#1TravelMom

Not sure how you ended up with choosing between 2 ships that couldn't be more different- perhaps ports?  While I don't write off Carnival completely, it would not be my choice for this itinerary.    We just wouldn't be and our cabin enough to make that a deciding factor.

Do not miss this excursion! This is definitely an excursion to muster all your inner courage.   But, I can't imagine that you wouldn't be thrilled that you did it afterwards. I never thought we would climb to the top of a Mayan Pyramid.  So many of them are being roped off and you cannot even climb one step.  The cenotes are also just incredible. We are not getting any younger, so I knew we just needed to do it.   What an amazing memory!!!

We have also been there with Rony. My youngest daughter just loved it.

Totally agree with lifes-a-beach.  We always tip 20% for great service but have also tipped much more for various reasons.   Rony does a lot works with kids in his community.  He is very involved in the soccer program. So, we like to give him a little action for that.   We had a driver in Belize who was super nice.  It was close to Christmas. We asked him what his children wanted. He said neither of them have ever had sneakers and he was trying to save up to surprise them.   We were appy to give him extra.

West Bay has incredible snorkeling. It is perfect for beginners and advanced snorkelers. We have been snorkeling for more than 30 years and it is one of our favorite places. So easy to just walk right in from the beach. I would not pay for an additional boat tour.   We've seen an incredible amount of sea life there including the most colorful, gigantic parrot fish we have ever seen.

 The last few times we have been to Roatan, we have not had any issue with any type of bugs. Last summer, we spent 8 days there and had no problems at all.    The bugs were actually terrible at Paradise Beach in Cozumel. We had never experienced a problem there before period

It is not marked.  Use the map as a guide to enter.  If you feel an area is getting shallow, just turn around.  Don't miss the channel, such an amazing opportunity.  If you' are an experienced snorkeler, you will know thisl.  But, I always tell people to just relax and float, just kicking their feet the tiniest bit and look at the beauty. I have seen so many people snorkeling who are just swimming and kicking like crazy and miss things.   It's easy to miss things on the bottom, eels, rays, octopus,

We have snorkeled many places, this is one of my favorite.

ronystours.com

The reef is in front of Infinity.  But, it is $25pp.  Bananarama is a few minutes walk for $10pp.  Infinity has a pool, Bananarama does not.  If you just need a restroom, somewhere to get out of the sun and grab some food - I'd just throw towels in the sand near the reef and then walk to Bananarama for lunch and some shade. If you want to relax in a lounge chair and use a pool, Infinity is nice.

The reef is super easy here, but quite shallow in places.  Gently sloping sand - walk right on to reef.  I think you will love it!

We love West Bay. There is snorkeling right from the beach. You just walk right  in to the reef. There is an incredible channel where you swim between 2 massive walls of coral extending on each side of you. There is a great diversity of ocean life, and the largest parrot fish we've ever seen.  Wehave visited there many times from a cruise ship. Last summer we spent 8 days at the Mayan Princess and snorkeled there every day. Amazing!

Uber is a great option.  There are more drivers than before so service is prompt.  Remember to tip generously so service continues.

I would book a private guide for the day (Rony, Bodden, etc.).  You will have an exact schedule to stick to if you go with a ship excursion.  We've used Rony many times and were glad to have the flexibility to look at properties.

Yes, I have talked to people who booked with Victor Bodden and requested to go to another park, but were persuaded to go to Victor's.  His park is nice, but Manawakie and Daniel's are much closer if you are in Mahogany Bay and do not plan to visit West Bay.  

My dd is 15.  The last few years we have done:  Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas.  ALL fabulous ships for this age.  Also, don't rule out NCL's newer ships and MSC Seaside - we have had a great time on these as well with LOTS to do!  

Stingray Sailings would be perfect for you.  We have done the stingray tour 5+times. The snorkeling is not extremely long.  Beautiful coral and fish.  You will have 1-2 hours for the beach. Perfect day!!!

If you go to the white canopy - Ask for Chip from Stingray Sailings.  If he has availability. He will gladly add you to his group.  Best guide and fabulous catamaran!

Just my opinion, I'd go with Rony.  The sand, water and snorkeling are much better at West Bay with a huge reef you walk right out to(bad grammar, I know).  We have been there many times - one of our favorite places for sure! 

