Exploring the natural and untouched eastern area of Roatan island is a great tour option for cultural and outdoor lovers. In this tour, we combine an eco-mangrove tunnel tour mixed with a Roatan Garifuna cultural tour and local experience at Punta Gorda community.
This beautiful community is located in the northeast of the island, facing the open Caribbean sea and you can arrive at the village through a road that is in mint conditions. Punta Gorda is the first Garifuna community of Honduras. We will enjoy unique ocean views, and amazing stops for amazing photos with your group, like the south hilltop at First Bight village, followed by the Isery Pirate boat.
Our adventure will continue visiting the fishing community of Oak Ridge, also named “The Venice of Roatan”, to go onboard a cultural water taxi enjoying details and facts by a local captain, until we reach the unique site of the eco mangrove tunnels, surrounded by pristine turquoise waters.
The next stop is our visit to the Garifuna village Punta Gorda, just a few minutes from the Oak Ridge community. Among them music at the rhythm or the famous “punta”, the Garifunas are masters of this dance that is enjoyed and distinguished by Hondurans. One of the peculiarities of Punta Gorda are its houses, which are made of leaves of dry palms, one of the boards and support bases that are thicker, its models are simple, but they inspire tradition.
Its people are characterized for receiving visitors with a smile from ear to ear, the women dress in jewelry and colorful dresses that contrast with perfection the warm weather of Roatán.
The tradition of the Garifuna Culture
One of the things that they usually do and that has lasted for quite some time is the practice of the warrior dance, disguised with outfits and women masks, it is only danced by men.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy in Punta Gorda is the way to go, here the people prepare the best dishes from Roatán, fried fish with its respective plantain chips, and other complements for this dish that belongs to the Garifunas.
Some of the real traditional dishes of the garífuna kitchen are the Machuca (coconut milk stew, mashed plantain, and fish), Tapado (special preparation with fish and plantain), yucca bread, and an infinity of seafood.
We can’t possibly forget to mention the traditional Giffity made of a base of herbs, this drink usually lifts the spirits of those that try it.
Its people, its foods, and its beauties will surely make you fall in love, traveling to Punta Gorda mean visiting a paradise that will allow you to enjoy the best cultural experiences, these will surely influence you to visit over and over.
Highlights:
-Scenic sightseeing drive to the East of Roatan island
-Visit the “Venice of Roatan” Oak Ridge fishing village
-Enjoy a natural mangrove tunnel eco-adventure & pristine waters
-Learn about the Garifuna culture & history at Punta Gorda village
Additional Garifuna Experience Available:
-Drumming Class | 1 hour – $40 Per Person
-Cooking Class | 1.5 hours – $40 Per Person
-All-Inclusive Immersive | 1.5 to 2 hours – $45 Per Person (Meal Included)
*We can customize your day including more activities like:
-Arch’s Iguanas Farm & Sanctuary – $20 Per Person
-Eco Parks (Sloths, Capuchin Monkeys & Birds, and much more) – $15 Per Person
–Zipline – $45 Per Person