We arranged this port excursion outside of Carnival Conquest – Caribbean Cruise. It was very affordable to enjoy the day in Roatan from the scenic drive West and East through villages to visiting the wildlife sanctuaries and getting up close and personal… in this case… a Sloth. We didn’t know what to expect from visits to these wildlife sanctuaries and so we were very delighted to see and hold a Sloth… although, I don’t know if it’s a guaranteed experience by the tour vendor. This particular sloth was more social and had a good temperament for visitors. We were told usually they’re up in the trees so it was a great treat!

We excitedly exited the ship and saw our first photo-op:

Then you’ll see a group of agents holding up signs for various Carnival Cruise excursions. But if you didn’t arrange an excursion through the ship or want to see what other adventures you can take in for the day, you have to exit the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center. You see, Carnival owns this whole area so you won’t see competitors promoting their tours here. Veer left and at the end of the strip of shops and restaurants, you’ll take a slight right towards taxi and vans. Take another left for a short uphill climb to the gate. You can ask around and people will point you in the right direction. But you will see this gate and know you’re on the right track.

After this gate, you head downhill where all third-party vendors for tours are waiting.

Fun Facts About Sloths

• The animal is so lethargic that its fur is often host to small moths, beetles and even algae. The algae coats the sloth’s brown, white or black fur with a greenish tinge camouflaging it against predators in the forest.
• Sloths spend most of their time sleeping and eating in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America. Their main source of nutrition is leaves, twigs and fruit.
• The creatures spend as much as 20 hours a day sleeping while hanging from a tree limb or curled up near a branch.

Read more…

We’re told they’re not all as friendly as this guy (which I personally nickname “Chewie”… is it just me or does he remind you of Chewbacca yes, a Star Wars movie reference?!)… who lives amongst his other sloth buddies in the nearby trees.

• Visiting Arch’s Iguana Park (Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras) - 2014
• Feed and Hold White Faced Capuchin Monkeys (Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras) - 2014