7 Best Sights in Roatan, Roatan and the Bay Islands

West of French Harbour you'll find Arch's Iguana & Marine Park, an unusual attraction that has been around for three decades. Drop in around noon to see the stern-faced lizards have lunch. An estimated 3,500 sleepy creatures roam around the reserve, which also has turtles, monkeys, and a fish hatchery.

With one of the country's most extensive orchid collections, the Carambola Botanical Gardens are home to many different varieties of tropical plant. It is also a breeding area for iguanas. There are several trails to follow, and many of the trees and plants are identified by small signs. The longest trail leads up to the top of the hill, where you find an amazing view of the West End of the island. Guides can be hired at the visitor center.

With one of the country's most extensive orchid collections, the Carambola Botanical Gardens are home to many different varieties of tropical plant. It is also a breeding area for iguanas. There are several trails to follow, and many of the trees and plants are identified by small signs. The longest trail leads up to the top of the hill, where you find an amazing view of the West End of the island. Guides can be hired at the visitor center.

This park is part nature reserve, part tourism fun. Macaws, parrots, and monkeys will land on your shoulders as iguanas scuttle around more than 200 tropical tree and plant species. Paved paths lined with boulders lead to a 90-meter (300-foot) suspension bridge that crosses a lagoon. The park's zip-line tour is its main attraction, with 13 lines traversing the rain forest canopy. There is also snorkeling, Snuba (a form of surface-supplied diving), horseback riding, kayaking, and a white sandy beach. Coxen's Cave is reminiscent of a theme park ride: recreated cave drawings line the walls; and dotting the interior are life-size pirate statues and replicas of maps, weapons, and treasure. Grab a bite at the poolside grill and take a refreshing shower in the outdoor stalls. Park admission includes the pirate cave, animal preserve, botanical gardens, and the pool. All other activities cost extra.

For a pricey but one-of-a-kind experience, contact Stanley Submarines for the ultimate deep-sea wildlife-viewing excursion. The two-passenger submarine, named Idabel, is piloted by Captain Karl and expeditions take you as low as 610 meters (2,000 feet) below sea level. The journey promises the chance to spot sharks and mysterious creatures you've likely never imagined. It's reservations only so be sure to book in advance.

Often called one of the best small museums in Central America, the tiny Roatán Museum is well worth a visit. The facility, at Anthony's Key Resort, displays archaeological discoveries from Roatán and the rest of the Bay Islands and gives a detailed history of the entire island.

Glass-bottom boat and submarine tours are an excellent way to enjoy the West End's coral reefs from a nondiver perspective. Underwater Paradise drops passengers 7 feet below the water in an air-conditioned semi-submarine with a crystal-clear bottom view for 45 minutes of reef exploration.