Private East End and Garifuna

Garifuna & East End Roatan Private Shore Excursion with Iguana Farm & YUBU
Excursion Highlights:
  • Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing history of Garifuna on the unforgettable Private East End and Garifuna tour.
  • Journey through Roatan Island's vivid past, from Indian tribes to marauding pirates, and explore untouched eastern landscapes.
  • Get up-close with friendly iguanas at the Iguana Farm, a sanctuary home to over 2,700 rescued reptiles.
  • Enjoy the sea's stunning blue hues from one of the highest points on the island.
  • Visit YUBU, a living museum, where Garifuna artisans showcase their traditional crafts, adding an authentic touch to your cruise vacation.
From $51.00/person to $74.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
Children (Ages 3 and under) are free.
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Cultural, Active
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.

Private East End and Garifuna

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.