little french key

We were on a Royal Caribbean cruise and stopped in Roatan on March 11. It took about 2 hours to get off the ship and to Little French Key. The van ride was depressing - get to see some real third world conditions. Does not look like much of the cruise ship revenue is trickling down to the locals. We already knew things were going to be crowded based on the wait for a van, then for a boat to take us to the island, but we were still unprepared for how crowded the island was. This was during Texas spring break so this could be one of their worst days. My wife and daughter were able to get a couple of lounge chairs, but I was only able to get a regular chair. The food was about airline quality except the shrimp which was very good. The snorkeling was probably worth the extra $10. We felt sorry for the animals. They were probably better off than before, but their current state still seemed sad. The lion's enclosure seemed too small. We left after about 3 hours.

We just returned from Little French Key. The island itself is a bit of a drive from the cruise terminal and then u take a short ferry ride over to the island. The place is absolutely breathtaking. Crystal clear, blue water and lots to do there such as kayaking, SUP, snorkeling, rope swing into the ocean. They also have a nature reserve park where they have many exotic animals including a lion and a jaguar. The animals were supposedly rescued and rehabbed which is cool, but still sad to see them caged up or pimped out for more money. That being said, having a close up experience with the monkeys or jaguar is something you will never get in the States and is an experience you will never forget. The jaguar swim was a bit difficult to watch as the cat was clearly not thrilled about being forced to swim. We bought a package that included lunch of local fare and two drinks alcoholic or not. Two adults and two kids was just shy of $300. Lunch was fantastic! The only complaint I have was the amount of people that were there. There were four cruises in port and I think most of them went here. No loungers to be had but we really didn't sit the entire time we were there so it didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. They had other chairs and hammocks as well which made up for it. I would love to return when it was less crowded. Find a spot to gather first before you let the kids go exploring or it will take you forever to find them if it is crowded.

We had a great time visiting Little French Key. After figuring out how to walk out of the port gates, we were met by a driver that drove us to Frenchies 44. We were one of the first to arrive on the island after the ferry ride, but we were not met by anyone to show us around. We just started wondering around on our own and found things, I did see people later in the day being met and given a small tour--that would have been nice. There were plenty of chairs, in the sun or the shade and nothing ever felt crowded the whole day. Our group took advantage of the free paddleboards, kayaks amd rope swings. The small animal sanctuary was nice and the animals seemed well taken care of. It was fun to see the jaguar in the water, but we did not pay extra for a picture. Our package included lunch, which was tasty. The cats roaming around did enjoy the leftovers!! :). Overall, this was well worth the money spent. I did not miss the crowds and certainly enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We would definitely recommend and return if we found ourselves ported here again.

I was at Little French Key on 2/28/15, when I was staying on Roatan for a week at Anthony’s Key. I knew it would be similar to Maya Key where AKR takes its visitors every Monday, but I wanted to spend an entire day at a beautiful beach location (AKR doesn’t really have a good beach). In hindsight, I’m glad I did LFK because we only had a very rushed 3.5 hrs at Maya. Let me say first that LFK is a beautiful location and definitely worth spending a full day. I met Moshe, the owner, on the boat ride over, and I saw him hard at work all day in the sun alongside the construction guys. He clearly is very proud of the place and rightfully so. The people who have stolen his concept and put up Big French Key literally just feet away should not be supported.I admit, I bought the $200 VIP package, because it seemed to make more sense to do the all-inclusive option since I thought I wanted to do everything and didn’t want to have to pay a la carte (and I also wanted to pay for everything up front and not have a lot of cash to worry about). That said, I don’t know that I would recommend doing that option.The positives: The place is gorgeous. When I first got there and was walked around, it looked like paradise and I envisioned 8 hrs of peace & quiet and relaxation in paradise. The VIP area (up a flight of stairs) also looked very relaxing. Throughout the day, the staff was unbelievably accommodating (a little too much, more on that below). The snorkeling was great, swimming with Simba was a blast, and having the spider monkeys and capuchins climb all over me was adorable. I also had a nice massage. And the water was delicious – no wonder Simba didn’t want to get out. Also, if you are staying at AKR, they will pick you up and drive you back. I would have liked more free time there to just enjoy the sun and the water.The negatives: 1) I went on a Saturday, and just as I was settling in that morning to a day in paradise, I was overrun by scores of screaming kids who showed up out of nowhere. Apparently on Friday and Saturday, they are required by the gov’t to open up for the school kids. I wish I’d known that in advance because I would have gone on the Sunday. Luckily they left around lunchtime, but it was a total shock to the system. 2) They need to do a better job of making the VIP areas truly exclusive. A couple of times I came back to the supposedly-reserved area and found strangers in there who were not wearing the VIP wristband. They claimed to be gov’t officials or friends of the owner, and apparently they felt that entitled them to the prime lounge chairs. Ditto for the so-called exclusive beach – the school kids were all over it. It’s a challenge to block off the whole area because Simba’s cage is on the ground level of the 2 story bldg, but if management is going to set an expectation of “VIP”, they need to find a way to keep it that way. I don’t think I spent more than an hour in there over the whole day. 3) The VIP package comes with a lot of attention, and sometimes it was too much. I had one person who was like a personal butler for much of the day, getting me drinks and lining up the next 3-4 things to do, but I would have liked to just lay on a lounge chair and just relax. Part of the problem is that you’ve paid for all these activities and they want to make sure you get it all done, but it didn’t feel as relaxing as you would expect. And in the case of the massage, the lovely woman who was going to do it was sort of following me around asking me when I was ready and I really wanted to save it for later in the day. 4) I voluntarily cut short the horseback swimming. It was a rough ride, and I don’t think the horse was having a good time either, probably because I’m heavy. Recommendation: Definitely go for the day, but don’t do the VIP option (unless they fix the access problem). Of the activities I did, make sure to do the snorkel and spend time with the animals. I was supposedly the only one who pre-booked Simba, but as soon as the cat was in the water, people started paying on the spot (and someone was there to collect your cash and have you sign the waiver). I also didn’t need to have the 6 bar drinks included in the VIP package, but maybe that would be appealing to you. Logistics: Pay in USD cash (I didn’t have to pay any additional fees). The credit card machine was not working well for other people when I got there. There aren’t any lockers for your personal items, but I felt like my things were safe (I didn’t bring anything valuable other than my camera and some cash for tips). From AKR, it’s about 30 mins each way – I had the front desk call the day before and they arranged for pickup. Operating hours seem to be about 8 - 6 and even though I could get picked up/dropped off whenever I wanted, I was picked up about 9 and got back probably around 5:45. Lunch is exactly as advertised – there weren’t any other options.

