Overview
Best Honduras Reviews: Truths from Black Travelers
Green Book Global is the only website and app that has authentic Honduras reviews from the perspective of Black Travelers. If you want to know where to stay, where to eat, what to do etc. but also what it’s like Traveling While Black in Honduras, then these reviews and travel tips will be essential to your trip planning for Black Travelers and allies alike.
Quick Summary:
Before jumping into our Honduras here is some information to set the context. The capital city of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploring its historic landmarks and cultural sites. San Pedro Sula, the country’s industrial hub, is known for its bustling markets, lively nightlife, and vibrant arts scene. Meanwhile, the Bay Islands, including Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja, boast stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. These distinct regions of Honduras cater to different interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone according to Honduras reviews.
When it comes to nightlife and dining, Honduras reviews consistently praise the country’s lively entertainment options and flavorful cuisine. In Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, visitors can find a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs offering local delicacies and international fare. Popular dishes in Honduras include baleadas (flour tortillas filled with beans, cheese, and other toppings), sopa de caracol (conch soup), and plátanos fritos (fried plantains). Honduran nightlife ranges from casual hangouts with live music to upscale venues with DJs spinning the latest beats. For relaxation, the Bay Islands offer idyllic beaches, tranquil resorts, and opportunities for water sports and eco-adventures, providing the perfect escape for those seeking rest and rejuvenation in a tropical paradise. Whether exploring vibrant cities, diving into the underwater world, or savoring local flavors, Honduras offers a diverse range of experiences that leave a lasting impression on travelers.
Interesting Facts:
- Gastronomy: Honduran cuisine is a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Typical dishes include baleadas (folded wheat tortillas with beans, cheese, and other fillings), sopa de caracol (conch soup), and carne asada (grilled meat).
- Mayan Ruins: The Copán Ruins, located in western Honduras, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world. The site features intricately carved stelae, temples, and pyramids dating back to the 5th century AD.
- Bay Islands: Honduras is home to the Bay Islands, a group of islands and cays in the Caribbean Sea. Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja are the most popular islands, known for their stunning coral reefs, world-class diving and snorkeling, and laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.
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I visited Roatan, Honduras as a solo Black female traveler. It was a very pleasant trip that I took as a part of a much needed mental break. Overall I felt safe and would encourage other people to check out the island of Roatan on your visit to Honduras.
Pro tip: Stay at the Grand Roatan Resort. It’s right on the beach and the rooms are absolutely stunning. You can literally snorkel right at the beach that the hotel is located on. You can rent snorkel gear for cheap also on the beach.
Lots of people avoid Honduras due to proposed danger. My wife and I never felt in danger anywhere in Honduras: whether it was the most touristy sections or the normal neighborhoods. We had the opportunity to spend time on Roatan, in LaCeiba and in San Pedro Sula. Roatan is VERY touristy. If you want good food, steer clear of the west end. The food prices are high and the quality is mediocre. Follow the locals for the best pollo frito money can buy. If you’re there on a Sunday evening, head to Punta Gorda for the Garifuna events, dancing and food. Good cultural fun and great to see Honduran Black folks. The best activity on Roatan is the Dolphin Action Swim at Anthony’s Key Resort. Trust me, it’s dope. In La Ceiba, be sure to do white water rafting with Omega Tours. Lots of thrilling jumps and the guides make it really engaging. However, the best tour in Honduras and probably the world is at Pulhapanzak Waterfalls about an hour away from San Pedro Sula – PLEASE DO THIS. This experience can’t be described in words – literally life changing. My wife and I ziplined over this waterfall, swam in it and took a private tour THROUGH and Behind it. It was pure magic! Promise you this tour is the best tour in the world and we’ve been to multiple continents, multiple cities and on hundreds of experiences. Pulhapanzak is it. Ask for Carlos!
I went to Roatan, Honduras and I booked the snorkeling/ underwater scooter experience. It was amazing! I cannot swim so I was nervous but the instructor was there assisting the entire way. They took pictures while we were down there and the fishes were swimming right next to us. I was able to get over my fear and enjoy an amazing experience!!
