Roatan Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary and Snorkel Tour Review
This is the tour for animal lovers who also want to get in the water. You'll visit Daniel Johnson's famous Monkey and Sloth Hangout — where you can hold a sloth and have capuchin monkeys climb onto you — then boat out to snorkel the world's second-largest coral reef. It's a 4.4-star combo (136 reviews) that mixes wildlife, a chocolate-and-rum stop, and reef snorkeling. Here's the full review. (Still deciding? Browse Roatan Honduras excursions on our homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Sanctuary + reef snorkel
Optional audio guide available
Cruise terminal & hotel
136 verified reviews
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for Daniel Johnson's sanctuary and snorkel tour — book directly with GetYourGuide, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Why Book the Sanctuary & Snorkel Combo
Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout is one of Roatan's most loved attractions — a small, family-run sanctuary where the animals are used to people and the encounters are genuinely close. Pairing it with a reef snorkel means you cover Roatan's two signatures, wildlife and the coral reef, in a single guided day.
Run by Roatan Anderson Tours, the day includes pickup, a bilingual guide, all entrance fees and gear. Guides like Fordie, William and Ron are named again and again for turning it into a personal, unhurried experience. It's the most well-rounded of the wildlife Roatan Honduras excursions we cover.
Inside Daniel Johnson's Sanctuary & the Reef
What You'll See and Do
A full day of animals and reef:
- Sloths you can often hold, plus capuchin monkeys, macaws and parrots
- A hilltop viewpoint with 360-degree photo stops
- The Roatan chocolate and rum factory, with free samples
- A boat out to the coral reef for snorkeling
- Colorful reef fish, coral gardens and the occasional ray or turtle
The sanctuary is hands-on — sloths, monkeys and birds come right up to guests — and the snorkel is off a boat at the reef near West Bay, where the water is warm and clear.
What's Included
A guided combo with gear and extras:
- Cruise-terminal and hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bilingual guide and all entrance fees
- Snorkel gear, beach towels and a beach pass
- Food and drinks
- Chocolate and rum factory samples
Not included
Gratuities are appreciated but optional, along with personal expenses. The tour is generally accessible, but isn't ideal for travelers with serious mobility impairments who can't manage the boat for snorkeling. Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen.
How the Day Flows
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0:00
Pickup
Meet your guide at the cruise terminal or hotel — give your ship's name so they find you fast.
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0:30
Daniel Johnson's sanctuary
Hold a sloth and meet capuchin monkeys, macaws and parrots on a guided walk.
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1:30
Viewpoint & chocolate stop
Stop for 360-degree photos and free samples at the chocolate and rum factory.
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2:30
Reef snorkel
Boat out from the beach club to snorkel the coral reef, with gear provided.
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4:00
Back to the ship
Return to the cruise terminal on time, with a buffer before all-aboard.
Important Things to Know
A few tips before you book:
- Add your ship's name when booking — the operator asks for it to time pickup
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes
- The snorkel is from a boat — let the guide know if you're a nervous swimmer
- Bring small US dollars for tips and any extra samples
- Sloth-handling rules vary by day and animal welfare — follow the guide
The tour is comfortable for most ages and is wheelchair-accessible at the sanctuary, but the reef snorkel involves a short boat ride and swimming, so plan accordingly.
Where It Happens
Who This Tour Is (and Isn't) For
Best for animal lovers, families and anyone who wants both wildlife and reef snorkeling in one day. Less ideal for:
- Thrill seekers after zip lines or ATVs (choose an adventure tour)
- Non-swimmers who'd skip the reef snorkel entirely
- Travelers with serious mobility limits who can't board the snorkel boat
Roatan Sanctuary & Snorkel FAQ
Can you hold a sloth at Daniel Johnson's?
Usually, yes. Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout is known for close, hands-on encounters, and guests often get to hold a sloth and have capuchin monkeys climb onto them. Handling depends on the day and the animals' welfare, so follow your guide's instructions.
Is the snorkeling good on this tour?
Yes. You boat out to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the world's second-largest coral reef — near West Bay, where the water is warm and clear with colorful reef fish, coral gardens and sometimes rays or turtles. Snorkel gear is included.
How much does the tour cost?
About $65 per person, with reserve-now-pay-later and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. It includes pickup, the sanctuary, the chocolate-and-rum stop, snorkel gear, a beach pass, food and drinks.
Is it suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes — it includes cruise-terminal pickup and drop-off and a back-to-ship return timed around your ship. Give your ship's name when booking so the guide meets you at the correct gate.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The sanctuary portion is wheelchair-accessible and an optional audio guide is available. The reef snorkel involves a short boat ride and swimming, so let the operator know your needs in advance.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a change of clothes, a camera and small US dollar bills for tips and extras. Beach towels and a beach pass are provided.
What Visitors Say
Honestly one of the best experiences we had on the island. Our guide Fifty didn't just show us the usual tourist stuff — he took us to hidden spots and always had a story about the island and its history. Super helpful the whole time, no stress, and the car was spotless. Would 100% book again.
Lucas took care of us as if we were family. The sanctuary was clean, safe and welcoming, and the snorkel was life-changing — so much colorful sea life the second you enter the water. He filled the short drives with local information. A perfect day.
I can't say enough about Fordie, our guide. We thought it was a group excursion but got a private, personalized experience. He shared so much about the islands and even fit in a few extra stops. Beyond friendly and professional — book it, you'll be glad you did.