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Stuck for ideas on what to do when you’re not diving? Roatan has plenty of activities to keep you occupied whilst you’re waiting for your next dive. Here are just a few suggestions:
Iguana Farm
One of the best little known treasures on Roatan is the Arch's Iguana Farm. The Iguana Farm is located along the main paved road in French Key, just past the French Harbour turn off when you are travelling west. Sherman Arch started the farm about 17 years ago as Iguanas have long been the key ingredient to make iguana stew on the island even though today, the iguana is "supposed" to be a protected species. Today, there are about 2500 iguanas roaming freely about his property, some over 4ft long! Feeding time is early afternoon and it is the best time to arrive if you want to handle the iguanas. Sherman has now added an enclosure to try and breed tarpon for release into the wild and for rescued turtles. Click here to see more photo's of the Iguana Farm
Tabanaya (West Bay) beach
Enjoy the beauty and serenity of Roatan's most beautiful beach. Relax on its crystal white sand and swim in the beautiful turquoise waters. Palm trees provide shade for those that would like to stay out of the sun. If you are staying in the West End you can get to the beach by taking a ride in one of the local water taxis which run every 15 minutes. The fare will cost you about a couple of dollars.
West Bay Canopy Tour
If you're looking for a little topside adventure, and the idea of flying through the air over 60 feet off the ground appeals, check out the West End's latest attraction, the rainforest canopy tour. You are hooked onto a pulley on a thick steel cable and zip from one tree platform to the next at speeds controlled only by your grip on the cable. Start at the top of the mountain above West Bay and continue on a series of 11 cables all the way down to sea level, speeding through the canopy and catching fantastic glimpses of the island's ocean and reefs.
Butterfly Gardens
A short 5 minute walk from the entrance to West End village, the Butterfly Gardens is a fascinating place to enjoy during your surface interval. On any given day there are around 15-20 species of butterfly, with about 200 individuals. Join the guided tour (about an hour) or explore the park on your own. The pleasant walkways with shaded benches are a perfect place to see and learn about Roatan's tropical trees, such as cashew, mango, hog plum, admiral plum, papaya, tamarind, bananas, key lime, sugar cane, bread fruit; and the lush tropical plants including more than 25 varieties of hibiscus flowers, crotons, heleconious, philadendrum, orchids, jasmine, ginger, ti plants, exora, pentas, lantanas, and parrot flowers. Roatan's Butterfly Garden is also home to many hummingbirds, and a small collection of parrots and toucans that have been acquired as rescue birds.
Carambola Botanical Gardens
Located in Sandy Bay, a short drive from the West End, the gardens and nature trails abound with hundreds of tropical plants, most of which are identified. Enjoy the sights and smells of banana, jungle cactus, hibiscus, chocolate trees. Choose from one of two trails - the mountain path or the jungle path - each of which take about 15 minutes to walk around.
Island Tours
Many tour operators offer guided tours of the island. See the beauty of West Bay beach, the laid back West End and then take a trip to the East End of Roatan, which remains almost untouched. On the way you can visit Oak Ridge, a picturesque village built over stilts on the water and see the mangroves, which are so essential to the island.
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