Roatan: Nature, Marine Life and Garifuna Culture

Beaches and lush coastal vegetation shape Roatan’s landscape. At the same time, gardens, protected areas and places steeped in Garifuna history reveal different sides of the island. The range spans nature watching and wildlife to cultural history and marine sciences.

Gardens, Wildlife and Conservation

Orchids, medicinal plants, exotic spice plants, fruit and nut trees, as well as a Chocolate Tree, grow in the Carambola Botanical Garden. Activities at the garden include hiking, ecotours, birdwatching and nature studies. The variety of plants and activities complement one another: the nature theme ranges from individual plants to observation and outdoor activity.

Arch's Iguana and Marine Park is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to protecting coral and marine life. More than 4,000 free-roaming iguanas live in the park; the number may change over time. This means that a marine conservation purpose and a striking reptile population coexist in the same protected area.

Gumbalimba Park is in West Bay. Its offerings include walks through tropical gardens, encounters with free-roaming wildlife and exploring a cave with a pirate history. Compared with the plant-rich Carambola Botanical Garden, encounters with wildlife and the cave take center stage here.

In the wider destination of Islas De La Bahía, iguanas are released into the wild each year at Arch's Iguana and Marine Park to support the island’s native reptile population.

Garifuna History and Culture

One way to learn about the island’s history is to visit Punta Gorda. The town is considered the place where the Garifuna arrived in Central America: the ship that brought them there after the English took them from San Vicente following their rebellion arrived at this location.

The Punta Gorda Carnival is considered an April celebration associated with Garifuna traditions as well as Punta music and dance. In the wider destination of Islas De La Bahía, Punta Gorda on Roatan has about 3,500 residents, most of whom are Garífuna. Many engage in artisanal fishing, while an increasing number are becoming involved in tourism.

Museum and Marine Sciences

The Roatan Museum presents the history and culture of the Bay Islands through artifacts, murals, maps and historical documents. It was founded in 1992 by the resort’s owners, with guidance and expertise from the Honduran Institute of Anthropology. The museum is located in the RIMS facility at Anthony’s Key Resort.

The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) welcomes colleges, universities and high schools from abroad year-round for structured programs. Groups study tropical marine ecosystems and bottlenose dolphins; other topics include marine sciences, coral reefs, oceanography and biology. The program is intended for the school and university groups mentioned.

Getting to Roatan

You can get there by scheduled flights, cruise ships, domestic flights from the mainland and a ferry from La Ceiba. This includes both air and sea connections. Check routes and providers before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Brick Bay, Los Fuertes, Jose Santos Guardiola.

Return to the main travel overview: Bay Islands.