I visited Roatan,Honduras on a 5 Day WESTERN CARIBBEAN Carnival cruise and it was 1 of my favorite destinations! Maya key was so beautiful,The Maya Key museum was very informative!
The replica of the mayan ruins was very cool,the food was great!
Got to interact with monkeys and birds which was cool even tho the monkey tried to rob me lol i will definitely go back to Honduras
I spent a day in Roatan with my Nigerian family via cruise. Roatan is an island city of Honduras. If you want an amazing experience, you have to book a tour of the island with Cleve Bodden!!! Seriously. He is no doubt the friendliest and most humble man on the island. He will teach you all the history and his experiences on the island. We told him all that we were interested in and he delivered. We went on a boat ride through the mangrove forests and out into the ocean. He made sure we tried the delicious street food. We specifically asked him to take us to visit the Garifuna people, unaware of their Nigerian roots. After driving us through every part of the island, he took us to a Garifuna restaurant where we ate food that was incredibly similar to our native cuisine in Nigeria. It felt like a family reunion as we communed with the locals. Before eating at the restaurant which extends into the ocean, my brother and I jumped right in. One of my best trips!! Best way to book Cleve is via Facebook!
Roatan – Is an island off of mainland Honduras and its absolutely beautiful. The island once belonged to the British and before that was used in the slave trade. As a result, a lot of the locals are Afro- Caribbean and speak English and Creole as opposed to the Hispanic islanders who flocked from mainland Honduras much later.
I really got a Caribbean vibe more so than South/Central American and that I enjoyed most.
Food was delicious and the locals were very friendly and I seemed to get along with many of them
I visited Roatan earlier this year (Feb 2020) on a solo trip after a work trip in LA and honestly it was the best decision I made.
Roatan has so many beautiful beaches, landscapes and mangroves. West Bay beach is by far the best and can be reached by taxi or water taxi (from West End). The sand was perfectly white and soft and the water was crystal clear, calm and relaxing. If I could, I’d live on this beach.
Whilst Roatan is a small island, most days cruise ships dock so the island can get quite busy so its important to check the cruise line schedule to plan your days out if you want to avoid even more tourists as there are a couple of days when there are no cruise ships.
If you want to visit the most beautiful mangrove, I recommend going to the longest and best one; on th East end of the island. The tour (including transport/ pick up) was not cheap given there is no entry fee but you need to get a local boat and know where these are docked. I paid $80 and got this down but most tour companies offer this excursion from $100. US Dollars by the way! I did enjoy my experience but not sure things should cost as much as they do.
One of my highlight was visiting a family-run sloth farm where i got to hold a sloth, monkey and parrot – this was pretty cool and only cost £12. Again unless you drive yourself there, tours may start from $40 (including the transport there and back).
I also visited the island’s popular tourist destination; Little French Key (or Cey). LFK is a private island accessed by boat from French Harbor in the middle of the island and is filled with many picture perfect moments. Literally- swings, hammocks, giant hands to sit on, gorgeous sea fronts, horse hiding in the water, snorkeling and opportunities to swim with animals. Used to be a leopard until this got too big to play with visitors in the water and now most people swim with the LFK’s pigs. Again, this was not the cheapest excursion but lucky for me I managed to get a local rate across to the island with my taxi driver. I only paid to enter the island but there are an array of packages to choose from that include the activities listed above.
I wish I had longer on the Roatan to relax on in West Bay and visit both the mainland and another smaller island; Utila – both accessed by boat for as short as the day.
Roatan was an island I spontaneously came across and decided to visited and I cannot wait to visit again at some point in the future. If its not on your list already- add it- NOW!
