Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences image

Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences

Tourist attraction

One of the Most Reviewed Tourist attractions in Roatan


Address

Sandy Bay Roatan, 00000 Sandy Bay, Honduras

Website

www.roatanims.org

Contact

+504 2407-2244

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (609 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), 8 am to 5 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: dolphins (14) dolphin (8) experience (7) amazing (6) staff (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Fred F. 2 years ago on Google
    Very sad that still in 2022, dolphins are kept in captivity (however "big" the enclosure is) and made to entertain people rather than living in their natural habitat and travelling hundreds kilometers per day with their pod. Shame on the "Institute" and on the peole who visit it. Very disappointing.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Regina S. 2 years ago on Google
    Just amazing! The booking process was very easy. The only thing I would say is that if you book directly through RIMS/Anthony’s Key and you are not staying there you have to provide your own transportation. No worries as there are plenty of taxi drivers from West Bay. When we arrived the check-in process was quick and efficient and everyone who helped us was very friendly. Our group for the Dolphin Action Swim was small, only six of us. That is one reason I chose it because over other activities - no small children and a small group. The trainers who led our group were amazing!! They answered all of the questions we had and were so patient and friendly. We met two younger male dolphins, Champ and Lerca, who showed us their moves, let us pet their backs and bellies. One by one we got to do a dorsal fin ride between the two and a boogie board push (one dolphin pushing each foot). We also got to give them signals for several different activities for lots of picture opportunities. I am not a strong swimmer so I was a little apprehensive about the deeper water but you wear a life jacket the whole time and I never felt uncomfortable. What a great experience - I would recommend highly!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dereck h. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is definitely the spot if you are a dedicated scuba diver. They have absolutely everything you could want and desire from a vacation. The food is good but you are limited to what they are serving generally 2 choices and a veg option. My 7 year old had a blast at dolphin camp 9am - 4pm everyday. The landscape is beautiful, the clear blue sea is picturesque and full of life. I can not understate the need for bug spray. While lasting effects did not stick with me a lot of guests looked like lepers by the end of the week. If yos are not into scuba I would suggest looking elsewhere for your stay as this place is focused on that activity and for the money you can get more at other resorts. But if scuba is your thing you will not find a batter place in Honduras.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DrBock 4 years ago on Google
    The best 45 minute action dolphin encounter... . Been to three around the world and this was, by far, the best. Worth every penny.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bailey Wenger H. 5 years ago on Google
    Wonderful $1 activity! My husband and I were searching everywhere for SOMETHING to do on a rainy day in Roatan. We were getting very discouraged. But we drove by a sign for the museum and decided to check it out. It was only $1 to park and see the museum. We walked around Anthony’s Key for a while, observing the beautiful harbor and water. And then headed to the museum to see their small but interesting artifacts. All the staff who we saw were very nice and helpful. I recommend for a rainy day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A m. 5 years ago on Google
    The absolute best diving vacation ever! Love this place, people and scenery!! You will never want to leave!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris L. 10 months ago on Google
    The resort is really nice. You pay extra to have a dolphin experience but you can Walk the dock and take pictures of the dolphins for free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia M. 1 year ago on Google
    I absolutely loved it. I was apprehensive at first swimming with the dolphins because I've never done it before. I believed that the dolphin Ronnie felt my nervousness and gave me some extra loving. He kissed me the longest and came to me to feed him. He knew I needed the extra love and gave it to me. Can't wait to do it again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 lief g. 1 year ago on Google
    Very sad that still in 2023, dolphins are kept in captivity (however "big" the enclosure is) and made to entertain people rather than living in their natural habitat and travelling hundreds kilometers per day with their pod. Shame on the "Institute" and on the peole who visit it. Very disappointing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Russ D. 4 months ago on Google
    Excellent staff, equipment, and dive boat.

  • 5/5 Laura A. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to the museum during a very hot afternoon, was interesting to learn about the history of the island, it's flora and fauna.

  • 5/5 Nathan B. 8 months ago on Google
    Amazing experience!! First and foremost, the staff here really care for the health of the dolphins. Secondly, we had such an amazing experience with the dolphins, my family will never forget!! Worth every penny!! Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Jace R. 11 months ago on Google
    That was the best diving I've ever had! The dive masters were fantastic (and funny!) And the boat captain and photographer were wonderful. Not to mention the water and reef were just glorious. I can't wait to come back!

  • 5/5 Jessica R. 4 months ago on Google
    My husband and I booked the Dolphin Trainer for a Day through RIMS/Anthony’s Key Resort. We visited Roatan via cruise ship for the day, and the program was very accommodating in adjusting the schedule for us. It was a private tour with just the two of us. Being dolphin trainers for the day was one of the best experiences of our lives! Our guide/trainer for the day was Carl, who was very knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. We took a boat over to Bailey’s Key where we spent the day meeting all the RIMS dolphins, learning a variety of training hand signals, learning about dolphin anatomy and behavior, learning low-energy and high-energy behaviors, and spending time in the water for the Dolphin Action Swim. There was a professional photographer who took excellent photos of us. Overall, it was a one-in-a-lifetime experience, highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Aliya G. 1 year ago on Google
    My favorite place to visit. Been here 5 times, as I live on the island. It's nice to learn more about how the team of trainers are doing and recognize dolphins. And let them recognize you. They are all doing great job. Dolphins are happy and cooperating on free will.

  • 5/5 Victor L. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a great experience! Definitely recommended. The only thing you should know in advance is that everything feels pricey. $65 for the entrance when you pay online but no one says anywhere that pictures are paid as well. $45 for all the pictures taken for a single person.

  • 5/5 Tony G. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely Exceptional! They took you right to where the fish were located. Also beautiful coral formations. Very courteous staff! I would not go to any other competitor. Great complementary RUM punch drinks and food.

  • 4/5 Lisa N. 1 year ago on Google
    The animals are well kept, they seem happy. Trainers encourage tourists to avoid touching dolphins in any manner that might hurt them. Staff is ok. Prices are pretty steep for the pictures.

  • 4/5 blackmaxse 1 year ago on Google
    The dolphin experience was amazing. Tour guides were great as well. My only complaint is the overpriced tickets and gift shop etc. To give some perspective, $65 was the going rate for Reef brand flip flops. Not that I was in the market for them but a bit steep, even for a tourist trap IMHO.

  • 5/5 Donna F. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a fabulous time with family here interacting with dolphins. Highly recommend booking on line due to very popular event. They did amazing job with my grandkids and our group. We were all so excited to swim with dolphins.

  • 5/5 Derek T. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a memorable. The coolest place with the best staff. Swimming with dolphins is amazing. The staff taught us to feed the dolphins sea grass while diving down. I will remember this for the rest of my life.


Call +504 2407-2244 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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