Best Things to Do in Roatan Honduras with Your Family

If you’re looking for adventure, Roatan won’t disappoint. The island is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, and there are plenty of tour operators who can take you to see the vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish. For a more laid-back experience, take a stroll along the white sandy beaches, or go kayaking in the calm waters of the mangrove forests. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try zip-lining through the jungle canopy or taking a horseback ride along the beach?

Roatan is also rich in culture and history, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the island’s past. Visit the Garifuna village of Punta Gorda to experience the unique culture of the Afro-Caribbean people who settled on the island centuries ago. Or head to the Carambola Botanical Gardens to see the many species of plants and animals that call Roatan home. Whatever your interests, Roatan is sure to provide a memorable family vacation experience.

Exploring West Bay Beach

If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination in Roatan, look no further than West Bay Beach. This stunning stretch of white sand and clear water is the perfect place to spend a day with the kids. Here are some of our favorite activities to enjoy while exploring West Bay Beach.

Snorkeling

One of the top things to do in West Bay Beach with kids is snorkeling. The clear water and abundant marine life make it an ideal spot for exploring the underwater world. You can rent snorkeling gear from one of the many vendors on the beach, or bring your own. Some of the best areas for snorkeling include the West Bay Wall and the Blue Channel.

Beach Activities

Of course, there’s more to do on West Bay Beach than just snorkeling. You can also enjoy a variety of beach activities with the kids. Here are some ideas:

• Build sandcastles: The soft, powdery sand is perfect for building elaborate sandcastles. Bring some buckets, shovels, and other sand toys and let the kids get creative.
• Play beach volleyball: There are often beach volleyball games happening on West Bay Beach. Join in or start your own game with the family.
• Go for a swim: The calm, clear waters of West Bay Beach are perfect for swimming. Make sure to keep an eye on the kids and stay within the designated swimming areas.
• Take a boat tour: There are plenty of boat tours available from West Bay Beach. You can explore nearby islands, go fishing, or just enjoy a scenic cruise.

Visiting Gumbalimba Park

If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, Gumbalimba Park is a must-visit destination in Roatan, Honduras. This privately owned eco-adventure and history park is home to a variety of animals, including macaws, white-face monkeys, and native iguanas. Here are some of the highlights of visiting Gumbalimba Park with kids.

Animal Encounters

One of the most exciting things about Gumbalimba Park is the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the animals. The park offers a guided tour where you can hug a sloth, interact with the friendly white-face monkeys and take photos with them. You can also feed the macaws and watch them fly around the park. In addition, you can see some of the native iguanas and learn about their habitat and behavior.

Botanical Garden

Another highlight of Gumbalimba Park is the botanical garden. The park is home to a variety of exotic plants and trees, including the gumbo limbo tree, which is native to the island. You can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and learn about the different plant species from your guide. The park also has a butterfly house where you can see different species of butterflies up close.

Experiencing Little French Key

At Little French Key, there is something for everyone in the family. Here are some of the activities we enjoyed with our kids:

Mini Zoo

Our kids loved the mini zoo at Little French Key. They got to see macaws, parrots, monkeys, and much more! The animals are well taken care of and seem happy and healthy. It was a great opportunity for our kids to learn about animal welfare in tourism.

Water Sports

Little French Key offers a variety of water sports activities. We went snorkeling and saw some amazing marine life. The water was crystal clear, and the staff was very helpful in getting us set up with gear. We also rented jet skis and had a blast riding around the bay. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, the water recliners in the bay are a great option.

Overall, Little French Key is a great place to visit with kids. The staff is friendly and accommodating, the facilities are clean and well-maintained, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your family, we highly recommend Little French Key.

Roatan Butterfly Garden

If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family, we highly recommend a visit to the Roatan Butterfly Garden. This beautiful garden is home to dozens of species of butterflies, as well as a variety of other insects and plants.

The Roatan Butterfly Garden is a self-guided tour. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a chart to help you identify the different butterfly and plant species you’ll see during your visit. As you walk through the garden, you’ll have the opportunity to observe butterflies up close and learn about their life cycle and behavior.