When in Honduras, go to the beach at least once! I visited Honduras while on a cruise. During our short day trip in Honduras, my significant other and I decided to hit the beach–West Bay, that is. At West Bay there is so much to do, especially as it pertains to water activities, such as snorkeling, boating and jet skiing. We decided to jet ski with a small company that we found on the beach. The experience was great, and what made it even better was the customer service. I actually had some belongings of mine that I did not feel comfortable taking on the jet ski/in the water. I was also extremely skeptical of leaving my belongings with the staff.However, I took the risk and left my belongings with the staff who kept it safe. Although it was a HUGE risk, we found them to be extremely trustworthy and accommodating. Following jet skiing, we explored the rest of the beach by visiting few vendors and having lunch at a restaurant alongside the beach. The beach is a great way to spend your time, as it offers various things to do and see, all in one place!
??Honduras?? … I definitely arrived with my public defender lenses on. How could a country so beautiful be a nightmare for so many…women and girls, especially? By the end of our tour of the beaches and countryside, I’m sure Nelson, our guide, was over me and all my questions about the legal justice system, and how the country protects its women. When we exited the port, there were several tour guide options. Many tour companies will approach you as you’re walking through the port area. We selected Nelson’s at random – the price was reasonable, his group was friendly, and the van was clean and air-conditioned.
I learned so much about this beautiful place, and the locals didn’t even laugh as I practiced my Spanish. The people range is beautiful browns, from Hispanic light brown, to African dark brown. Honduras is most definitely a part of the diaspora.
Honduras is a somewhat dangerous country, but Roatán is the safer, touristy area. It’s a small island off the coast of the mainland. Even on Roatán, there are armed guards walking up and down the beaches. The tourism keeps the country alive. Buy as many souvenirs as you can. The locals are so grateful.
I left Honduras with a heart full of love, and a fair share of despair. In spite of that, I will definitely return to the beautiful country of Honduras.
If you are looking for a getaway to simply enjoy yourself, eat good food and dance the night away Roatan is the place to be. The island is small and you can see it all in one day by renting a motorcycle starting at $20. Also from one beach to another is either a one walk or about $3 in a taxi and even less in a bus. There’s plenty to do at night if you like to have a drink at a bar by the beach or dancing. Drinks at most bars start at approximately $6. This is the perfect island to have a great time without breaking the bank.
I went to Roatan Honduras (the island) for my birthday. I recommend learning to scuba dive at coconut tree divers. This country is one of best places to go to for scuba diving. Also there’s a place called Daniel Johnson’s monkey and sloth hangout where u get the opportunity to hug a sloth and play with monkey. If you get a ride from hotel you can take a water taxi to little French key where there are plenty of activities to participate. Under water museum, snorkeling, kayaking, drinks, food, horseback riding in the water. It feels like a huge water park that adults, young adults and children would all have a good time at. One of my favorite places on the island.
We first arrived in San Pedro Sula, which did not seem safe and is rated as a dangerous city. Everywhere you walk there are guards outside with guns, and absolutely no one speaks English there.
From San Pedro we took a small 1 hour plane ride to Roatan, which is an island off of Honduras. We instantly felt like we were in a different country ! The vibes were more fun and tropical, and there are a lot of black English speaking locals. We stayed at Grand Roatan resort for $225 a night and had a private dinner on the beach for $100 total. Entrance to the beach is right in the back of the resort and you’ll find a strip of restaraunts and activities here. Be aware that these people will harass you to book activities.
If you’re looking for good restaraunts, or bars then ask a taxi driver to take you to west end which is a strip that you walk for food, drinks and music.
My most favorite part about this trip was visiting Little French Key, which is another small island only about a 10 min boat ride from Roatan. We booked a VIP package through our hotel for $200 Each that included drop off to little French key, personal vip section,lunch with 3 mixed drinks, snorkeling in the middle of the water, horseback riding, water sport of choice, and a couples massage. The vibe was amazinnggg, they played a lot of dancehall, r&b music, the people of Roatan are like a mix of Spanish and Caribbean you can hear it In their accent.