We've toured with Ronystours 10+ times.  Always felt completely safe!

Sorry, I should have added Gumbalimba.  We have been there.  It is totally different.  You will spend more time here as they have waterfalls, cave, pool, and lots of roaming animals and more.  The price is $35, more than twice as much as the others.  The monkeys and birds are not in cages.  Depending on the crowds and the animals themselves, you may get to hold/interact with them or not.  We had friends who visited and the animals just seemed "sick of people" that day, so they didn't really get to hold/interact with them.  You will definitely see the animals, but may have limited opportunities to hold them.  The guides have food, but sometimes, the monkeys just come and grab the food and then run away.  I don't think they offer the opportunity to hold sloths.  They have a few hanging in the trees, but we were not allowed to disturb them

I would do the ziplining/snorkeling combo for sure - perfect day, in my opinion.  However, I wouldn't use Island Marketing.  You have no way of knowing what kind of driver you might get, if he speaks English, and how large of a group you'd be with.  We've toured with Rony of Ronystours.com 10+ times.  He's really a great guy.  You can have Rony or one of his driver's take you to South Shore Zipline(Amazing!) and then just 5 minutes to West Bay's fabulous beach with incredible snorkeling.  Rony will make sure you hae a great day!

So sorry to hear of your injuries.  

Have you considered Mayan Princess?  They have an amazing pool, a nice buffet, and very short walk onto the beach.  We spent 8 days here and it was fabulous.  

I'd definitely recommend visiting West Bay.  It's absolutely stunning with amazingly clear water and fabulous snorkeling(walk far left facing the ocean).  However, I'd never go with a ship tour.  You will be packed in a van or bus and have to adhere to a strict schedule.  If it pours down rain - too bad, you are at the beach for X number of hours.  If it is a gorgeous day and you are having a great time - too bad, it's time to load up and head back to the port.  See something interesting along the way - too bad, no time to stop for photos.  Roatan is not a place I consider dangerous at all.  We have visited at least 10-15 times on cruise stops and have spent time at a resort in West Bay.  We have never felt in danger in the least.  We have become friends with Rony of Ronystours.com.  He is well known and respected on the island.  He has nice vehicles and great drivers.  I can 100% recommend him as a guide for your day. 

The type of tour you chose will make a HUGE difference in how you enjoy your day.  He offers a very inexpensive(compared to the cruise excursion prices) "private" tour that would be perfect for your group.  You can visit a monkey/sloth park. We cruise often(65 cruises and counting) and have been on 100's of excursions.  If you read my posts, you will see that I have only 4 or 5 tours/guides that I recommend regularly.  I only recommend a very few that we have used several to many times.  With these, we have always been comfortable and felt extremely safe, without exception.  We've consistently had a spectacular day!  

We recently returned from Roatan.  We visited Manawakie this time.  Since we have visited all three "Monkey/Sloth Parks", I thought I'd write a brief comparison.  

First, do not expect any of these to be a "Zoo" as we think of it.  They are all small, independently owned places with relatively few animals.  The main difference, and best reason to visit, is the rare opportunity to interact with and hold the animals.  We live near the Pittsburgh Zoo.  They offer a "Sloth Encounter".  You are not even guaranteed to be able to hold a sloth, but will be able to touch one.  WHAT - $150?!?!

One of the deciding factors would be - where else are you going?

DANIEL JOHNSON'S MONKEY AND SLOTH HANGOUT

If you are planning on Pirates of the Caribbean Zipline or spending the day at Little French Key, Daniel's will be the closest.

From Coxen Hole, Daniel's is about 25-30 minutes.  Pirates Zipline is 25-30 minutes, then just 5 minutes+/- to Little French Key.  Or, direct from Coxen Hole, Little French Key is 25-30 minutes.

Daniel's - Main attraction - Sloths and monkeys.  We have visited 3 or 4 times and have always been able to have plenty of time holding a sloth, interacting with the monkeys and holding large birds.  They have had several other small animals in cages just to view.  Daniel also offers a mangrove tour and snorkeling, but we have not tried them yet.  I would say 30 minutes is plenty of time for this stop.  Mobility:  Level, dirt/mud(depending on the rain).  Small, so those who can only walk short distances would be fine.