In addition to the butterflies, the garden also features a variety of other insects, such as beetles and grasshoppers, as well as a collection of exotic plants. You’ll have the chance to learn about the important role these insects and plants play in the ecosystem and how they contribute to the overall health of the garden.

The Roatan Butterfly Garden is a great activity for kids of all ages. Younger children will love the colorful butterflies and interactive exhibits, while older children and adults will appreciate the educational aspect of the tour. Plus, the garden is a peaceful and relaxing oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas of Roatan.

Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences

If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience for your kids, the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) is a must-visit. Located on the northwest coast of Roatan, RIMS is an ideal location for marine study, housing an astonishing profusion of marine life, barrier reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

Dolphin Encounter

One of the most popular educational experiences at RIMS is the Dolphin Encounter. The Honduran government authorized this project and allowed RIMS to work with dolphins for research and education. During this encounter, your family will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins.

After a top-side orientation and Q&A session to learn about dolphin diving etiquette, a five-minute boat ride brings you to a beautiful reef wall where you’ll descend to a white sand bottom at 60 feet. Here, you’ll be joined by a pod of friendly dolphins who are eager to interact with you and your kids.

During the encounter, you’ll be able to touch and play with the dolphins, learn about their behavior and biology, and even participate in a training session. The encounter is led by experienced trainers who will ensure the safety of both the dolphins and your family.

Overall, the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences is an excellent destination for families who want to learn about marine life and have a unique experience with dolphins.

Carambola Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity on Roatan Island, look no further than Carambola Botanical Gardens. This 40-acre natural paradise is a perfect place for hiking, wildlife and scenic photography, eco tours, bird watching, nature studies, and of course, relaxation.

The gardens are home to a wide variety of tropical plants and trees, many of which are clearly marked by signs. You’ll see everything from orchids and bromeliads to fruit trees and medicinal plants. One of the highlights of the gardens is the carambola tree, also known as the star fruit tree, which gives the gardens their name.

In addition to the gardens themselves, there are many jungle trails to explore, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trails are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and there are plenty of benches and rest areas along the way.

For those who want to learn more about the flora and fauna of Roatan, the gardens offer guided tours with knowledgeable and friendly guides. You’ll learn about the history and ecology of the island, as well as the traditional uses of many of the plants you’ll see.

Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park

If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience for your kids, Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park is a must-visit destination in Roatan. This family-owned and operated eco-tour company has been in operation since 1980 and offers visitors the opportunity to interact with a variety of exotic animals.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who will guide you through the park. The first stop is the iguana sanctuary, where you’ll be able to see and learn about these fascinating creatures. You can even feed them and take photos with them!

After the iguanas, you’ll move on to the marine park, where you’ll see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. The park offers snorkeling and diving opportunities, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

In addition to the iguanas and marine life, Arch’s also has a monkey and bird sanctuary, where you can interact with capuchin monkeys and see beautiful macaws up close. The park also offers a zip-line tour, which is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the park and the surrounding area.

Conclusion

Roatan is a great destination for families with kids who are looking for a fun and adventurous vacation. With its clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and many attractions, Roatan offers something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Roatan with kids:

• Snorkeling: Roatan is known for its clear waters and beautiful coral reefs, making it a great place to go snorkeling. Some of the best spots for snorkeling include Half Moon Bay and West Bay Beach.

• Visit Gumbalimba Park: This park is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, parrots, and iguanas. Kids will love the chance to interact with these animals and learn more about them.

• Explore the Carambola Botanical Gardens: This beautiful garden is home to a variety of plants, including fruit trees, orchids, and bromeliads. Kids will love exploring the garden and learning more about the plants that grow on Roatan.

• Take a zipline tour: For the more adventurous families, a zipline tour is a must-do activity. There are several companies on the island that offer zipline tours, including South Shore Zipline and Pirates of the Caribbean Zipline.

Overall, Roatan is a great destination for families with kids who are looking for a fun and adventurous vacation. With its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and many attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.