Roatan: Private Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary Tour with Beach

Summary

Roatan sanctuary animals, chocolate tasting and beach escape

You’ll meet playful monkeys and gentle sloths at a lively Roatan sanctuary, taste fresh chocolate and local rum with stories from your guide, soak up views from Mirador hilltop, then unwind on West Bay Beach’s soft sand—all with private transport and plenty of local color along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to have a sloth just sort of melt into your arms? I didn’t either, until our private Roatan excursion. We met our guide, Carlos, right at the cruise port—he had this easy smile and kept calling us “amigos.” The van was cool (thankfully), and as we wound through the island’s green hills he pointed out tiny roadside stalls selling mangoes and those bright pink bougainvillea everywhere. The air smelled sweet and muddy after last night’s rain.

The monkey & sloth sanctuary was louder than I expected—macaws squawking overhead, monkeys chattering from every direction. One little capuchin tried to steal my sunglasses (Carlos just laughed: “He likes shiny things!”). But honestly, holding the sloth was something else. She blinked at me so slowly I almost forgot to breathe for a second. Her fur felt like an old sweater left in the sun. My partner still teases me about how soft I went in that moment.

After that we stopped at this lookout—the Mirador—where you can see all the way down to the pier and out over the water. There were kids selling bracelets and women fanning themselves under striped umbrellas. I bought some kind of coconut sweet that stuck to my teeth for hours but tasted amazing (or maybe just very sugary). Then came chocolate tasting—rich, kind of earthy—and rum samples at this little shop where everyone seemed to know Carlos by name. He told us about cacao traditions in Honduras while pouring us a sip of coconut rum; I probably looked ridiculous trying not to cough.

The day ended at West Bay Beach. The sand was almost white, water so clear you could spot tiny fish darting around your ankles. We lounged under palms until it was time to head back—Carlos made sure we’d get back with plenty of time before boarding. Sometimes when I smell sunscreen now, I think about that lazy afternoon and those slow-blinking sloths.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Roatan private shore excursion highlights

• Visit wildlife sanctuary with monkeys and sloths
• Explore Mirador of Roatan viewpoint
• Discover chocolate history and tasting
• Taste artisanal rums at Roatan Rum Company
• Optional stop at West Bay Beach
• Group photo session
• Return to cruise port

Top questions

How long does the Roatan private excursion last?

The tour is designed as a half-day shore excursion starting from the cruise port, with enough time built in for each stop including return transfer.

Is pickup included for this Roatan monkey & sloth tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup from Roatan cruise ports is included in your booking.

Do you actually get to hold a sloth on this tour?

Yes, at the sanctuary you can interact with three-toed sloths under staff supervision.

Are food or drinks included on this Roatan day trip?

Tastings of local chocolate and rum are included during stops; lunch is not specified but there are options nearby beaches or shops.

Is West Bay Beach part of the standard itinerary?

West Bay Beach is an optional stop that can be included based on your preferences during the private tour.

Are guides bilingual on this excursion?

Your guide speaks both English and Spanish for easy communication throughout your Roatan private excursion.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers/prams are allowed but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Does the tour accommodate travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Roatan cruise ports, all entrance fees and taxes covered up front, plus guided tastings of local chocolate and rum—with plenty of time to enjoy each stop before returning comfortably to your ship or hotel.