Zip lining in Roatan
Zip-lining is one of the most popular land activities on Roatán. The island has several canopy parks that run tours through the treetops, and the best known is Gumbalimba Park, a short drive from West Bay Beach. Expect a few stations of cables above the jungle, with monkeys, macaws and sloths in the trees around the park.
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.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Monkeys, Sloths, Horseback, and Ziplining with Lunch
What to expect
Most visitors go with a zip-line excursion, which is booked ahead and includes transport. Those excursions usually combine the canopy with a beach break or a short walk through the jungle. The whole outing takes about four hours. If you prefer to go on your own, Gumbalimba Park is the simplest choice. It is on the main road to West Bay, just outside West Bay Beach, and it has a botanical garden, an animal sanctuary, an insectarium, a pirate's cave and water activities as well as its canopy line. Take a taxi, and agree the fare before you leave.
The zip lines run over real jungle, so you will see birds and sometimes sloths and monkeys from the cables. Wear closed shoes and long pants and long sleeves to guard against mosquitoes and sand fleas, and bring bug spray to reapply after you have been in the open. The parks also have shops and cafes, so you can rest between sections.
Where to go
- Gumbalimba Park canopy zip line. Zip-line canopy inside the park, alongside a botanical garden, animal sanctuary, insectarium and pirate's cave. On the main road to West Bay, just outside West Bay Beach, by taxi. A trip that goes here: Roatan Zip and Splash Beach Break, 4 Hours 15 minutes, $80 a person
- Isla Tropicale zip line adventure. A zip-line excursion run from the port, booked in advance, often paired with a beach stop. At the cruise port. A trip that goes here: Roatan Zip and Splash Beach Break, 4 Hours 15 minutes, $80 a person
- Mayan Jungle Canopy Zipline. A canopy zip line with an air-conditioned gift shop selling crafts and coffee. A trip that goes here: Roatan Zip and Splash Beach Break, 4 Hours 15 minutes, $80 a person
Getting there
Gumbalimba Park is about 35 minutes by taxi one way from Coxen Hole. Booked zip excursions include transport, so there is nothing to arrange on the day.
When to go
Zip-lining runs year-round on Roatán, so the season does not change much. Book excursions ahead, since they run on set schedules. Mornings are a good time to go, before the heat builds.
Good to know
- Book the zip-line excursion in advance; it is scheduled and does not run on walk-up.
- Agree taxi fares before setting off, and ask about the group rate if you are three or more.
- Wear long pants and long sleeves, and reapply high-strength bug spray after you leave the water or the shade.
- Carry some US dollars; change is usually given in Honduran lempiras.
Questions
Is zip-lining in Roatan good for families?
Yes. Many families choose it because the parks mix the canopy with animals, gardens and beach time. Gumbalimba Park has monkeys, macaws and sloths alongside its zip line, and excursions often add a beach stop.
How long does a zip-line tour in Roatan take?
Most zip excursions run about four hours, including transport. Gumbalimba Park is about 35 minutes by taxi from Coxen Hole.
Do I need to book zip-lining in Roatan ahead?
Yes. The zip-line excursion must be booked in advance, and tours run on set schedules. Booking ahead also lets you plan around the day's other stops.
