Private East End and Garifuna

Excursion Highlights:
From $52.00/person to $75.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based
on number of individuals in your group
Children (Ages 3 and under) are free.
Shore Excursion Size Private
Shore Excursion Type Eco, Nature
Shore Excursion Duration 3 Hours
Activity Level Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From Cruise Pier Area
Food/Beverage Provided None
Recommended Dress Comfortable
clothing and tennis or walking shoes are recommended. Sun
glasses and sun screen are also suggested. As
you may be in the jungle during your tour, insect repellent is recommended.
Restrictions: As Roatan is a hilly island guests will have to navigate
on terraine that is on an incline or uneven at
several stops. Surfaces may be packed dirt, gravel or
paved.
Roatan Island has so much to offer,
including the incredible history of the Garifuna. This private Roatan excursion
will take you back in time and back to the future!
Departing from the pier on the south
shore of Roatan Island, you will first make your way towards the East End.
Along the way, you will hear of the island's colorful history, which includes
Indians, slaves, invaders, pirates, buried gold, and a charming blend of
cultures, people, and languages. You may also see the wreck of ships along the
coast.
Your first stop on your Roatan
excursion is the Iguana Farm. The spiny-tailed iguana has long been the main
ingredient in iguana stew, a local specialty. In 2004, the lizard was added to
the endangered species list, but unfortunately can
still be found on local menus.
Luckily, more than 2,700 iguanas have
made their way to the Iguana Farm, where they are free to roam without fear of
becoming an entree. Although wild, iguanas are very docile and allow visitors
to get up close to touch them and for photos. The farm is also home to a small
marine park, toucans and other local animals.
A stop will be made at one of the
highest points on the eastern end of the island for stunning views over the
hills covered with lush vegetation and the sea with its many shades of blue. On
a clear day, you can see to the west end of the island.
Continue further east along the island
through an area that has escaped the developer's sites, so far. Here you will
be introduced to the Garifuna. These island people are a blend of shipwrecked
Africans, Carib Indians, and some Europeans. They reside predominately in the
southern towns such as Punta Gorda.
After a drive through the Garifuna
village, a stop will be made at nearby YUBU, a Zulu-inspired theme village that
serves as a living museum, an employer for some of the Garifuna people, and
which also donates some of it's
profits to the nearby community.
Here, you will learn from the
descendants of the original Garifuna about their history, journey and arrival
in Honduras. You will experience their music, an important part of their
traditions and culture, through song and dance styles. You will also have the opportunity to see authentic Garifuna artisans from
the nearby village practicing their crafts, including jewelry design, carving,
basket creations, baking cassava bread, and others. After your visit, you will
return to the cruise pier.