Royal Caribbean passengers touring to Roatán are in for a shock, because the nation of Honduras just lately issued stricter steering a few common shore tour.
Roatán welcomed 1.7 million cruise passengers in 2024, making it essentially the most visited cruise vacation spot in Central America final 12 months. The island is known for a number of issues, together with diving and snorkeling, lovely seashores, and animal sanctuaries.
Many cruisers like to go to wildlife rescues whereas in Honduras, together with Victor’s Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary, AJ’s Monkeys and Sloths, and Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout. Previously, these sanctuaries have been greater than a zoo, with interactive alternatives to carry animals like sloths, capuchin monkeys, and macaws.
Not too long ago, nonetheless, Honduras has cracked down on such actions, implementing laws on animal encounters aimed to stop the “over manipulation of wildlife,” together with, “carrying and holding animals for exhibition and taking pictures.”
Firms that fail to adjust to the brand new restrictions and guidelines face intervention by the FTIA (inter-institutional job drive towards environmental crime), in addition to administrative sanctions.
Cruise passengers with excursions booked by Bodden Excursions have been despatched an alert informing them that the favored animal encounters would now not be obtainable, efficient instantly.
“As of March 1, 2025, the Honduran authorities, by the Wildlife Division of the Nationwide Institute for Forest Conservation and Growth, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF), carried out laws, which intensified efforts to guard endangered and weak species,” the discover reads.
“These new laws straight affect our operations at Victor’s Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary…At the moment, we’re unable to supply ANY Sloth-Hugs as of March 14, as we’ve been knowledgeable by authorities that TODAY is the [last day] for these interactions.”
Whereas guests can now not hug sloths, the sanctuary assures that company can nonetheless go to the animals and observe them in a hands-off method.
“You’ll nonetheless be capable to enter the animal’s habitats for up-close viewing, images and selfies, however touching or disturbing the sloths won’t be permitted. Which means that we are able to now not provide fuzzy sloth hugs.”
tjcruisers posted on a Royal Caribbean Weblog dialogue discussion board that some interactions had been paused earlier than Bodden Excursions’ replace was despatched out:
“We docked at [Roatán] a number of days in the past and had that tour booked. Undoubtedly right, couldn’t maintain the sloths however we’re in a position to be close to them. Earlier than occurring the tour, the tour firm made certain we have been conscious and made us log off that that they advised us.”
One other common wildlife rescue, AJ’s Monkeys and Sloths, claims that they are going to enable company to carry sloths a bit of bit longer. Nevertheless, the encounters will not be supplied after Might.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Roatán, Honduras cruise port
“It is a bummer as a vacationer. However I acknowledge it is for the higher”
Many appear to know the necessity for stricter laws.
“Truthfully if these parks and excursions are resulting in animal mistreatment and trafficking I am 100% on board. Ban them, and prosecute the parks. We have achieved this stuff earlier than although, they usually all declare to be rescue and/or rehab facilities,” shared emarkd on a Reddit thread.
“I did some zip strains with cash & sloth on the finish whereas in Roatan. It was enjoyable and I’m glad I bought to do it final August, however I’m additionally glad they’re doing one thing to manage it,” added TXJKU4ME.
Others, nonetheless, expressed their disappointment over the modifications and wished firms can be extra upfront concerning the scenario.
“Whaaaat….. we’ve an tour booked at Daniel Johnson’s developing right here in a number of months, does that imply that is a no-go now?” requested Callec254.
A number of-Eagle4141 mentioned, “I’ll admit I’m unhappy. I had a superb time with my younger son at one among these.”
Tom Wrenn went one step additional, calling out Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout on Fb for not answering questions concerning the encounters.
“They will not reply the questions you all hold asking about holding the sloths,” he commented on a publish concerning the web site’s technical difficulties.
Roatán gives different excursions
In case you are nervous about paying for an animal encounter and being restricted to simply viewing them, don’t fear: there are many different memorable experiences on the island.
From zip-lining by lush forests to exploring the underwater world whereas snorkeling, wild ATV excursions, and stress-free all-inclusive seaside breaks, Roatán, Honduras, gives a various vary of actions.
Don’t let the brand new laws discourage you from discovering one other tour and profiting from your time in port! The island is gorgeous and should not be missed simply because wildlife encounters are restricted.
