long does it take to get from Coxen Hole to West End?

The drive is short; sightseeing stops are included along the way.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, families with kids—even infants—can join; strollers are welcome.

Are there any accessibility options?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.

What days is Roatán Rum Company closed?

The Roatán Rum Company is closed on Sundays.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport with pickup from your hotel or cruise port, entry fees for all stops including the animal sanctuary and tasting rooms, an English/Spanish-speaking guide throughout, plus complimentary samples of local chocolate and rum before returning you comfortably back where you started.