Roatan: Monkeys, Sloths & West Bay Beach Day Tour

Summary

Roatan wildlife meet chocolate rum tasting and beach time

You’ll meet rescued sloths and cheeky monkeys up close in Roatan’s lush hills before sampling fresh chocolate and island-made rum cakes with locals guiding you along the way. End your day floating in West Bay’s clear waters or just soaking up sun — it’s an easy mix of wildlife encounters, sweet treats and relaxed beach time that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the hill before I realized how green Roatan really is — like, every shade you can think of, all layered under this heavy, sweet air. Our guide, Luis, kept pointing out little things I’d never have noticed: tiny orchids clinging to branches, or the way the breeze shifts right before it rains. When we reached the top, the view just kind of hits you sideways — ocean everywhere, shops with bright hammocks swaying out front. I tried bargaining for a carved sloth (not my best work), but the woman selling them just laughed and showed me how to say “buenos días” properly. Still got it wrong.

The animal sanctuary was next — honestly, I thought I’d be nervous holding a sloth but they’re so impossibly gentle it’s almost funny. Their fur smells like warm hay after rain. The monkeys were louder than expected (one tried to steal my sunglasses), and there were macaws too — red and blue flashes overhead whenever someone rustled a snack bag. Luis told us about the rescue work they do here; you could tell he cared. That stuck with me more than I thought it would.

After that we rolled into this tiny chocolate place where everything smelled like roasted cocoa beans and sugar melting on hot metal. Learned how they grind cacao by hand — my arms still ache thinking about it — and sampled pieces that snapped when you bit them. Then came rum cake tasting at a spot overlooking the water; banana was my favorite but honestly after three samples it all blurred together in a sugary haze. We took photos by that big Roatan sign (the colors are even brighter in person) before finally heading down to West Bay Beach.

I’m not much of a swimmer but even I couldn’t resist that water — clear as glass, warm enough you forget time for a while. Some people snorkeled; I just floated and listened to kids shouting in Spanish somewhere down the sand. The sun felt different here, softer maybe? Anyway, if you’re looking for a day trip from port that’s got animals, chocolate, rum cake and beach time all packed in… well, this one surprised me in ways I didn’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife, rum tasting, and beach visit

• Visit sloths, monkeys, and macaws
• Taste varieties of island rum
• Relax and swim at West Bay Beach
• Take photo at Roatan color sign

Top questions

How long does this Roatan monkeys and sloth tour last?

The total duration includes travel to each stop plus beach time; exact hours depend on ship docking but plan for most of your day.

Is transportation included from the cruise port?

Yes, pickup from the cruise port is included in your tour.

Are there options for people with wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers or prams.

What animals will we see during this Roatan tour?

You’ll see sloths, monkeys, macaws and other local animals at the sanctuary stop.

Does this day trip include food or drinks?

You’ll enjoy tastings at both the chocolate factory and rum cake shop; lunch is not specifically included but available at West Bay Beach.

Can we swim or snorkel at West Bay Beach?

Yes, there’s plenty of free time to swim or snorkel at West Bay Beach during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will there be opportunities to buy souvenirs?

You can shop at local stores near the island viewpoint as well as at some stops along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from port in an air-conditioned vehicle with all entry fees covered; guided visits to meet sloths and monkeys; tastings at both a local chocolate factory and rum cake shop; plus plenty of free time to swim or relax at West Bay Beach before returning comfortably back to your ship.