Sloths in Roatan

Roatan might be known for its colorful reefs and wide variety of underwater life, but there is one land animal that could perhaps take the prize for most requested on a tour: the leisurely sloth. Sloths have only recently gained popularity in the last decade or so, thanks to animated films and quirky online videos showing their odd behavior. Fortunately for them, there are sanctuaries that have been taking care of these cuddly creatures long before they started being featured in memes.

If you're traveling to Roatan soon, chances are you're keen to learn more about these fascinating animals and maybe even long to cuddle one. Read on to find out more about sloths in Roatan, how to choose a Roatan sloth sanctuary, and how to get that prized selfie holding sloths in Roatan Honduras.

What We'll Cover In This Guide:

• About Roatan Honduras Sloths
• Hold a Sloth in Roatan
• Roatan Sloth Sanctuaries
• Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout
• Manawakie Eco Nature Park
• Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary
• Book a Roatan Sloth Tour
• Frequently Asked Questions

About Roatan Honduras Sloths

There are two families of sloth that you'll find in the tropical rainforests spanning Central and South America: the omnivorous two-toed sloth and the herbivorous three-toed sloth. You are more likely to spot a three-toed sloth as they are more active during the day compared to the predominantly nocturnal two-toed sloth.

The leisurely sloth has a bad reputation for being lazy due to the lethargic pace they move about from tree to tree. The truth is, their slow pace allows them to conserve energy thanks to the slow process of digesting the tough cellulose in the buds, leaves, and tender shoots that they eat.

They've adapted well to this slow and steady lifestyle, and their modest pace allows them to travel no more than 125 feet in a single day — or an even slower pace of 1 foot on the rare occasion when they're on the ground. This is actually one of the reasons why sloths might end up in a sanctuary. As common sloth areas become more developed, they unfortunately find themselves trying to navigate roads and human traffic to get from one tree to another.

Hold a Sloth in Roatan

There's a lot of information out there about holding sloths in Roatan Honduras, but not much on the specifics or where and how to organize it. While there are only two types of sloths in Honduras, the island actually has a few excellent options to hold one. Your best bet is to visit a Roatan sloth sanctuary where you'll get a chance to learn about sloths and also hold and cuddle one yourself.

Roatan Sloth Sanctuaries

For such a small island, there are actually several great options to visit a Roatan sloth sanctuary. We've done the research for you and handpicked the best Roatan wildlife sanctuary tours available so you can choose the one that best suits your holiday. Whether you're after a more cultural excursion that helps you learn about the island's people and its history, or you're looking to add some thrilling adventure to your day, these are the best Honduras sloth sanctuary tours on offer.

Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout

Daniel Johnson's is a small family-run animal sanctuary located in the local community of French Cay, Roatan. The Monkey and Sloth Hangout started as a hobby for Daniel and has since grown into a safe and loving environment for sloths, monkeys, and other local wildlife.

On this Roatan sloth tour, you'll learn the history of some of the sloths that have been rescued and the work that Daniel's team does to keep them safe and happy. Most of the animals here came from local people who kept them as pets and have since realized they were no longer able to maintain them the way they needed.

There is a Roatan sloth excursion for everyone here. Some tours include a visit around the island, while others include a snorkeling trip to the nearby reef. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add in ziplining at the daring Pirates of the Caribbean Zipline park.

During your visit, you can also opt for a Roatan monkey sloth and iguana interaction where you'll visit the nearby iguana park. You'll get a chance to wander in a sanctuary where over 2,700 iguanas roam freely in a protected haven — meeting friendly iguanas up close, feeding them, and taking photos.

Manawakie Eco Nature Park

This Mahogany Bay sloth excursion is situated on the north side of Roatan in the middle of a jungle community known as Hottest Sparrow. Manawakie Eco Nature Park is a guided tour suitable for all ages and both cruise and hotel guests. What makes this Roatan Honduras sloth excursion unique is that it suits both animal lovers and history buffs. The founders of Manawakie Eco Nature Park, the Brown family, were born and raised in Roatan and pride themselves in giving back to the local community while sharing their love of the nature and wildlife surrounding it.

Here you'll get to see sloths, birds, white-faced capuchin monkeys, white-tail deer, and agoutis (known locally as the Roatan Island Rabbit). The hummingbird playground is as delightful as it sounds, and you wouldn't be blamed for following these tiny buzzing birds around the garden to try to get a closer look.

A tour to Manawakie Eco Nature Park is a great opportunity to interact with sloths in Roatan, along with the added benefit of learning about the history and culture of the island. Once you've had your fill of the wildlife, save some time to visit the Tropical Botanical Medicinal Garden where your guide will demonstrate the natural medicinal herbs used in daily life by the islanders.