However the main reason we went to Little French Key is because they offered swimming with jaguars. We learned that the owners are from somewhere in Asia and the government in the main land of Honduras doesn’t respect them and took away their jaguars. Other than this, we loved this place it was super beautiful !
Roatan was a nice island to relax. Stopped here through my cruise line (NCL) for a full day. Went to see some of the Mayan Ruins they had on the island. There was also some animals they had on site and plenty of birds to see. I paid around 5-10 USD to step in a cage with monkeys and feed them which was my first ever real animal experience. Other than that I had a beach chair and kicked back and enjoyed the view! Nice stop through NCL cruise line.
Roatan Roatán is one of the islands of the Caribbean Bay of Honduras. Part of the huge Mesoamerican barrier reef is known for its beaches, diving sites and marine life, including whale sharks. In the southwest is the beach of West Bay, a beautiful beach, there are many people who work in tourism and are ready to carry you or do some tours that I have a little bit of fear in get in any car but we met a very humble girl that charged us $15 round trip for four people to take us to this beach she waited in the place until we wanted to leave, when we get to the beach as it is private we paid $10 dollars for each one for the entrance, the beach is super beautiful, we did snorkel for $25 dollars ,We get to the coral barrier that divides the depths of the bottom From the sea a lot of fishes the reflection of the sun in the water so pretty we ate and we drank in some of the restaurants that are not cheap, I got to take some pictures with a monkey for $ 5 dollars. I work on a cruise ship allows me to know the place for 5 hours or more, the advantages that we return to that place several times and each time I know a different attraction of the same place.
Roatan Honduras a great weekend trip . Its best to fly into San Pedro airport , there is a $10 bus from san pedro to la ceiba . The bus ride is about 2 in half 3 hrs . We stayed at Hotel Quinta Real. One of best hotels in that area for 1 night only because the ferry leave twice a day . 09:30 am & 04:30pm . The ferry to Roatan is $65 roundtrip extra $5 for first class . First class include non alcoholic drinks and to keep your luggage with you . We stayed at Las Verandas Hotel and Villas again one of there best hotels in roatan . its kind of far from everything . Most of things to do is in West Bay , but the hotel was 10 min from little French key . If you are looking to swim with the jaguars I would advise calling or sending a email before they advertise it but its not available . For the best monkey and sloth encounter is @ Victor Monkey Business . Saturday night west end / west bay has the best nightlife and Sunday started @ 3pm until 12am Punta Gorda the best place to be .
Roatan, Honduras was absolutely beautiful. It was the first stop on our Norwegian Cruise and I definitely intend on returning and visiting more of Honduras! We had booked our excursion outside of the cruise line to visit Little French Key. It was the perfect day trip. LFK provided us with so many options of things to do, lunch was great and the drinks were strong lol.
I had always wanted to visit LFK and swim with the Jaguars however interaction with the Jaguars is not currently available (https://www.littlefrenchkey.com but all of the pictures I’ve seen in Instagram were people at this place). Aside from that LFK offers an endless amount of water activities such as snorkelling, paddleboarding, jetski, flyboarding, banana boat rides, etc. When we arrived we were greeted by friendly faces and a few guys with monkeys that stopped to take a pic with us. Horse back riding on the beach is also offered on one side of the island and the scenery was absolutely stunning. I would definitely recommend a stop to Roatan and LFK if you are visiting Honduras.
https://www.littlefrenchkey.com but all of the pictures I’ve seen in Instagram were people at this place
Roatan Island in Honduras is amazing. I did a Carnival cruise there and Roatan Island was one of the stops. The water of West Bay beach in Honduras is so clear. Food is limitless on that beach as well so you can just enjoy the sun while eating and drinking on the sand. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent for $10 per person. There are so many chances to interact with animals there. Play with a sloth or feed a parrot. Let a monkey hang off of you while there. The food is great and the people are no nice. The infamous blue door can be found at a hotel on the beach called Peurta Azul. It’s a nice private area of the island. I loved Honduras and will definitely go back.
