Roatan: Sloth & Monkey Park, Chocolate & Rum Cake Tour

Summary

Roatan animal park day with sloths, chocolate tasting and local crafts

You’ll get up close with sloths and monkeys at Roatan’s animal park, sample fresh island chocolate as it’s made before your eyes, taste warm rum cake right from the oven, and browse handmade crafts at Rusty Fish market. Expect laughter, unexpected moments with locals, and plenty of stories to take home—plus private pickup so you don’t have to worry about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

She handed me a piece of banana before I even saw the sloth — said it helps if you want them to look your way. The air at the animal park was thick and sweet, like the inside of a greenhouse after rain. We’d barely stepped out of the van (air-conditioned, thank god) when the capuchin monkeys started their show — one tried to steal my sunglasses right off my head. Our guide, Carlos, just grinned and said they like shiny things. I didn’t expect to laugh so much that early in the morning.

The main keyword for me was “sloth,” honestly — I’d wanted to see one up close since forever. Holding one felt lighter than I imagined; its fur was softer too, not rough at all. There were macaws overhead making this racket that almost drowned out Carlos explaining about their rescue work. He pointed out a yellow-headed parrot who apparently only likes women (no joke), and sure enough he ignored my brother completely. The place smelled like earth and fruit peels and something else — maybe parrot feathers? Hard to say.

After the animals we drove over to a little chocolate factory where they let us try cacao nibs straight from the grinder. Bitter, but good — kind of wakes you up after all that monkey chaos. The woman making chocolate laughed when I tried to pronounce “cacao” in Spanish; she corrected me gently but I still probably butchered it. Then came the rum cake place: warm samples right off the tray, sticky-sweet with this boozy kick that made everyone grin like kids getting away with something. We stopped for photos by the Roatan sign (the colors are wild in real life) and poked around Rusty Fish market where everything’s made from recycled metal — I bought a fish sculpture that’s now on my desk at home.

By the time we got dropped back near our ship I had chocolate under my fingernails and parrot feathers stuck to my shirt. Not exactly how I pictured a day trip in Roatan but honestly… it’s what I remember most from Honduras now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Roatan animal park and local treats

• Pick up and drive to animal park
• Visit animal sanctuary and see wildlife
• Tour and sample chocolate factory
• Sample rum cake and local rums
• Drop off at nearest port

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Roatan animal park tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included for guests.

Can children or infants join this day trip in Roatan?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on this tour.

Are there wheelchair-accessible options available?

The transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What animals can we see at Roatan Sloth & Monkey Park?

You’ll see sloths, capuchin monkeys, colorful macaws, yellow-headed parrots, and other exotic animals.

Is there food or drink included during the tour?

You’ll sample fresh chocolate at the factory and taste different flavors of island-made rum cake during your visit.

How long is the drive from port to the animal sanctuary?

The drive is short; you’ll be picked up near your ship or hotel for convenience.

Will we have time for shopping or souvenirs?

Yes, there’s a stop at Rusty Fish craft market for souvenir shopping.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

This Roatan day trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with pickup near your ship or hotel, entry fees to Roatan’s animal sanctuary where you’ll meet sloths and monkeys up close, guided visits to both a local chocolate factory (with tastings) and rum cake bakery (more tastings), plus time exploring Rusty Fish craft market before being dropped back near your starting point.