Maya Key in Roatan, Honduras was our first stop on our New Year’s Caribbean cruise. It also turned out to be my favorite shore excursion of the trip.
We got off the
Emerald Princess almost as soon as it docked and got on a bus that dropped us off at a boat, which would take us to the island. As soon as we got on the boat to Maya Key, the rain started coming down in sheets, and I started getting worried about what we were going to do on a beach in a downpour.
Thankfully, the rain stopped shortly after the five-minute boat ride, and it turned out to be a beautiful day. The best part of Maya Key is that there is so much to do. Other than the nice beach area, they had a pier perfect for snorkeling, an animal sanctuary where they led tours on how they rehabilitated the animals, a sea lion habitat, a replica of Mayan ruins with a museum, and a great gift shop.
Chris loves animals, so of course, we had to check out the animal sanctuary first. All of the animals were in the sanctuary for one of two reasons: they were hurt, or they were seized from people who owned them illegally. There were many colorful birds, several kinds of monkeys, alligators, and even two jaguars.
After Chris got his fill of the animals, we headed to the snorkeling area. Maya Key was one of my favorite places to snorkel because when you get off the pier, you are not instantly in 100 feet deep water. Because I only snorkel once or twice a year, I often forget the correct breathing techniques. Maya Key gave me the opportunity to practice the techniques in shallow water where I could still see plenty of beautiful fish and sea urchins before heading to the deeper waters.
Our excursion to Maya Key also included a delicious Caribbean lunch, featuring chicken, fish, rice, and plantain chips. After lunch, Chris and I explored the Mayan ruins, visited the sea lions, and relaxed on the beach.
Honestly, I would go on this cruise again just to visit Maya Key (though we also want to try Little French Key). My only complaint is that I wish we could have stayed longer!
the animal sanctuary sounds so cool - though jaguars, eep! and the lunch sounds yummy. i have never been snorkeling, i feel like i would definitely do something wrong haha so i like the idea of the shallow waters!
ReplyDeleteIf I could pick up and move to one of these places, I'd probably do it in a heartbeat! So pretty!
ReplyDeleteMy parents just came back from this cruise and loved it! Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ashley! My parents actually went a few weeks after we did! :)
DeleteI think you should get an award for "best vacation taker".
ReplyDeleteMy co-worker went to Roatan last year and absolutely loved it. I love how lush everything is!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteI am totally vacationing through your blog. I really need to start vacationing more!
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I hope you get to go on vacations more often, Monica! I love refreshing and exploring a new place. :)
DeleteThat looks beautiful! We went to some keys when I was staying in Honduras last year. It was amazingly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis place sounds amazing! I am definitely going to add it to my list. I would have never thought it would be this beautiful. :)
ReplyDeletemmmm how b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like an amazing getaway! The birds are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely!!! Love the pics of the birds from the sanctuary and you two look adorable!!
ReplyDeleteLove it!! Roatan was my favorite spot on our last cruise :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks so fun and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! It was such a beautiful spot! We are eager to go back. :)
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