ROATAN ISLAND, HONDURAS

The Carambola Botanical Gardens are located in a small valley in Sandy Bay, where English settlers came in 1740, and cover several acres along the banks of Mahogany Creek. The gardens name comes from the carambola fruit, which forms a star shape when sliced across the centre.

The Carambola Botanical Gardens are located in a small valley in Sandy Bay, where English settlers came in 1740, and cover several acres along the banks of Mahogany Creek. The gardens name comes from the carambola fruit, which forms a star shape when sliced across the centre. There are many tropical trees, plants and flowers here. We shall take a walk around the jungle garden, and sample fresh fruits in this beautiful setting. We now travel to the Butterfly & Bird Park, for some free time to wander. Here we can appreciate a “walk-in-cage” live exhibition of some of Honduras’s most colourful butterflies and toucans. The butterfly pupas are brought from the mainland of Honduran and some species reproduce at the facility where we can learn and see the different stages of the butterfly life cycle surrounded by a beautiful array of exotic plants and tropical fruit trees. Following this we take a visit to the bird park section where lost, injured and unwanted birds are brought and taken care of. These birds are primarily parrots and toucans of Honduras, and we may take photographs with them standing on our arm. So do not forget your camera! A while later at West End village, there is time for shopping, and a complimentary Honduran coffee, iced tea or lemonade will be served. This tour may prove unsuitable for those passengers with limited mobility. It involves approximately 1 hour of walking at the Carambola Botanical Gardens, over some uneven ground and 6 steps; walking at leisure during the short visit to the Butterfly Farm; and around 10 metres (35 feet) and 12 steps at West End Village (plus additional during our free time here). Wear comfortable shoes. Bring insect repellent.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON