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...

Our last stop on the island of Roatán was one we’ll never forget: Manawakie Eco Park . Nestled inland, surrounded by tropical flora and rustic scenery, this hidden gem gave us an unforgettable, up-close-and-personal experience with some of Honduras’ most beloved animal residents. 🐾 Where else can you say you held a sloth, had a monkey crawl on your shoulder, and let a macaw perch on your head — all in one day? 🚗 The Journey to Manawakie As we made our way to the park, the skies began to clear—finally, some sunshine! The further inland we drove, the more of local Roatán life we got to witness. Fruit trees lined the roads, children played in front of homes, and we found ourselves bouncing along dirt roads that meandered through vibrant greenery. It was a peaceful contrast to the touristy cruise dock areas and gave us a real glimpse of how islanders live. (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...

  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 visit to the Tulum Mayan Ruins was a sunny highlight of our NCL cruise stop in Cozumel, Mexico. After much debate about snorkeling, beach time, or diving into local culture, we chose a shore excursion to the historic ruins of Tulum , and we’re glad we did. While the snorkeling and beaches were tempting, the allure of ancient history won out this time! 🚌 Getting There: Cruise Convenience Meets Local Charm We boarded the early ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen , coordinated through our cruise line. From there, a smooth and comfortable bus ride whisked us to Tulum. Our local guide was full of fascinating insights about the Mayan people , their traditions, and how life might have been before Spanish colonization. We learned that Tulum was once a walled trading port city known as Zama (meaning “City of Dawn”), named for its beautiful sunrises. It was one of the last cities inhabited and built by the Maya, and its cliffside location overlooking the Caribbean Sea made it both ...

Cozumel was a tough call for us. With so many tempting options — snorkeling, beach lounging, or a historic journey to the Tulum Mayan Ruins — we debated our choices right up to the night before. (The activity that we really wanted to do was the Atlantis Submarine !)  Between Cozumel itself and the easy ferry access to Playa del Carmen on the mainland, this area felt like a destination in its own right. If we ever plan a trip off a cruise, this region is high on our list for a proper return visit. Since we had beach and snorkeling excursions planned at other stops, we decided to seize the opportunity and visit the famous Tulum ruins through a cruise ship-organized shore excursion. Yes, we knew it would be more cost-effective to go independently using local vendors or platforms like GetYourGuide. But with only 8 hours of dock time, we didn’t want to risk missing the ship. Too many unknowns = too much stress. And, as we learned, there were definitely some perks to booking throu...