Roatan, Honduras: Monkeys, Sloths, and Snorkeling

Is the Roatan, Honduras, port-of-call on your cruise itinerary?

We spent our day at Daniel John’s hanging out with monkeys and sloths before we headed out to snorkel the 2nd largest reef in the world that goes from Mexico to Panama.

The first time at this cruise port was with the Norwegian Getaway, and it was raining so badly that we never left the actual cruise terminal. We were extremely disappointed, so we were psyched to have another chance in Roatan.

This time rain or shine, we were making it to Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout. We booked the Monkey Snorkeling, including time at the hangout and snorkeling at the reef.

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[Originally posted in 2017]

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Coxen Cole Cruise Port in Roatan, Honduras

Rainy day at Coxen Cole Cruise Port, RoatanPin
Rainy day at Coxen Cole Cruise Port

Where do Norwegian Cruise Ships dock at Roatan Cruise Port?

Norwegian cruise ships dock or tender the Coxen Cole, Roatan cruise port.

Do cruises always tender in Roatan?

It’s important to note that if there is more than one ship at this port, there is a possibility that you may need to tender. We had to while cruising on the Norwegian Pearl. Last year, on the Norwegian Getaway, we docked.

What does it mean to tender on a cruise ship?
The cruise ship will dock and anchor offshore. This means smaller boats will transfer cruise passengers ashore.

Unfortunately, this time around, the Norwegian Getaway ship arrived first and got first dibs on the dock. So we were stuck having to tender.

Cruise Tip: Schedule your tender time in advance if the cruise ship allows. Every cruise ship and cruise line does this differently. 

On the NCL Pearl, at the time we took the cruise, it was a ticket system and we had to wake up early to make sure to get one of the first group tickets. 

On newer ships that have implemeted the technology, you can reserve your tender time from the ships phone app, touch screens around the cruise ship or from your cabin TV. 

Just like the morning we anchored in Grand Cayman, we woke up bright and early to snatch up one of the first group tickets being handed out at the pool deck.

The turnaround for tender at this port was not as fast as in Grand Cayman. At this port, the NCL had to use their lifeboats. The lifeboats do not hold as many people as the double-decker boats from Grand Cayman.

We were afraid we wouldn’t make our tour because group 5 was called an hour after anchoring. So plan accordingly.

Is Roatan, Honduras safe?

As always, you should always be cautious when exploring new destinations. We never felt unsafe, but we wouldn’t suggest 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.

122 Quick and Helpful Cruise Tips

Are you in the process of planning your cruise vacation? From cruise packing tips and hacks to what to do on the cruise ship and at the cruise ports, we have everything you need to know to ensure your cruise is unforgettable.

Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout

We walked outside the port gates to find a guide with a Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout sign.

The tour we booked included transportation, but you can easily take a taxi to the location and pay to see the hangout. It’s a small fee that goes to the care of the animals.

Roatan Shore Excursion: Monkeys, Sloths, and Snorkel Adventure
[book here]

The Hangout

Monkeys and giraffes are my favorite animals. There are no giraffes at Daniel Johnson’s, but there are monkeys, sloths, parrots, and an adorable retired elderly raccoon living the good life. We learned a bit about them all. Your time at the hangout is educational.

The sloths live and hang out in the mangrove. We could hold one, which was better than holding a baby. The fur is so soft, and they can cuddle just right. They seem to always have this peaceful smile on their face. 

Everything is done ethically and with great care.

Sloth hanging out in the mangrove on a rainy day at Daniel Johnson'sPin

Hanging out with the monkeys, Ronnie and Snookie (named after the Jersey Shore cast) was an amusing experience. They’d climb and jump from person to person, looking for treats in everyone’s pockets. Warning, they are mischievous.

Take off your jewelry and empty your pockets. The handlers will strongly advise removing anything the monkeys can get a hold of before you enter their space. Someone in the group did not take off their stud earrings, and one of the monkeys started sucking on them, thinking it was a treat.

One of them jumped on my shoulder and started to get frisky with me, trying to slip his hand under my shirt. I can’t blame him; he was looking for more snacks!

As the handlers sometimes keep treats in their pockets. We all just found it adorable and forgave them right away. The handler was great at rounding them up.

We also got the chance to visit the parrots and macaws. I skipped this part and stayed outside of the enclosure. I was afraid of them landing their claws on my head and grabbing onto my thick hair. And I was avoiding getting bitten. Hubby loves parrots, so he did go in and experienced it fully. 

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, Honduras, I recommend adding the snorkeling. After visiting the animals, a boat will take you from their dock to the reef.

Gear is included if you don’t have your own. Guides are with you in the water to ensure you’re safe and point out anything you might miss.

It was raining when we arrived, and it rained during the tour. We almost canceled this part of our day. Thankful to the hangouts staff that convinced us that the snorkeling was not to be missed. They were right!

Suffice it to say, the snorkeling here is incredible! The reef surrounding the island is beautiful. The rain only made the day more memorable. The water was so nice and warm; it didn’t bother us. Although the visibility wasn’t optimal due to the rain, it was still an amazing experience.

 We also swam to the wall, where it suddenly just dropped, and all you see is the deep blue sea. It was breathtaking and scary all at once. I couldn’t believe I was there.

Our day in Roatán ended in a downpour, and we had to make a quick dash to tender back to the ship. No matter the weather, we left exhilarated and so full of joy. We were grateful for the opportunity and the new experience.

It’s what travel means to us: the journey, the adventure, and the chance to explore. What does it mean to you?

Under the sea is a whole other world I’m learning to appreciate and love.

We suggest you bring the following items:

  • Your own snorkeling gear., if you don’t want to use theirs.
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Don’t forget your beach towel from the cruise ship
  • Easy and quick change of clothes if you don’t want to travel back to the ship wet.

How to Book Shore Excursions Independently

Planning and booking shore excursions for your cruise vacation? Here are helpful tips for booking shore excursions so you can save money, make the most of your time in your port destination and make amazing memories.

Other Things to do in Roatan Cruise Port

1. Eco-Walk & Zipline

Ziplining is a blast. We did it once in Costa Rica and would do it again in the right setting. This one sounds like so much fun. You get to see the beauty of the Honduras jungle by walking through 8 suspension bridges before ziplining. You’ll finish the tour off at the beach.

Please note: This tour takes off from the Mahagony Bay cruise terminal.

[book here]

2. Go on a Food Tour

Food tours are always on my list of things to do anywhere we travel. Combine food and culture, and you have a great day. If there is still time after the tour, head to a nearby beach.

[book here]

3. Private Horseback Riding Tour

Get picked up at the cruise port and taken to a ranch. From here, you’ll meet the horses, ride through the jungles to incredible views, and end up at the beach.

[book here]

Visiting the monkey and sloths was fun. Snorkeling in Roatan is a dream.

What are your plans for the Roatan, Honduras, cruise port?

Other Related Western Caribbean Itinerary Articles:

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

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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.

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