Top Things to do in Bay Islands
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The 6 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Bay Islands, Bay Islands
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly island vacation, consider the Bay Islands. Each one appeals to different travelers—Roatan’s the most developed (but still not as built-up as, say, St. Thomas), Guanaia’s rustic and Utila’s in between. All three have great dive spots and beaches.
Restaurants in Bay Islands
1. Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 134 reviews
Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum is OPEN for PRIVATE TOURS only please contact to book in advance. Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum is home to Roatan's most exotic tropical gardens and some amazing hiking trails. Featuring the only commercial hydroponic lettuce farm in the Caribbean, exotic tropical fruit trees, large orchid collection, heliconia gardens and a conservatory with an indoor waterfall surrounded by lush tropical plants. Enjoy our pond with several varieties of aquatic birds. Breathe deep and take in nature at Roatan's tropical Eden covering over 150 acres.
Reviewed By philsF8767CV - Narragansett, United States
We chose to take a guided tour of the lettuce farm and conservatory, and a guided hike. It was a great way to spend an afternoon away from the crowds. The conservatory was beautiful and well-kept with many native plantings. The hydroponic farm was very impressive in its size and our guides Dean and Josiany were very knowledgeable. There were great island views from numerous spots along the somewhat strenuous hike - good shoes and water are a must, but you can rest as needed and enjoy the views. The tours and hike took about 3 hours, but there was one section of the trail we couldn't do because of recent rain. We will probably go back again for both the hike and the gardens in a couple years.
2. Little French Key
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,807 reviews
Welcome to our Private Island Retreat......Best Moments....Both eco friendly and mystical, this place is built with kindness to the environment and people in mind, Little French Key is where you get back to your essence. Roatan is an uncommon place to rejuvenate physically, mentally and spiritually. .Join us for some of the best moments of your life.....
Reviewed By Paul_in_real_life - Midland, United States
Cruising on the NCL Roatan was our 3rd stop out of 4 on a 7 day cruise. Right from the very beginning the people from Little French Key (LFK) were extremely helpful and informative. Straight from the dock, they got us into a comfortable van for the 30 min drive and got us underway. We were greeted by smiling faces and check in was a breeze. We did go ahead and prebook the VIP (horse riding, swimming w miniature pigs, snorkle tour, plenty of drink tickets, an impressive lunch, massages, and VIP seating) our group was given a short tour of LFK before Harlon (our personal guide) pulled us aside and escorted us to our private seating. He made sure we got everywhere we needed to be in a timely manner and took care of our every need! We enjoyed LFK so much we are planning a long weekend back in the very near future. Do yourself a favor go, get the VIP, and ask for Harlon. You'll thank me later.
3. Iguana Research & Breeding Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Worldwide, the Utila Iguana "Swamper" is only found in the mangrove swamps of Utila, Honduras, an area less than 10km². This fascinating animal is endangered due to threats from unsustainable development of the mangroves and beaches, over-hunting and by increasing pollution. The Iguana Station's efforts are focused upon understanding the natural history of the Swamper by carrying out scientific research. A breeding program supports the population in the mangroves: more than 200 hatchlings have been bred and released every year since the project started. We also have an environmental education program in the schools of Utila and support a programme of sustainable development and tourism. Much of our work here in Utila is undertaken by volunteers from all over the world who have joined our Volunteering Program. Contact us for more information about volunteering opportunities. Visitors to the station are given a full tour, with explanations about the habits of this endangered species, as well as getting an overview of general Utilian wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see the Swamper at different ages, as well as the Highlander and Green Iguanas. We also offer three amazing tours of Utila island (minimum of 2 people): 1) the Pumpkin Hill Tour - hiking to the highest point for the most beautiful view on the island; 2) the Rock Harbour Kayaking Tour - kayaking through the mangrove ecosystem to see Utilian wildlife, birds and iguanas; 3) the Water Cave Tour - an underground tour to fresh water to go bat watching! Contact us for more information or to arrange.
Reviewed By paulaB959ZA
Wow, wow ,wow, i have undertaken many volunteer programs and this was amongst my top 3. We became family and we were treated as such and our knowledge and experience was shared to help improve some areas. We learnt so much about the breeding program, and the breeding habits and importance of saving endangered species while educating people.
4. Mayan Eden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
*Animal encounter! Experience the joy of interacting with free monkeys and Ara macaws! Meet first-hand the Kinkajou, coati, ruatan agouti (unique in the island), toucans, spider monkeys and more! *Loving butterflies and hummingbirds? You can´t miss our Sanctuary! One of the biggest butterflies’ house in Honduras, where we reproduce different species of butterflies native and non-native of the island. Discover the butterflies complex stages; immortalize their beauty as unbelievably gorgeous photos. Take stunning slow-motion emerald hummingbird flying videos, or be impressed by the beauty of our garden! *Expecting more emotions? Try our hanging bridge path or enjoy our 2.5 Km Zip-line at ~ 45 to 50 Km/h (31 m/h)! Our guides will ensure you get the video for your social media profile. Feel the air, impress yourself with a remarkable panoramic view and enjoy every second! *Want some impressive mysteries? Explore the forest and encounter mayan mysteries in our Large Hiking!
Reviewed By meow2wv - Inwood, United States
We chose Mayan Eden after researching sanctuaries that included sloths. Based on great reviews, we grabbed a cab in port from our cruise ship. The driver, spoke limited English, but was very nice and stayed until we finished. Our tour guide was great! Very friendly and knowledable. We explored the butterflies first, followed by the sloths. As I used a cane and the terrain was uphill and uneven, they brought a sloth to me. What a sweet, beautiful creature! We returned to the main park and enjoyed fun encounters with the colorful macaws and clever, hilarious monkeys. We had a blast! The animals are not caged, healthy and very people friendly. Awesome way to spend quality time in Roatan.
5. Arch's Iguana & Marine Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 599 reviews
Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park, is a family owned and operated Eco - Tour company that has been in operation since June of 1980. We strive to protect the wildlife and marine eco system of the island of Roatan. Come and join us for an iguana encounter, a snorkel excursion, or a full customizable island tour for your pleasure and enjoyment.
Reviewed By KtheRunner - Ormond Beach, United States
This place is so much fun! The iguanas are hysterical. They LOVE to eat leaves so much that it's like a feeding frenzy when you have one. Our guide was super patient and helpful (what can I say, I really like feeding iguanas leaves). Plus, there are also huge tarpon, bonefish, jacks, and snapper that our guide threw out some pieces of fish to. The owner was talked to us, sharing his passion for all the animals. I highly recommend this unique destination.
6. Butterfly Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By GlenFLA - Quepos, Costa Rica
This tour took our cruise passengers a short ride away to the gardens, where Michael and Carol “sunshine” explained how Honduras had been discovered around 1500 by Christopher Columbus. We got to meet Scarlet McCaws, very friendly and willing to be photographed with visitors. An array of island monkeys, and a cultural show by the Garafu Indians. So very enjoyable, on the water, with food and beverages available for purchase. I enjoyed our guides very much and found this destination to be a great value for the admission price. Tips are appreciated and well deserved.
