Roatan On The Wild Side
Roatan on the Wild Side
Departing from the pier on the South Shore of the island for your Roatan Wildlife Tour, you will first make your way towards the East End. Along the way you will hear of the island's colorful history which includes Indians, slaves, invaders, pirates, buried gold, and a charming blend of cultures, people and languages. You may also see the wreck of ships along the coast on this Roatan shore excursion.
Your first stop is the Iguana Farm. The spiny-tailed iguana has long been the main ingredient in iguana stew, a local specialty. In 2004, the lizard was added to the endangered species list, but unfortunately can still be found on local menus.
Luckily, more than 2,700 iguanas have made their way to the Iguana Farm where they are free to roam without fear of becoming an entree. Although wild, iguanas are very docile and allow visitors to get up close to touch them and for photos. The farm is also home to a small marine park, toucans and other local animals.
You will then drive to the West End of the island where you will have the opportunity to see parrots, coati (also known as the Brazilian aardvark), island rabbits, deer, raccoons, sloths and more.
The highlight of this Roatan excursion stop is a fun animal interaction with the white-faced capuchin and black spider monkeys that reside here. You will get to interact with and pose for numerous photos with your new friends. Be forewarned, they are friendly, curious, and unpredictable.
Continue on along the West End, the tourist side of the island, with scuba diving centers, hotels, resorts, restaurants, beach clubs and tourist shops. Here you will have some free time on your own to walk along the white-sand beach, explore the tiny shops, or perhaps purchase some of the local cuisine or rum.
Returning to the pier area, you will have the opportunity to take photos and video of the South Shore from a dramatic lookout. You will pass through several more small communities before arriving in Coxen Hole, the capital of Roatan. From here you will be returned to the pier.
Please Note: Due to updated local regulations effective April 1, 2025, guests will no longer be permitted to hold the monkeys and sloths as physical contact with animals in parks and sanctuaries are restricted. Photo opportunities, however, may still be available. Please note that this policy is subject to change as the situation evolves.