Manawakie Eco Nature Park is not just a typical animal park. Apart from your chance to hug sloths in Roatan and interact with white-faced capuchin monkeys, you will also learn about the island's first inhabitants and what their life used to look like. The on-site Wildcane Museum House shows what a typical home looked like in 1930, with statues representing Roatan's legends and original artifacts including a mud stove from the 14th century.

Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary

Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary is a Honduras sloth sanctuary with lots of extras. If you've only got a limited time on the island, excursions from this sanctuary will make sure you see as much of Roatan as possible.

This popular Roatan wildlife sanctuary is a safe haven for the many animals that have found shelter, care, and love here. Victor's mission is to primarily protect wildlife (many of which are at risk of extinction) and allow the animals to have a safe and comfortable place to breed. If you're lucky, you might even spot some baby sloths among the snuggle — that's what a group of sloths is called!

If you're also looking for a monkey sanctuary in Roatan, this one fits the bill. Along with sloths, you'll get to interact with capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, parrots, and other native wildlife. The excursion includes a guided tour where you'll gain insight into each animal you interact with — making this a great educational experience for both children and adults.

Take your fun to new heights at Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary. Along with animal adventures, you can soar through the jungle as you ride from one zipline station to another — 11 ziplines and 2 rope bridges in total. Scared of heights? The sanctuary's ATV tour lets you navigate the jungle trails at ground level. Like most of our sloth tours, ATVs are a rain-or-shine event — you might even have more fun splashing through muddy puddles.

Book a Roatan Sloth Tour

Ready to meet Roatan's famous sloths? Here are the most popular sloth tours available — each run by trusted local guides who guarantee your return to the cruise port or hotel on time.

Sloth Excursion

A dedicated sloth sanctuary visit where you'll hold a sloth, meet the resident sloths up close, and learn about the conservation work behind the sanctuary. The perfect tour if a sloth encounter is the main event of your day.

Wildlife Encounter & Snorkel Excursion

Combine a sloth sanctuary and iguana park visit with a guided reef snorkel. You'll interact with iguanas, sloths, capuchin monkeys, and tropical birds before heading into the water. One of the most popular tours on the island for families and wildlife lovers.

Zipline, Sloths & Snorkel Combo

Roatan's ultimate combo: soar through the jungle canopy on a zipline, cuddle a sloth at a wildlife sanctuary, then cool off with a reef snorkel. Three of the island's best experiences packed into one full shore day.

Island Culture Tour & Sloth Hangout

Visit Roatan's chocolate and rum cake factories, then finish with a visit to Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout. A great choice for travelers who want to mix cultural exploration with their wildlife encounter.

View all Roatan sloth tours and check availability →

Planning more than just a sloth encounter? Our guide to the best Roatan excursions covers snorkeling, ziplines, ATV tours, and more — all bookable directly with local guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still hold sloths in Roatan?

Yes — holding sloths is still permitted at Roatan's licensed wildlife sanctuaries. Reputable sanctuaries manage interactions carefully to protect the animals, limiting handling time and ensuring guests are guided throughout. When you book a tour through a trusted local operator, sloth holding is included as a core part of the experience.

Is there a sloth ban in Roatan?

There is no active ban on sloth tourism in Roatan. Some online discussion refers to proposals and general conservation debates about handling wild animals, but Roatan's licensed sanctuaries continue to operate legally with full permits. The sanctuaries that partner with our tours prioritize animal welfare and responsible tourism practices.

Are sloths native to Roatan?

Sloths are not originally native to Roatan as island wildlife, but the Hoffman's two-toed sloth (found throughout Central America) has been present on the island for many years, both in the wild and in sanctuaries. Many of the sloths at Roatan's sanctuaries were rescued from the pet trade or from road hazards as habitat developed.

What is the best sloth tour in Roatan?

The Wildlife Encounter & Snorkel Excursion is consistently one of the top-rated tours on the island — it pairs a sloth sanctuary visit with an iguana park and a reef snorkel, making it ideal for both families and solo travelers. The Zipline, Sloths & Snorkel Combo is the top choice for active travelers.

How much does a sloth tour in Roatan cost?

Roatan sloth tours typically range from $40–$90 USD per person depending on what's included. A standalone sloth sanctuary visit is on the lower end, while combo tours that add snorkeling, ziplining, or ATV riding are priced higher. All tours booked through Roatan Tourbase include local guide services and round-trip transfers.