Roatan: Punta Gorda & Oak Ridge Private Fishing Villages Tour

Summary

Colorful houses on stilts, Garifuna rhythms, and boat rides through Roatan’s east side villages

You’ll ride with a local guide from Roatan’s west to its quieter east side, meet Garifuna families in Punta Gorda, explore Oak Ridge by traditional boat through mangroves, and pause for photos at pirate landmarks. Expect laughter, music, salty air—and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You sort of tumble out of the van in Punta Gorda before you realize it — the driver just grins and points to the water. The air’s thick with salt and something frying (cassava maybe?), and there’s this low thump of drums coming from somewhere behind the houses. Our guide, Luis, waved us over to a shady spot where he told us about the Garifuna families who’ve been here since 1797. I tried repeating one of the Garifuna greetings he taught us — Li laughed, which probably means I butchered it. But no one seemed to mind; a kid ran past chasing a dog, and honestly it felt like everyone was just living their day.

After that we headed to Oak Ridge — you can’t really get there without a boat. We climbed into this wooden cayuco (the paint was flaking under my hand) and drifted past houses on stilts painted every color you can imagine. Luis called it “the Venice of Roatan,” but I kept thinking it was more like a floating patchwork quilt. There were fishermen mending nets on their porches and someone waved at us with a half-eaten mango. The water taxi wound through mangrove tunnels so tight you could touch both sides if you stretched your arms out — kind of eerie but peaceful too.

I didn’t expect Hole in the Wall restaurant to look so…pirate-y? There’s graffiti everywhere and the breeze smells like grilled fish mixed with diesel from passing boats. We stopped for photos at the old Isery pirate ship earlier (it’s not actually seaworthy), but this place felt more alive somehow. Lunch was optional but we stayed for cold drinks and watched locals play dominoes until our driver rounded us up again. Still think about that view back toward Jonesville — all tangled roots and sunlight flickering off the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit fishing villages and pirate sites

• Stop for photos at Isery pirate boat
• Visit Punta Gorda village
• Board cayuco to Oak Ridge village
• Explore Oak Ridge wooden houses
• Travel through mangrove tunnels to Jonesville
• Dock at Hole in the Wall restaurant

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Roatan fishing villages tour?

Yes, round-trip private transfer is included with your booking.

Do we visit both Punta Gorda and Oak Ridge on this trip?

Yes, the tour includes stops in both Punta Gorda Garifuna village and Oak Ridge.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included, but there is an optional stop at Vagunda restaurant or Hole in the Wall where you can purchase food.

Are boat rides part of this Roatan private tour?

Yes, a water taxi ride through Oak Ridge’s canals and mangrove tunnels is included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the day trip.

How long does it take to get from west Roatan to Punta Gorda?

The drive takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic and pickup location.

Can infants join this day trip from Roatan?

Yes, infants are welcome; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Will we see Garifuna culture during the tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Punta Gorda where Garifuna families live and may experience music or daily life firsthand.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip private transfer from your hotel or cruise port, all water taxi fees for exploring Oak Ridge by boat through mangroves, guided visits to Punta Gorda Garifuna village plus photo stops at Isery pirate attraction and scenic viewpoints along the way—with time for an optional lunch at a local spot before heading back.