Wildlife and birding in Roatan
Roatan's wildlife is easiest to see in the west of the island, at Gumbalimba Park on the main road to West Bay. Macaws fly freely overhead, wild capuchin monkeys come down from the trees, and sloths hang around the grounds. The Sloth Sanctuary and the Iguana Farm are the other two stops most visitors pair with it.
Places to go
Gumbalimba Park
Gumbalimba Park is a jungle park on Roatan with free-flying macaws, a Monkey Village, sloths on the grounds and a canopy zip line. Visitors walk trails through the tropical growth and meet the animals up close.
The Sloth Sanctuary
The Sloth Sanctuary on Roatán is a place to meet sloths up close, and to hold them, with staff guiding the visit. It is a land wildlife stop where the animals are handled by staff.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Island Boat Cruise, Iguana Park, Snorkeling and Beach
Monkeys, Sloths, Horseback, and Ziplining with Lunch
What to expect
Most people start at Gumbalimba Park, which is the only stop with free-flying macaws, the largest birds in the parrot family. Visitors can stand close to them, pet them and take photos. The Monkey Village is home to the island's only wild capuchin monkeys, and the whiteface monkeys in the canopy often come down to meet visitors. Sloths are native to Honduras and some hang around the grounds, so you may spot one while walking through.
From there, the Sloth Sanctuary lets visitors meet and even hold sloths, with staff guiding the visit. The Iguana Farm is a sanctuary for endangered green iguanas, where you can get close to them and learn about conservation. A day with these stops is a gentle one. It suits families with children and couples who want animal encounters without much walking or hiking.
Where to go
- Gumbalimba Park. Free-flying macaws, a Monkey Village with the island's only wild capuchins, sloths on the grounds and a canopy zip line. On the main road to West Bay, just outside West Bay Beach, by taxi.
- The Sloth Sanctuary. Meet and hold sloths, with staff guiding the visit. A trip that goes here: Monkeys, Sloths and Iguanas, 5 Hours, $79 a person
- Iguana Farm. A sanctuary for endangered green iguanas where visitors interact closely with them and learn about conservation. A trip that goes here: Monkeys, Sloths and Iguanas, 5 Hours, $79 a person
Getting there
Gumbalimba Park is on the main road to West Bay, about 65 minutes one way from Coxen Hole. Taxis are the simplest way to get there, and you should agree the fare before you set off. Ask for a round-trip deal so the driver is there when you return.
When to go
The animals are present year-round, so there is no best month for seeing them. The macaws and monkeys move freely, so the morning and midday hours are usually a good time to find them active. Sloths move slowly and are not scheduled, so allow time to look around the grounds.
Good to know
- Bring insect repellent and wear long pants and long sleeves, since mosquitoes and sand fleas are common.
- Taxi fares are not fixed, so agree the price and the waiting time before you set off.
- Bring cash in US dollars and some lempiras, since change is often given in lempiras.
Questions
Can I see wild monkeys on Roatan?
Yes. Gumbalimba Park has a Monkey Village with the island's only wild capuchin monkeys, and visitors can get close to them. Whiteface monkeys also roam the canopy and come down from the trees to meet visitors.
Can you hold sloths on Roatan?
Yes. The Sloth Sanctuary lets visitors meet and hold sloths, with staff guiding the visit. Sloths also hang around the grounds of Gumbalimba Park, so you may see one while you walk through.
Where is Gumbalimba Park and how do I get there?
Gumbalimba Park is about 65 minutes one way from Coxen Hole. It is on the main road to West Bay, just outside West Bay Beach, and taxis are the usual way to reach it.
