Monkey and Sloth Hangout in Roatán, Honduras, is one of the most popular things to do on the island, and after visiting twice, I can see why. Cruisers love getting up close with sloths, monkeys, and parrots, and the guides keep it lighthearted and interactive.
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We first visited several years ago on the Norwegian Getaway. It rained most of the day, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the Hangout and snorkeling afterward. On our most recent cruise, once again on the Getaway, we decided to return, this time booking a combo tour that included the Hangout, snorkeling, and beach time at Brady’s Cay.
To our surprise, the Hangout has since moved to a larger property with more space and better enclosures. It still has that same friendly, laid-back vibe, but with clear improvements for both the animals and guests.
Getting to the Monkey and Sloth Hangout
Our Norwegian Getaway cruise docked at Coxen Hole Cruise Port, which is where Norwegian Cruise Line ships always dock in Roatán. The other cruise port on the island is Mahogany Bay, where ships from other cruise lines typically arrive. When booking a tour with transportation included, confirm that pickup is available from your cruise terminal, since the island has two separate ports.
We booked a private tour through Viator, and it turned out to be a great. After navigating our way out of Coxen Hole cruise terminal, we followed our tour operator’s instructions and found their sign just outside the exit. Once we checked in, they connected us with a local taxi driver who accompanied us for the day and made sure we made it to every stop on our itinerary.
When we visited, there was ongoing street construction near the port, which slowed things down a bit. If you’re booking a combo tour like ours that includes multiple activities, try to get off the ship early so you don’t lose valuable time waiting in traffic.
The Hangout Experience
It had been several years since our first visit to the Monkey and Sloth Hangout, back when it was still located behind Daniel Johnson’s family home. The setup then was simple and personal, with small groups, close interactions, and the original troop of monkeys that helped make the place so well known.
Today, the animal sanctuary has its own dedicated property, and the difference is immediately apparent. The space is larger, the layout is more organized, and the new enclosures provide the animals with significantly more room. The sloths now have tall trees to relax in, and the monkeys have larger spaces to climb and play.
The team here clearly shows a genuine care for the animals. The handlers know each one by name and talk about them like old friends, sharing their quirks and habits. You can tell there’s a real bond between them, which makes the experience feel special even as the crowds have grown.
When we arrived, we learned that the playful crew we had met years ago —the white-faced capuchin monkeys —had retired from guest interactions. They still live at the sanctuary, spending their days in their own enclosures, well cared for and clearly enjoying a slower pace of life. These days, visitors are greeted by their babies, who are just as lively and curious. Guests enter the enclosure with the handlers, and with a little encouragement or if something shiny catches their attention, the monkeys will leap right onto you. They’re playful but well-supervised, and the staff makes sure everyone, including the monkeys, stays safe.
During our visit, guests were still allowed to hold a sloth for a short photo opportunity. I chose not to this time (I still have photos from last time), not out of fear or concern, but simply because I didn’t feel the need to. I had done it before, and it felt right to observe them instead. Since then, new wildlife regulations in Honduras have made direct handling of sloths no longer permitted. It’s a positive change. Watching them quietly hanging out in their trees felt more natural and calm anyway.
You also get to step inside the parrot enclosure, which is always entertaining. If you’re lucky—or unlucky, depending on how you see it—one might decide to land right on your head. They’re loud, curious, and clearly used to being the stars of the show.
Tour Ideas
Monkey & Sloths Sanctuary Snorkel Adventure [book here]
Roatan Drift Snorkel and Monkey/Sloth Sanctuary Tour [book here]
Roatan Private Excursion Monkey & Sloth, City Tour & Beach Break [book here]
Snorkeling Near Brady’s Cay and Beach Time
You could simply visit The Hangout and call it a day, but it doesn’t take up your entire time in port. If you’re spending the day in Roatán, it’s worth combining it with something else—an island tour, snorkeling, or some beach time.
The last time we snorkeled here, it poured rain, but it was still some of the best snorkeling we’ve ever done. This time, my husband wanted to snorkel again, and I had my eye on Brady’s Cay, so we decided to do both.
After we finished at The Hangout, our driver waited for us and then took us to a nearby dock where we boarded a small boat to go snorkeling with another group. I wasn’t feeling great that day, so I stayed on the boat while my husband snorkeled. The group spent about half an hour exploring the reef right behind Brady’s Cay and Little French Key, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. The water was clear, with vibrant coral and an abundance of tropical fish.
After snorkeling, the same boat dropped us off at Brady’s Cay, where we spent the next couple of hours enjoying the beach. We ordered lunch and drinks, swam, and relaxed in the beach chairs. It’s a beautiful spot with calm water and a laid-back vibe, and honestly, it’s worth booking for the day if you’re looking for an easy beach escape in Roatán.
Was it a lot to fit into a five-hour port day? Absolutely. But we still enjoyed every bit of it. Next time, we’ll probably stick to snorkeling and Brady’s Cay, since those two pair perfectly for a relaxed Roatán day.
When it was time to wrap up, we hopped back on the boat to shore, where our driver was waiting for us. Before we headed to Brady’s Cay, she had told us exactly what time we should plan to leave, so we’d get back to the ship without stress. Sure enough, she was right there when we returned and drove us back to Coxen Hole Cruise Port with time to spare before all-aboard. Everything ran smoothly, which is precisely why I prefer to have transportation arranged in advance.
Read more: Independent Shore Excursion Booking Tips
What to Know Before You Visit
1. Plan your timing and pair it with something else
The Hangout itself doesn’t take all day, so it’s easy to combine it with another activity like snorkeling, a beach visit, or an island tour. If your tour includes multiple stops, consider getting off the ship early to make the most of your day.
2. Confirm pickup from your cruise terminal
Roatán has two cruise ports—Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay—and not all tours pick up from both. Double-check that your transportation includes pickup from your terminal before booking, especially if you’re cruising with a line other than Norwegian.
3. You can visit on your own
If you’d rather skip an organized tour, you can hire a local taxi outside the cruise port and pay the entrance fee directly at the Hangout. Admission is currently $12 per person (subject to change)
That said, I personally prefer to have everything booked in advance with reliable transportation. It saves time, avoids the stress of negotiating taxi prices, and guarantees you’ll make it back to the ship on time. Roatán traffic near the port can get unpredictable, especially with ongoing construction.
4. Bring the essentials
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a beach towel, swimsuit, and cash for tips or snacks. If you have your own snorkel gear, bring it along—you can use it during the reef stop or right off the beach at Brady’s Cay. Water shoes are also helpful for rocky or uneven entries.
5. Respect the animals and the staff
Follow the handlers’ instructions—they know the animals well and genuinely care for them. Sloths are no longer handled under the new Honduran wildlife regulations, but you’ll still get to see them up close and take plenty of photos.
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
