Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park is a unique tourist attraction on the Honduran island of Roatan with its main attraction being the Roatan iguana. But it’s not just one iguana, it’s literally thousands of them! On an area of over 12 acres, up to 4000 iguanas are left to run wild and live as they would naturally. The iguana almost became extinct due to overhunting on the island (iguana meat being a popular ingredient in local stew) and the sanctuary was created 20 years ago as a safe haven for the threatened lizard.
The iguana is mostly herbivorous and can grow to more than 1.5 meters in length. It’s found in the southern US, Central America and the more northerly parts of South America. It likely originated in South America before making its way north. Their bright colors can range from green and blue to pink and black. They have protective spines that can injure when used in a whip-like motion. Their tails can also break off and regenerate.
Visiting the Roatan Iguana Sanctuary
Visitors to the iguana sanctuary can experience iguanas in their natural habitat and will find them everywhere on the farm; hanging from trees, sunning themselves on rocks and running freely around the property. Visitors are encouraged to feed the iguanas and are even allowed to touch and hold the creatures. Every year some of the lizards are set free in the hopes of maintaining the island’s wild iguana population.
The sanctuary also provides many educational opportunities for local students and schools. Teachers and students receive free entry to the park and are encouraged to learn more about the importance of conservation. They are also informed about the island’s other animals and plants as well as sustainable forestry techniques in the hopes of creating an interest in preserving the local environment. The iguana sanctuary donates plants to schools involved in reforestation projects as well as for the establishment of plant nurseries in schools. The park also has an extensive recycling program which uses found and donated plastic containers to be used as planters.
The park plays a role in a Roatan Community Outreach program in conjunction with the Bay Islands Conservation Association. This non-profit group was established in 1990 to further the education of local students concerned with environmental causes, sustainable development practices and protected areas management. It organizes student field trips that promote awareness of reforestation efforts, responsible agroforestry and environmental protection. The park is also used as a free-of-charge meeting place for community and environmental groups.
The Roatan iguana sanctuary is also home to white faced monkeys, white nosed coatis, turtles and plenty of other marine life such as tarpon and lobsters. The family run business has become a popular attraction on the island with many travelers from the cruise ships stopping by for a visit. The park is located along the main road in French Key and is open from 8am to 4pm with an $10 admission price. The park is also fully accessible.
Getting to the Roatan Iguana Sanctuary from West Bay
From L’Alize, the drive to the iguana sanctuary takes about an hour and is a beautifully scenic trip. It’s a great opportunity to see more of the island. Stop at a great local restaurant for lunch and learn more about these interesting creatures. If you would like to arrange to visit the sanctuary while you are staying with us, contact Best Roatan Excursions, a locally run island tour company.
Oh, and make sure to feed the iguanas a banana leaf. It will disappear in a flash!
