Welcome back, fellow travelers! Today our Margaritaville at Sea Islander adventure brought us to the beautiful island of Roatán, Honduras, and let me tell you — this stop was bananas. (And yes, there will be monkeys involved. Stay tuned.)

We were super excited for today’s activities because we had booked an island tour with Daniel Johnson Tours, one of the top-rated excursions on the island. we met up with my cousins Bob and Kencis for a quick bite at the buffet — because let’s face it, Buffet breakfast is much faster than the Dining room, not as good! but what can you do when Excursions are waiting!

The moment we hit the port, we were greeted by a sea of souvenir shops and about 47 people yelling, “My friend! You need a tour? Special price!” If enthusiasm was currency, these folks would all be millionaires. We navigated the chaos and finally found our guide — Diana, who, surprise twist, turned out to be Daniel Johnson’s mom! I figured if anyone knew the island better than Daniel, it’d be the lady who raised him.

We hopped into the van, and as we drove toward the west side of the island, Diana filled us in on the island’s history, culture, and daily life. You could tell this was her home and her pride ran deep — it was like getting a private tour from the island’s biggest fan.

Our first stop: a Rum and Rum Cake Factory. Let me tell you, this place could make Captain Jack Sparrow himself tear up. The cakes came in all sorts of tropical flavors, and yes, you could definitely taste the rum. (Breakfast of champions, right?)

Next up was the Chocolate Factory, where they showed us how they make chocolate from scratch, starting with cacao beans. It smelled heavenly — like Willy Wonka’s Caribbean vacation home. They gave us samples of all kinds of chocolate bars, and yes! we bought some. I mean, who walks out of a chocolate factory empty-handed? right? Because it’s Chocolate, duh!

From there, we strolled through a little village on the west side, snapped some great photos, and then it was off to the part of the tour I had been waiting for — Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout!

This place was absolutely spotless, super well-maintained, and you could tell the animals were loved and cared for. First up were the parrots, who were trained to land right on your head for photos. Nothing says “tropical vacation” quite like a bird using your Head as a landing pad. It’s a weird feeling having Claws dig into your scalp, but it’s a memory I won’t soon forget. Then came the sloths — those chill little dudes just hanging out, with cute little smiles on their faces, living their best slow-motion lives. You couldn’t touch them, because they are a protected animal, but you could get up close for a selfie. And finally… the monkeys!

Now, if you’ve never had a monkey use you as a jungle gym, let me tell you — it’s equal parts hilarious and chaotic. They jumped from shoulder to shoulder, posed for photos, and at one point, I was pretty sure one checked my pockets for snacks, like i was hiding money from them. These little guys had us all laughing like kids again. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. These Little creatures had personality for days.

After all that monkeying around, we asked Diana if we could stop at a local store for some snacks. The shop was clean, well-stocked, and super cheap — our cousins bought four different snacks, and the total was under five bucks! (Try finding that deal at a U.S. grocery store.)

Then came the curveball — we’d passed a local brewery Sign earlier in the day and asked if we could check it out. Without hesitation, Diana said, “Of course!” (I’m convinced she’s the most accommodating person in Honduras.)

This brewery was a hidden gem — a little oasis in the middle of the jungle. We did a beer flight tasting (you know, for research purposes) and ordered some snacks: pork-stuffed egg rolls for me, and ceviche with yucca fries for Bob and Kencis. The food was incredible, and the beer hit the spot. If this is what island life is like, sign me up.

As the day began to wind down, Diana drove us back to the port, wrapping up what was hands-down one of our favorite tours of the trip.

we gave her a hug and a generous Tip and thanked her for a fabulous day, that we won’t soon forget. If you ever find yourself in Roatán, run (don’t walk) to book with Daniel Johnson Tours — and if you’re lucky enough, maybe Diana will be your guide. if so, be prepared for one of the best island tours you’ll ever have.

Back on board, it was time to clean up for the evening — and tonight’s theme? The Neon Hot White Party! it was time to swap sunscreen for glowsticks, and a white wardrobe. But first, dinner. Because nothing says “bad decision” like Ordering Buffalo chicken wings, while wearing a brand new white Hawaiian shirt!

Dinner continued with a creamy white onion soup, a smothered pork chop with gravy it came with spinach and mashed potatoes, and for dessert, a rich chocolate cream torte. Delicious from start to finish. (and believe it or not, not a drop on me!)

After dinner, it was party time! The Neon Hot White Party was a blast — great music, glowing lights, and plenty of party people. We hit the bar, grabbed a few adult beverages, and danced the night away. The crowd was electric, the music was bumping, and everyone looked like glow-in-the-dark marshmallows under the black lights. our new friends Vera and Rich, who Booked this cruise to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, were on the dance floor, as they were dancing, Rich, got down on one knee and asked vera for her hand in marriage again and gave her a ring! of course she said YES! Tomorrow, they’ll be renewing their vows — and since I’m an ordained minister, they asked me to perform the ceremony! Nothing like a little romance at sea.

So stay tuned, because tomorrow brings another sea day, a special Indian dinner hosted by the Hotel Manager, and a love renewal celebration at sea!

Brian’s Tip:

When visiting Roatán, book local and bring your sense of adventure — they know the island better than anyone. And if a sloth teaches you anything, it’s this: slow down, relax, and enjoy the ride. Oh, and maybe pack a spare shirt if you’re eating wings on white night!.