In the middle of Roatan’s tropical wonders, there’s a place that transcends the ordinary—a little haven for thrill-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those craving a little monkeying around. Gumbalimba Park, in the heart of this Caribbean paradise, is not just a park; it’s a peek into the wild with a few touristy, yet fun activities.
What is Gumbalimba Park in Roatan?
Gumbalimba Park is more than just a park, it’s a tropical paradise that invites mild adventurers to be in the middle of the beauty of the Caribbean. Picture lush greenery, winding trails, and the rhythmic hum of the jungle—a setting where a few capuchin and macaque monkeys roam freely, creating an authentic and unscripted connection between visitors and the wild. You may not see many, but one did jump up on my shoulder!
But Gumbalimba is not limited to its primate inhabitants; it also has fun zip line adventures through the treetops, manicured botanical gardens, and a sandy beach for sun lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts.
What is There to Do at Gumbalimba Park?
Monkey Business
First and foremost, let’s talk about the stars of the show—monkeys. These mischievous little creatures, swinging effortlessly from branch to branch, greet you with wide-eyed curiosity. It’s like a scene out of your favorite wildlife documentary, but you’re not just a spectator; you’re part of the narrative.
As you traverse the park’s winding trails, jump-on-your-shoulder capuchins and macaques become your companions. You will undoubtedly appreciate the authenticity of this experience—no zoos, no boundaries, just you and the monkeys, sharing a moment in the heart of the jungle. It’s a bucket list worthy connection with nature.
Insider Tip & My Experience: When I went I had visions of monkeys in abundance, jumping onto my head and trying to steal my sunglasses. Unfortunately, we saw only three monkeys, though there were supposedly over a dozen on the grounds. The tour guide had told us that because it was cashew season the primates had no need to bombard tourists to be nourished. My advice? Don’t go to Gumbalimba Park during cashew season.
Zip Line Thrills
Can you see yourself soaring through the treetops on a zip line, the wind in your hair, and the adrenaline coursing through your veins? You can actually do it on multiple lines at the park.
Botanical Garden Bliss
Ever dreamt of wandering through lush gardens adorned with vibrant flowers and exotic plants? Gumbalimba Park in Roatan, Honduras, is known for its lush and diverse botanical offerings. As you stroll through the manicured paths, you might see pretty orchids, palms, ferns, etc. On the path amongst over 200 species of plants and trees you will also see some pretty man made waterfalls and a cool hanging bridge that sways over a natural pond fill with turtles.
When we arrived we were actually stunned by the beautiful grounds filled with tempting banana trees, perfect wild flowers and statuesque iguanas.
Beach and Snorkeling
After your animal and plant adventures, you can head over to the sandy beach and relax in a lounge chair. Or snorkel through crystal-clear waters filled with colorful marine life.
Getting to Gumbalimba Park
Many visitors of the park are there on a cruise excursion, booked through their cruise line. But, you could also book your own tour. This is one of the top rated tours: Private Guided Gumbalimba Park Tour from Roatán.
Gumbalimba Park in Roatan, Honduras is a place where monkeys become friends, where zip lines cut through the air like a daredevil’s daydream, and where sunlovers can hang out with the fish.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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We were in Roatan as a cruise port stop at the beginning of January. We did the monkeys too but at Bodden's Monkey farm near where we zip lined. This post brought back great memories and a reminder that I need to write that post soon. I'm glad you at least got to see a couple of monkeys. =)
Monkeys and zip lining in the same day sounds perfect!