We felt welcomed from the moment we were picked up right outside the cruise port. After a short 20 or so minute ride to catch the boat we arrived at paradise. The island never felt crowded and the staff was wonderful. I really don't have anything negative to say about this place. Even the lunch was wonderful. They even announce when it's time to leave to catch your ship. They'll even accommodate you leaving early to go back to the port to shop. I even got to hold a monkey!Several things are extras besides the regular fee, like swimming with the jaguar or horseback riding. Maybe next time I'll do one of those. I was perfectly content to sit waterside in the sun and swim. I'll definitely be back and I'll tell all my family and friends about this wonderful place!!

I was just there a week ago (03-03-15) and I want to go back! The pictures don't do this place any justice. We had no problem meeting the driver right outside the port where they said they would be waiting. Just leave the port, go to the left up a little hill and back down. They will be at the bottom of the hill along with many other private excursion companies. Don't worry, you don't have to climb up the hill at the end of the day to return to your ship. The drivers are allowed to drop you off right at the port at the end of the dat. PAY THE EXTRA $10 TO GET THE GUIDED SNORKEL TOUR! Go for a short boat ride away from the island to an amazing snorkeling spot. One thing I really loved about the snorkeling tour was that we didn't feel rushed of forced to swim in a line or anything. You jump off the side of the boat and just float. We saw so many fish and beautiful coral, huge lobster and even a school of squid! It was truly amazing! The tour guide would even free dive down in the water which was amazing to watch. This place has the clearest water I've ever seen and so many live starfish. The beach was very clean. The staff working are all very friendly and happy. The food wasn't anything amazing but it was included. You also get two drink tickets included in some of the packages. The drinks were very, very tasty. I highly recommend this place!

We visited Little French Key the week of February 15th and had a lovely time. Our cruise group of 14 people all agreed it was one of the best places we've ever visited in 12 years of cruising. Comfortable and beautiful surroundings, excellent food and we loved the Monkey LaLa drinks. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also available for those who wish to go. The owner and his brother both took the time to welcome us and were charming to visit with. An added bonus is the presence of the animals housed there. The animals are housed in clean and spacious cages and are an added attraction to the cay. The staff if extremely courteous and added to the beautiful surroundings. A vote among our cruise buddies is that we can't wait to go back. Congratulations on a very hospitable place to relax while on vacation.

Do not confuse this private island with the cruise ship excursion to French Key! This is fabulous spot with a mini zoo, the cutest monkeys ever that you can hold and take pictures with, great lunch, two drink coupons included, kayaks available for your use, and guided snorkeling over a reef (if you buy the package that includes guided snorkeling versus just using their equipment). We were there on what was considered a slow day and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. To get to their vans, you must exit the port. It is not obvious how to meet the vans. You go left up a small hill and then down the hill where there are a multitude of private tour excursions. It is well worth the walk to go to Little French Key. My group did two weeks of cruising the eastern and western Caribbean and this was by far our favorite place. I am even looking into staying at a nearby hotel which has guest day passes for Little French Key! Yes, we really, really loved this place.

First time booking an excursion outside of the cruise line and what an amazing treat!! This place was beautiful. The snorkeling was wonderful with fish, lobster, sea cucumbers, barracuda, colorful coral..... the list goes on. The animals on the island were well cared for. There were even puppies roaming around!! The water was crystal clear and the beaches were very clean. There were many trees with hammocks to relax in with ample amount of beach lounge chairs. The staff were very attentive and and the food plentiful. The bathrooms had an attendant that kept them very clean. The price was a value for the great surroundings and service. The only thing that I wish they offered were lockers for our personal belongings. I highly recommend this place!!

We had a great day on Little French Key. The staff was wonderful, the island was clean and water clear! The only thing I suggest is not to forget bug spray we were eaten up by bugs.