Roatan Sloth Park & Horseback Ride with Glass Bottom Boat

Summary

Sloth Sanctuary Visit & Beach Horseback Ride in Roatan

You’ll meet sloths up close at a local sanctuary, ride horseback along Roatan’s jungle trails and beach (even if you’re new to it), then watch colorful fish glide beneath your feet from a glass bottom boat over the coral reef. With friendly guides and flexible stops, it’s one of those days you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, greeted us right outside the port gate with this easy smile — you know the kind where you instantly feel like you’re not just another tourist. He led us straight to the sloth and monkey sanctuary, which honestly I wasn’t sure about at first (I mean, do sloths even care about visitors?). But then one of them blinked at me so slowly I almost laughed out loud. The air smelled a bit sweet and earthy, like wet leaves after rain, and there were these little bursts of laughter from a family nearby when a monkey tried to steal someone’s hat. Li told us about each animal — he knew their names, their quirks. I tried to say “oso perezoso” in Spanish; Li grinned but didn’t correct me.

Next up was the horseback ride — something I’d never done before unless you count that one pony at a birthday party years ago. The horses seemed patient, maybe even bored by how nervous I was. We started off through these thick green trails behind Bight Bight (I think that’s what Li called it), and then suddenly we were on the sand with the sea right there. My horse kept stopping to sniff things or maybe just to annoy me? Anyway, I got used to his rhythm after a while. There was this moment where we splashed through shallow water and I could feel the cool spray on my legs — didn’t expect that part to be so fun.

The last bit was the glass bottom boat ride over Roatan’s coral reef. The weather shifted — clouds rolling in but still bright enough for everything underwater to look almost neon. Fish darted around below us; someone pointed out a stingray gliding past like it owned the place. It felt quiet in a way boats usually aren’t, just muffled voices and water sounds against the hull. We could’ve stopped for lunch at a local spot (Li recommended fried plantains), but honestly I was still full from breakfast so we just watched people coming and going near the Roatan sign instead.

I keep thinking about that slow-motion blink from the sloth and how calm everything felt out on the reef. If you’re looking for a day trip from your cruise or just want something different in Roatan — with pickup and an actual local guide who seems to know everyone — this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Roatan Sloth Park and Beach Ride

• Visit Sloth and Monkey Sanctuary
• Horseback Ride through Jungle and Water
• Glass Bottom Boat Coral Reef Tour
• Optional Local Lunch and Roatan Sign

Top questions

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

Yes, transportation is included with pickup outside your main gate.

Can beginners join the horseback riding?

Yes, beginners are welcome on the horseback ride; guides will help you get comfortable.

What animals can I see at the sloth park?

You’ll see sloths and monkeys at the sanctuary, with time for photos and learning about them from your guide.

Is there a weight limit for horseback riding?

The weight limit for horseback riding is 350 lbs.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch isn’t included but you can buy food at a local restaurant or beach stop if you want.

How long does each activity last?

The horseback ride lasts about an hour; other activities vary depending on group pace and weather.

Can small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if weather changes?

The location of the glass bottom boat may change depending on weather conditions that day.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation with pickup outside your main gate, entry to the sloth and monkey sanctuary with a local guide who’ll share stories about each animal, an hour-long horseback ride through jungle trails or along the beach (depending on port location), plus time aboard a glass bottom boat viewing Roatan’s coral reef before heading back—lunch stops are optional if you want them.