The Trekking Pawns' Diary

  After our unforgettable time at Manawakie Eco Park , we still had a few hours before needing to board the ship. So we decided to explore a bit more around the Roatán cruise port—and what we discovered was a study in contrast. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  🛍️ First Stop: The Cruise Terminal Bubble As we stepped off the ship and walked through the tourist zone , everything was polished and predictable. The shops? All the same ones we’d seen at other cruise stops: International Diamond and Watch stores Generic souvenir shops Branded clothing and overpriced trinkets Restaurants that felt more American than Honduran There’s even a pool and wading area , which looked inviting, but the weather was still chilly from the earlier storm. Not too many people were out, giving the area an oddly empty vibe. We found ourselv...

  After our stops at the chocolate and rum factories, our Roatán tour continued with a visit to West End —a charming, vibrant part of the island that had us dreaming of better weather. Even in the midst of a tropical storm , we could see the potential of this gorgeous spot. Palm trees swayed dramatically in the wind, the boats bobbed in the rough Caribbean waters, and though the skies were gray, the energy of the area was unmistakable. We couldn’t help but imagine how incredible it would’ve been on a sunny day—especially if our much-anticipated  submarine tour  had gone as planned. We were so excited to explore under the sea, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Still, the West End gave us a taste of what this island is all about. 🌊 About Roatán Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras , located about 65 kilometers off the northern coast of the mainland. Roughly 59 kilometers long and less than 8 kilometers wide , Roatán is nestled between the islands of U...

After our sweet detour to the Roatan Chocolate Factory, our next stop on this rainy island day was the Roatan Rum Company —a well-known tourist favorite perched on the hillside above West Bay. We don’t drink, but the experience was still enjoyable thanks to the rum-infused baked goods and the free taste testing that greeted us upon arrival. From rum cakes to cookies and sauces, there was an impressive array of flavors to try—many of which surprised us with their richness and creativity. Our favorites were definitely the rum-soaked pastries , perfect for nibbling while waiting out the rain. 🥃 About the Roatan Rum Company Founded to highlight the island’s love for handcrafted goods, the Roatan Rum Company offers small-batch rum and a line of gourmet rum cakes and sauces made right on the island. While their spiced and flavored rums (like coconut, mango, and cinnamon) are a big draw for visitors, it’s the free tasting experience —of both food and drink—that steals the show. You can...

Our stop in Roatán, the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands, was one we eagerly anticipated—especially with a submarine excursion booked through GetYourGuide .  (Booking on Getyourguide was cheaper than cruise excursion and we had plenty of hours on the Island so we were not worried about time.)  Known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Roatán is a gem in the Caribbean. Despite the looming tropical storm, we remained hopeful for clear skies and packed our swim gear, ready for underwater exploration. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  🚢 Arrival and Unexpected Changes Upon docking, gray skies greeted us, and the atmosphere was subdued. Navigating through the tourist dock, we noticed signs indicating cancellations of various activities due to the storm's aftermath. Following directions ...

Our upcoming cruise adventure has us dreaming about all the incredible activities we can pack into our day at Roatan, Honduras. One thing we know for sure: we want to zipline through the lush jungle canopies of this gorgeous island. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  From our past cruise experience, we’ve learned that as soon as you step off the ship, you’re met with a flurry of vendors eager to book you on an excursion. While these offers can be tempting, we like to do our homework in advance to ensure we’re making the most of our precious time in port. Photo: GoogleMaps Our Plan for Roatan After our glass-bottom boat tour , which we booked through GetYourGuide , we’re hoping to squeeze in a ziplining adventure before heading back to the ship. Luckily, we found two incredible options that are both close to the cruise terminal and promise...