A Warm Welcome to Roatan

As a family travel writer, I’m always on the lookout for unique experiences that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. When I heard about the Roatan Wild life Experiences with chocolate and rum tasting, I knew it was something I had to try. Our journey began as we disembarked from the Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas, greeted by the vibrant hustle and bustle of Coxen Hole. The streets were alive with local vendors offering various excursions, but we had already pre-booked our adventure with 2KAdventures. Our guide, Gabby Cook, was waiting for us with a warm smile and a small sign, ready to lead us on a day filled with excitement and discovery.

Gabby, with her friendly demeanor and local knowledge, quickly put our minds at ease as she led us through the streets to her comfortable Ford Escape. The SUV was perfect for our family of three, providing a cozy and convenient ride as we navigated the local streets. Gabby’s ability to maneuver through the bustling roads faster than the larger tour buses meant we had more time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Roatan.

Up Close with Roatan’s Wildlife

Our first stop was a locally-owned park, a small petting zoo that promised an up-close encounter with some of Roatan’s native animals. As we entered the park, we were greeted by the lively chatter of monkeys and the vibrant colors of toucans. Our local guide, David, was knowledgeable and passionate about the animals, ensuring we felt safe and informed throughout our visit.

The highlight of the park was undoubtedly the sloths. With about seven sloths hanging lazily in a low tree, we were given the rare opportunity to hold and take photos with these gentle creatures. The sloth trainer carefully handed a female sloth to each of us, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Holding a sloth is something I never imagined doing, and it was a moment that will stay with me forever.

A Taste of Roatan

After our wildlife adventure, Gabby took us on a scenic drive to the chocolate factory. The factory was small but charming, offering a quick tour and plenty of delicious samples. We couldn’t resist buying some local chocolate to take home, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn’t melt during our travels.

Next, we visited the Rum Store, where we were treated to samples of various rum cakes and rum. While the store didn’t offer a full tour, the cakes were delightful, and the balcony provided a perfect spot for photos. Gabby then drove us to the highest point on the island, where we captured stunning panoramic views of Coxen Hole and the surrounding landscape.

Our day concluded with a visit to a local restaurant, where we indulged in a feast of red snapper, conch, oxtail stew, and jerk chicken. The flavors were rich and authentic, a true taste of Roatan’s culinary offerings. As we made our way back to the cruise port, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible day we had experienced. From the wildlife encounters to the delicious tastings, our Roatan adventure was a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.