Hiking in Roatan?

[mow2000]

I'm going to Roatan in late Feb. My main focus will be snorkeling and diving but it would be nice to take a few side trips. The Iguana farm looks interesting and sounds like a good thing to support. I've also read about some botanical gardens. Is there any hiking on the island? I've read references to it but haven't read about a single trail or landside park. I'm not really interested in canopy ziplines, etc.
Thanks

 

[Doc]

"Hiking" is what the locals call transportation. It's everywhere.

No, there are no "hiking" trails per-se, but if you pick a path off the road and into the woods, well... off you go.

Absolutely take all the water you will need and insect goop. The chances are very slim, but encounters with undesirables are a possibility, so keep your fancy cameras to a minimum and in your backpack. Not very likely, overall.

Where are you staying? If you are on the N & W, you can make a day loop by walking SW over the ridge to the far SW tip, then head E to Coxen Hole, then North back home. Som folks just light out along the Northern Coast and press NE as far as Hotasparrow or Jonesville.

I'd rather be diving.

A great diversion is to get into a water taxi and have them take you "East". This works anywhere along the North Coast, and if you are on the South side, embark after the cab ride drops you in Oak Ridge. With luck, you may make the short open ocean crossing to Barbaretta.

Roatan will never be the adventure it was just yesterday, as each day the island is "becoming more civilized". (Depending on your deffinition) There is still time and room to explore. Just wear sunscreen and a smile.

 

[mow2000]

Thanks. That's kind of what I thought. i was more interested in a total nature hike. Not so interested in venturing onto private property, swamps, trash heaps and machete-wielding and not-so-friendly locals (done that before, no fun!).

"Hiking" is what the locals call transportation. It's everywhere.

No, there are no "hiking" trails per-se, but if you pick a path off the road and into the woods, well... off you go.

 

[mjnansen]

The Carambola Botanical Gardens have a nice hiking trail that will take you to the top of the ridge for some great views. It's a nice nature trail kind of hike- should take a couple hours if you spend time enjoying the plantlife and the views at the top. You will need bug spray and water, but shouldn't need too much else. Other than that, maybe the new Gumbalimbo park in West Bay. I haven't been there, but they may have some trails. If you want serious hiking you should go to Pico Bonito on the mainland. The iguana farm is interesting- try and go at feeding time.

 

[UTLgirl]

Check out the nature trail to the top at the Botanitcal gardens, it's a nice diversion that's available on Roatan itself.

If you want more serious hiking & nature trails, check out Pico Bonitio, it's fantastic!! Paul over at Salt N' Peppers (Roatan) used to run day trips from Roatan. Not sure if he still does this or not, but if so it's a great trip & his stories will keep you entertained for hours!

Also available on the mainland for day trips is white water river rafting.

Have a great time!