MANAWAKIE PARK

If you are planning on South Shore Canopy Zipline and/or spending the day at West Bay, Manawakie would work.  It is 15-20 minutes from Coxen Hole.  Then, to reach South Shore/West Bay, you would backtrack towards Coxen Hole and continue to West Bay, approximately 30 minutes total from Manawakie.

Manawakie - Monkeys and sloths.  This is the newest "zoo".  They have rabbits,, agouti, and hummingbirds, as well as a few other animals.  I anticipate they will add additional animals as revenue increases.  This is by far the most "educational".  If you aren't planning on going to any other sights, this is a good choice.  You would probably spend 1 hour here.  They will speed up in case you are not interested in something, if you ask politely.  You will learn about the plants, foods, medicines, culture, and animals.  The guides are very good and keep it interesting, letting you touch and smell things as you go.  My family generally doesn't want to learn while on vacation, but we really liked this place.  Mobility:  Some gravel, Dirt/mud(depending on the rain)  Small inclines and steps.  This is not a good location for anyone who has severe mobility issues. Steps are sturdy and well built.  The entire area is small, so if you can climb 6-10 steps, you will be fine.  I consider this the best sight if you want to visit animals and learn something about the port you are visiting.

VICTOR'S MONKEY BUSINESS

If you are planning on South Shore Canopy Zipline and/or spending the day at West Bay, Victor's would be the closest.  It is about 15 minutes from Coxen Hole.  Then, to reach South Shore/West Bay, you would continue South 15 minutes +/-.

Victor's.  Main attractions are the Monkeys and Sloths.  They have large birds, deer and a few other animals.  This "zoo" is the most crowded.  We have been her many times.  While we like it, we definitely can tell we are being gently hurried along.  Your time holding the sloths and interacting with monkeys can be very brief if there is a crowd waiting.  On port days, it can be quite busy.  I don't want to discourage a visit here, but just know that you may be asked keep moving.  I like to get lots of photos of my family with the animals, so this sight is not the best.  The monkeys are very unpredictable, so it may or may not be easy to get good pics.   Mobility:  Level, some gravel, Dirt/mus(depending on the rain).  This is not a large "zoo", so if you can walk short distances, you should be fine here.  

We like all of the parks for different reasons.  I think you get the most for your money at Manawakie.  If I just want some quick photos, Victor's is close.  If we are going to Little French Key for the day, Daniel's is super convenient.  Also, we may try the mangrove canoe tour next time.

You will have a guide at all of the above.  Please tip them generously.  They are working for tips and rely on them.  Our guide at Manawakie was a public school teacher who takes the bus here to earn extra income as teaching doesn't pay well.     

Just a side note,  the snorkeling and beaches here are absolutely fabulous.  Make the most of your day and make time for the beach.  So sad when I hear people say that they are not leaving the port area.

I highly recommend Rony's Tours.  He has been our guide for 10+ trips and has become a friend.  His vehicles are nice with a/c.  He can accommodate 2 people or large groups.  He has friendly drivers that work with him.  He has a great option for a private tour.  Just $25 per person for a driver for your group for the entire day.  Then, pay as you go for the sights you'd like to see.   He also has other tours if you don't mind joining a group.  We have always felt safe and have many wonderful memories of Roatan.  I'm sure you will have a great day with Rony!

Just got back from our Symphony of the seas cruise last week. Had an amazing day with Rony as usual!   Weather was calling for 100% chance of rain the entire day. It was amazing, one 20- minute downpour and beautiful the rest of the day.

Oops! Just talked to my husband and he said he has heard 2 different people over the years say they have had things taking at a beach. Maybe we need to rethink our security measures!

We have been cruising for 32 years. I'm sure many will think we are just foolish. But, we have always taken our cameras phones cash and such and just let them in our beach bag on a lounge chair.  Never had a thing taken.  I'm sure people have had things taken, but I honestly can't remember hearing any stories of it. 

Wow! That sounds like a great price I'm gonna keep this information for future reference.

 I'm really surprised no one has mentioned Coba. Your ship should offer an excursion there from Cozumel if the port hours were allowed. It is a fabulous tour, climbing to the top of a Mayan Pyramid is one of the highlights of our cruising for a sure!!!