Roatan, Honduras

The Honduran island of Roatán is a nature lover’s paradise. Beaches such as West Bay and Sandy Bay offer powdery white sand, swaying palms and aquamarine waters. Underneath the surface, the colorful coral reefs of Roatán Marine Park are home to iridescent fish, sea turtles and dolphins. For those who want to better get to know the resident dolphins, the Roatán Institute for Marine Sciences offers the opportunity to swim, play and snorkel with these intelligent mammals. A zip line through the treetops provides a panoramic perspective on the tropical scenery inland, where an entirely different array of wildlife encounters awaits. Observe iguanas of all sizes roaming free at Arch’s Iguana Park, and meet other cuddly creatures at Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout. Interact with these species and more at Gumbalimba Park, a 20-acre beachfront habitat showcasing not only exotic birds and animals but also acres of botanical gardens and an enlightening history museum.