Visited Little French Keys, Honduras as stop on a cruise with my 9 year old niece. We purchased the VIP package. $199 adult and $99 child. It includes guaranteed swimming with a jaguar (large or small) or black panther (small), horseback riding in the ocean, 6 drinks, lunch, oceanfront massage, VIP area, snorkeling tour, and use of water sports equipment (kayak, SUP, or snorkels). There are beach swings, caged animals, opportunity for photos with a monkey, and free roaming peacocks. I loved it here and will come back on a flight instead, in order to have more time. My niece had a great time playing with animals and the black panther was playful with her. I took the photo with the large jaguar. I had a ponytail and it bit at it like a toy, but I did not get injured. Also, be sure to remove dangling jewelry if you do the big cat encounter. The jaguar scratched one person and they took a 1 hour break. Horseback riding was just enough time for photo opps.
I was in Honduras for two days. I didn’t get a real tour of the city because I had booked excursions for both days. The only history lesson I got was from our cab ride to our excursions. I did a dolphin swim with my family, and we got a lot of cute pictures. Everyone was nice and welcoming. It wasn’t any different from the cliche dolphin excursion you see though.
Nonetheless, we had a good time. The second time we went to a private island and were beach bums for hourssssss. It was gorgeous, the water was clear, and it was relaxing. I wish i could remember the island name :( .
I visited Roatan, Honduras and had the time of my life. I stayed in the Clarion Suites in the South region of Roatan. It was reasonably priced at about $350 for 4 nights. We picked there because it was nicest and most affordable hotel nearest to the doc for Little French Key(a small island off of Roatan). The hotel was pretty nice. It had 4 nice sized pools, 3 restaurants on site, gym, spa adn comfortably sized rooms. The only negative we had to say was there wasnt any room service.
While on Roatan, me and my girlfriend booked a excursion package to Little French Key. the VIP package we package we booked cost about $200US and it was worth EVERY penny. The package included boat ride to and from LFK, 6 drinks of any kind, one meal, 20 minute massage, horseback ride around LFK, and the highlight was interacting with Jaguars. YES, we got to play with jaguars and it was an AMAZING once in a lifetime experience. There were also other animals on the island. We interacted with the animals at a Rescue Center that was created for rescued/endangered animals that could not be released back into the wild. None of the animals were drugged, chained or harmed before, during and after the encounter. They were all kept in manageable habitats for their species. Also, part of the package included snorkeling.
LFK itself was a beautiful place. The beach was CLEAN and the water was crystal clear. The food served as part of our package was very tasty.
On day 3 we visited the monkey and sloth facility. Where we also go to interact with a Sloth, adolescent Capuchin monkies and and few different bird species.
All in all, Roatan is a beautiful place that isnt expensive to visit and partake in different activities.
I took my fiancé here for his birthday and we had an amazing time! We only stayed for 4 days but trust me that’s all you need. Pristine bay was an absolutely stunning resort with great amenities, good food and drinks, & friendly workers. We paid $200 for VIP tickets to little French key and spent the entire day there (i wish we would have spent two days here!) We had our own personal guide, free lunch and 6 alcoholic drinks, a couples massages with a view, swam with jaguars, rode horses on the beach and in the water, snorkeled, and jumped off many of the different platforms into the clear blue water. All of that was included in our ticket price! We had an amazing time.
If you are a diver, Roatan Honduras is a must do! They have some amazing dive sites. I didn’t stay here very long, so I can’t offer much. But diving and beautiful beaches are what comes to mind when I remember Honduras.
Stayed at an air bnb in Roatan and was blown away. The locals, food, beaches, the reef and boat tours there were all wonderful. There is a strip of bars that the locals visit at night and drinking is definitely a past time of the divers/ locals there. Had a great time and would return frequently if it weren’t so expensive to fly into!
Honduras is a beautiful place. We went to a private beach near Punta Gorda. We basically sat around on the beach and played with monkeys. We got a jet ski tour of a local’s village which was an amazing learning experience. It was interesting to learn about non American Black culture.