Review: Excursion with Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout

[CariBear]

We recently returned from a cruise visiting Roatán. I searched extensively on the boards for reviews and wanted to share my experience with our excursion.

 

I booked directly from Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout website. We booked the Horseback Riding/Monkey/Snorkel Excursion.

 

After exiting the ship, we headed for the port exit (Royal Caribbean’s pier). Immediately outside the gates there is a busy, but narrow road and vendors are waiting across the street with signs promoting their businesses. I quickly found the large Daniel Johnson’s sign. We checked in and were immediately placed with a driver to begin our excursion. There were three of us and we drove in a private vehicle.  I wish I remembered our driver’s name, but he was a native to the island and shared lots of information on the way to our first stop. We went to the Mahogany Bay cruise pier to do the horseback riding first. Unfortunately, the group was full…so we continued onto the Monkey and Sloth Hangout. Once there, we encountered a very long line to get in. Our driver was great though and he spoke with a staff member who told us the quickest way to begin would be by going snorkeling first. We all needed to change into our bathing suits, but there was only one restroom in the area, so this took a while. Once suited up, we were given snorkels and fins. The boat we went on was very crowded. They really stuffed everyone on and it felt very rushed. There was zero legroom as we were all piled on. The snorkeling area was not very far, so it was a quick boat ride. Once anchored, we had to jump off the boat to get into the water (there was a ladder for the return). Daniel Johnson was on the boat as our driver and another crew member was there to lead us around the reef. We saw lots of fish, conch, and a few spiney lobsters. Overall, a good snorkel experience, just a very crowded boat. The snorkeling seemed to go by very fast. 

 

Once back on land, we needed to change out of our wet swimwear. This took a very long time with one restroom. There were two more restrooms by the hangout, but lines were very long and we didn’t want to hold everyone up by changing in those restrooms. 

 

The interaction with the sloths, monkeys, and parrots was a lot of fun! Probably the favorite part of our cruise. The actual hangout area is very small with lots of people interacting with the animals. They take you in groups to visit each animal. We went inside the monkey enclosure and had a blast with those crazy little guys! Our tour guide was great and provided us with a lot of information about the animals. He made sure everyone had a chance to interact with a monkey. Food was put on our heads to entice the monkeys to jump on us. So much fun! We have done this before in the Dominican Republic, so already knew what we were in for!

 

Next we went into the parrot enclosure. Everyone had an opportunity to get up close with a parrot; on your arm, shoulder or head. 
 

The sloths were, of course, our favorite! They were very docile. Handlers would move the sloths to each person, giving them plenty of time to take pictures and bask in the glory of a sloth hug!! The sloths were not in an enclosure, but hung out in the trees along the water. We were told there are 12 sloths on the property which are rescues from the mainland, Honduras. 
 

Lastly, we were assigned a driver to bring us back to Mahogany Bay for the horseback riding. He dropped us off and told us he would be back to drive us back to the port when we were finished. We left our bags with the driver, so we didn’t have to carry them around. We were told that the horses were rescues, but I don’t know if this is 100% true. Several horses were very thin with protruding hip bones. I almost wanted to say forget it, but my other family members were already saddled up. We had two guides to help us on the trail. The horses seemed tired and were a little ornery. The trip through the woods was nice and we soon arrived at the waters edge. The guides helped situate the horses for a picture for each family. We then took off our shoes and went riding in the ocean. The water was pretty high….and it was a neat experience, but I still felt a little sad for the horses. We got back on the trail and headed to the stables. As we arrived back, another groups was setting out for their trail ride. 
 

We waited about 10 minutes for our driver and then we were on our way back to the port. Our driver did tell us that Daniel Johnson is building a new, larger hangout….close to the current location. I don’t know any other details, but a larger area to ease the congestion of guests and provide more habitats for the animals seems like a great idea. 
 

Bring lots of cash for tips! We had two different drivers, two horseback riding guides, plus our guide at the hangout and snorkeling. 
 

Overall, we had a fun time! I would visit the hangout again, especially once the new hangout opens. I might skip the horseback riding though….as I just felt that the horses were worked too hard. Snorkeling, I think I would do a longer, separate excursion to have more time to enjoy the reef.
 

These are just my thoughts….your experiences may vary. 
 

Happy cruising!!!🛳️🏝️🦥🐒🦜
 

 

Edited March 22 by CariBear

[Colorado Buffalo]

Do you remember the name of the company or stable they used for the horseback riding?

Was it El Rancho Barrio Dorcas ?

[CariBear]

On 3/24/2024 at 8:40 PM, Colorado Buffalo said:

Do you remember the name of the company or stable they used for the horseback riding?

Was it El Rancho Barrio Dorcas ?

I am not 100% sure of the name. It was at the Mahogany Bay pier and there was a sign saying “Xtreme Ziplining” Hope this helps!