Private East End and Garifuna

Private East End and GarifunaRoatan Island has so much to offer, including the incredible history of the Garifuna. This private Roatan excursion will take you back in time and back to the future!Departing from the pier on the south shore of Roatan Island, you will first make your way towards the East End. Along the way, you will hear of the island's colorful history, which includes Indians, slaves, invaders, pirates, buried gold, and a charming blend of cultures, people, and languages. You may also see the wreck of ships along the coast.Your first stop on your Roatan excursion is the Iguana Farm. The spiny-tailed iguana has long been the main ingredient in iguana stew, a local specialty. In 2004, the lizard was added to the endangered species list, but unfortunately can still be found on local menus.Luckily, more than 2,700 iguanas have made their way to the Iguana Farm, where they are free to roam without fear of becoming an entree. Although wild, iguanas are very docile and allow visitors to get up close to touch them and for photos. The farm is also home to a small marine park, toucans and other local animals.A stop will be made at one of the highest points on the eastern end of the island for stunning views over the hills covered with lush vegetation and the sea with its many shades of blue. On a clear day, you can see to the west end of the island.Continue further east along the island through an area that has escaped the developer's sites, so far. Here you will be introduced to the Garifuna. These island people are a blend of shipwrecked Africans, Carib Indians, and some Europeans. They reside predominately in the southern towns such as Punta Gorda.After a drive through the Garifuna village, a stop will be made at nearby YUBU, a Zulu-inspired theme village that serves as a living museum, an employer for some of the Garifuna people, and which also donates some of it's profits to the nearby community.Here, you will learn from the descendants of the original Garifuna about their history, journey and arrival in Honduras. You will experience their music, an important part of their traditions and culture, through song and dance styles. You will also have the opportunity to see authentic Garifuna artisans from the nearby village practicing their crafts, including jewelry design, carving, basket creations, baking cassava bread, and others. After your visit, you will return to the cruise pier.