Roatan, Honduras: Monkeys, Sloths, and Snorkeling
Is Roatan, Honduras, on your cruise itinerary? We spent our day at Daniel Johnson’s hanging out with monkeys and sloths before heading out to snorkel the world’s second-largest reef, stretching from Mexico to Panama.
Our first visit to Roatan cruise port was with the Norwegian Getaway, but heavy rain kept us confined to the terminal, leaving us disappointed. So, we were thrilled to get another chance in Roatan.
We were determined to visit Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout, rain or shine this time. We booked the Monkey Snorkeling package, which included time at the hangout and snorkeling at the reef.
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We spent our day at Daniel John’s hanging out with monkeys and sloths before we headed out to snorkel the second-largest reef in the world, which runs from Mexico to Panama.
Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout
We walked outside the port gates and easily found a guide holding a Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout sign. Our tour included transportation, but you can also take a taxi to the hangout on your own and pay a small fee to enter that goes towards the care of the animals.
The Hangout
Monkeys and giraffes are my favorite animals. While Daniel Johnson’s doesn’t have giraffes, it does have monkeys, sloths, parrots, and an adorable retired elderly raccoon living the good life. The visit was educational, and we learned a lot about these animals.
The sloths hang out in the mangrove, and we even got to hold one. Their soft fur, gentle cuddles, and peaceful smiles made the experience unforgettable. Everything is done ethically and with great care.
Interacting with the monkeys, Ronnie and Snookie (named after the Jersey Shore cast), was amusing. They climbed and jumped from person to person, searching for treats in everyone’s pockets. They are quite mischievous, so remove your jewelry and empty your pockets before entering their space. One person didn’t remove their stud earrings, and a monkey started sucking on them, mistaking them for treats. One monkey jumped on my shoulder and got frisky, trying to slip his hand under my shirt for more snacks. We all found it adorable and forgave them immediately. The handler was great at rounding them up.
We also visited the parrots and macaws. I stayed outside the enclosure, fearing their claws in my thick hair and avoiding getting bitten. My husband, who loves parrots, fully experienced this part.
Other Similar Guided Tour Ideas:
Roatán: Private Monkey and Sloth Sanctuary Tour [book here]
Roatan Monkey & Sloth Tour with Chocolate & Rum Tasting [book here]
Roatan Monkey and Sloth Hangout plus ATV Adventure [book here]
Snorkeling in Roatan, Honduras
If you’re visiting Daniel Johnson’s hangout in Roatan, I recommend adding snorkeling to your itinerary. After visiting the animals, a boat takes you from their dock to the reef. Gear is included if you don’t have your own, and guides are in the water to ensure your safety and point out interesting sights.
Despite the rain during our visit, the staff convinced us not to miss the snorkeling. They were right! The reef surrounding the island is beautiful, and the rain made the day even more memorable. The warm water compensated for the reduced visibility, making it an amazing experience. We swam to the wall where the reef suddenly drops into the deep blue sea. It was both breathtaking and a bit scary.
Our day in Roatán ended with a downpour, and we had to dash back to the ship quickly. Despite the weather, we left exhilarated and joyful, grateful for the opportunity and the new experiences. For us, travel is about the journey, the adventure, and the chance to explore. What does it mean to you? Under the sea is a whole other world that I’m learning to appreciate and love.
We suggest you bring the following items:
- Your own snorkeling gear if you prefer not to use theirs
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A beach towel from the cruise ship
- An easy and quick change of clothes if you don’t want to travel back to the ship wet
Read more: Independent Shore Excursion Booking Tips
Is Roatan, Honduras, safe?
As always, be cautious when exploring new destinations. While we never felt unsafe, we don’t recommend going out alone, as certain parts of the island can be dodgy. We highly recommend booking a tour and having that arranged before arriving at the Roatan, Honduras, cruise port.
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
- Costa Maya Cruise Port: Be Your Own Tour Guide
- Spend a Fun Day at Paradise Beach in Cozumel, Mexico
- Harvest Caye, Belize: Don’t Stay on the Ship
- Explore and Tour the Beautiful Rio Dulce Guatemala
- Swimming with Stingrays in Grand Cayman
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.