Panorama Mahogany Bay, Roatan

Day 271 – November 28th, 2014.

We arrived in Roatan under dark skies and some light rain however it did brighten up as the day progressed.

Arriving in Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras

There is what looks like a new dock where two ships can stay without having to tender in, and you can walk off the ship and into the area where the normal tourist shops are, but not before passing through the duty-free store which you have to walk through on your way back to board.

Duty free shops are the first you walk through

This open spaced shopping area is very clean and as we are the only ship in not crowded, somehow I get the feeling that this place only opens up when the cruise ships are visiting, you can also get your passport stamped for a donation here, just remember to take it off with you.

Mahogany Bay where the ships dock

At the end of the walk through shop area you come out to where the taxis are waiting. Here’s the thing, they have a set fee for the trips or distance so no point in trying to haggle as they don’t budge, even if you walk a bit further down the car park, it’s the same thing just a different bunch of operators.

They are not cheap and pretty much have you trapped. We wanted to go to Gumbalimba park and the price was almost as much as the ships tours and after searching for a good deal we decided to take a taxi to Mayan Eden which is a place where you can see animals and they offer zip line rides as well. The taxi cost $20 per person and the driver waits for you.

Taxi to the Mayan Eden park

Just outside the port area which is under guard are some other taxi drivers that will probably offer a cheaper deal, but I’m not sure.

Images from the taxi ride in Coxon Hole Roatan

The drive was about 20 minutes to Coxon Hole which is the village and we passed some run down places before turning off the main road and then headed up to the Mayan Eden Eco park. The rough natural roads were quite messed up from recent rains.

Some very poor parts on the way to the Mayan Eden park

“Mayan Eden Eco Park”

At the end of the road we came to Mayan Eden. The entrance fee here $10 if you just want to do the Eden animal park or $40 per person and includes the zip line, ($30 zip line) which is pretty good value as the zip line that you see opposite the taxis back at the port costs $70 per person. I guess if that’s all you want to do before getting back on the ship then go for it, it looks good.

Mayan Eden at Mahogany Bay in Roatan

Mayan Eden is a small animal park, not sure if park is really the right title but anyway, maybe mini zoo. And as for Mayan, there are some statues scattered around but they are not real, I found out from our guide. The entrance includes a guide who walks around with you telling you about the animals.

“Macaws on my shoulders”

Jonh & a Macaw

First up we spotted a couple of Macaw’s that were roaming free, yes they are free but have been looked after by the locals here and so stay for the food and attention. In other words they are human tame and will not fly away.

This one was quite friendly and not camera-shy as you can see.

Moni & a Macaw

“Toucan Toucan Toucan”

A huge dream for us was to see the Toucan in real life and as the Toucan is native to the area we had hoped to get the chance. We were not disappointed, here they were, albeit in a cage but still here.

The awesome thing was, that we could actually go in to the cage WOW. We couldn’t get any closer if we tried and these wonderful birds went about their business keeping an eye on us for sure, at times they got a little spooked and so we didn’t linger to long to upset them, needless to say it was awesome.

unforgettable moments with the Toucans

Toucan synchronicity in Honduras

There were other birds and animals that we could get close to and even hold as we walked around with our guide.

Various animals at Mayan Eden park

The biggest attraction here at Mayan Eden is the butterfly enclosure according to our guide, for us it was the birds.

butterflies at the Mayan Eden park Roatan

“Hummingbird cleaning”

Humingbird cleaning

“Zip line adventure at Mayan Eden park”

We had decided that we would do the Zip line in Belize, however as we missed Belize, due to bad weather it was an added bonus that at the Mayan Eden Eco park they also have zip lines.

Zip line at Mayan Eden park in Roatan

We did 8 zip lines all up and it took about 45 minutes, a couple of long ones and the rest slightly smaller, but all up a great fun ride, and for a relatively good price as well.

From Mayan Eden Coxon Hole to the dock

Our taxi driver had stayed the entire time at the park with some other drivers talking and then he drove us back to the ship. I guess that’s why you pay more as the driver waits for you. He dropped us off at the entrance to the cruise terminal and we then walked back through the shopping area to the ship.

Taxi drop off Mahogany Bay, Roatan

As soon as the ship was ready to leave, the whole area was already locked up and the locals counting their cash or gone home… Not one was there to see us off.

Departing Mahogany Bay

We enjoyed our visit to Mahogany Bay, Roatan and I expect that on a sunny day with blue skies it would make the beaches and surrounding areas look fabulous, turning the water into a crystal blue colour, we will save that thought for next time.

Panorama Roatan in Honduras

Back on board we scrubbed up ready for dinner in the Black Pearl, again at Nenad’s area.

Dinner in the Black Pearl

Dinner was actually very nice tonight and we enjoyed it lots even though we had a couple of the same dishes as last week. I wonder what towel animal we have tonight.

Towel art

What do you think it is? Let us know in the comments below.