This was our first stop on our cruise. At the end of our cruise we all agreed this was the best. I booked this excursion through Tripadvisor because the one we wanted on the cruise excursions list was sold out. I am so glad that happened.
We did animal park, horseback ride, snorkel, beach and lunch. Coming out of the port was chaotic. Watch out for the hallway of tour operators. You know you are going in the right direction if dozens of people are shouting at you trying to sell you a tour. Finding the exit felt like coming out of a back entrance into an alley. But attendant at the small gate guided us to the tour sign.
Our tour ended up being private. Just three of us and our driver, Jenny. She was great, filling us in on local info. She was a problem-solver too! We ran into some issues when we arrived at horse ranch, but she made some calls and made sure we didn’t have to wait too long. (And here lies my only negative: it felt a bit disorganized at times.) Horseback ride was with a small ranch, but Junior, Kyle and Nicholas were helpful and friendly. Horses are smaller than the full size ones we are used to in the states (so not ideal for heavier riders). They were okay. Not malnourished but had some sores on faces that needed attention. My daughter got a stubborn horse that decided to gallop off for a few seconds. But all good. Ended ip being an exciting story to tell.
Snorkel was with William of Anderson Tours (and Jake). Again, ended up being just us because other group was taking too long. We snorkeled in Cozumel too, and found Roatan to be much better. The reef that we were taken to just off the beach was bigger and full of sea life. We weren’t crowded like we were in Cozumel. Waters were calm and cool.
We could have stayed at the beach and had a bite, but we have beaches at home (and menu at beachside place was Americanized options). So we opted for going back toward port and having lunch at a local place. Fried fresh whole snapper was on the menu. Everyone loved it. Simple place with good food, beer, and they take Visa/MC if you are in a pinch.
One thing that other reviewers note too is that you have to keep in mind that Roatan is a smaller type of port town than you find in Mexico or other Caribbean locations. It is not as developed or commercialized as others (aka no Margaritaville in this town). Some call it “poor.” But it provides a great, unspoiled experience. Much of the locals rely on tourism for income.
And, unlike the rest of Latin America, a majority of the people speak English due to the island’s history as an English colony. Many people we encountered learned English as their first language. So it makes communicating with locals easier for non-Spanish speakers (that’s not us but I realized quickly that speaking Spanish was not necessary and sometimes complicated communication).