Roatan beaches and parks immerse travelers into nature’s diversity, with jungles and crystal clear beaches. Roatan lies 65 miles of Honduras as the largest of Bay Islands in the western Caribbean. This lush, small island is 77 km long and less than a km wide. When driving on its main road, there’s omnipresent panoramic views of the ocean on both sides. Overall, I enjoyed 3 days there exploring its popular Gumbalimba Park, Carambola Gardens and the West Bay’s turquoise beaches and coral reefs.
Roatan Beaches and Parks – Gumbalimba Reserve
Gumbalimba Park is a privately owned ecoadventure with free-roaming wildlife and lush, diverse gardens.  It’s named after the Gumbo Limbo Tree, from which the bark is used medicinally for high blood pressure. My friend and I got a guide to narrate our nature walk, learning the names of the indigenous plants and animals. We touched, smelled and tasted a variety of foods in their natural habitat. For example, I smelled lemon, coffee and cinnamon leaves, plus, cracked open and tasted almonds. We saw a sloth hanging from a branch high up in a treetop and green iguanas.
Also, unique to Roatan, we observed a black Spiny-tailed iguana, motionless, up in a tree. This species only exists on Roatan Island.
There also was an area where we held and interacted with free roaming white capuchin monkeys and scarlet macaws, while screaming above are zipliners whizzing by. There is also an insectarium to learn about insects and a beach to swim. Overall, there is something for everyone to enjoy for a full day in this natural sanctuary.
Carambola Gardens and Nature Trails
Carambola Botanical Garden is a lush, 40-acre sanctuary, providing eco-friendly tours. There are numerous nature trails winding through the botanical paradise, including one that goes to the top Car Mountain giving a panoramic view of the island.  In comparison to the zenith of summer, in winter, I missed out on their colorful orchids this park is known for in the summer.  Because this park identifies many of the plants and trees with label, being there is educational. I saw cashew trees, the iconic Honduran Mahogany Trees, Cassava (tapioca), Noni, Soursop, Red Ginger, Rubber Tree and Mombin Plumb. Also, I observed an Iguana Breeding Wall area, with no iguanas.
Roatan Beaches and Parks – West Bay Beaches and Mesoamerican Coral Reef
West Bay is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and Central America. Overall, its white sandy beach spreads along one mile of the coastline with beautiful turquoise waters.   Here, also, visitors can swim with a diving platform and snorkel in crystal clear waters. The coral reef is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world with extraordinary marine biodiversity. Â
I spent a couple days in a private area, spending $10 for a chair under a palm tree. Here, I savored Mojitos, grilled chicken, coconut rice and plantains with the tropical breeze. Also, I walked along the beach to check it all out. It’s a nice area now, because it is not yet overwrought with tourists. There’s still a humble charm, yet enough development for good restaurants and bars. Overall, I found my days there very rejuvenating and difficult to leave.
This small paradise island provides a tranquil balance of beautiful beaches, lush tropical landscapes with diverse wildlife. It’s up and coming, so I have a sad feeling that soon the development will become too much for this small island to sustain its charm. However, I am so grateful for connecting with its natural beauty and learned so much from its pristine environment.
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