Hike to & Jump off the Keyhole Rope Swing

Roatan, Honduras

1.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1 miles

Elevation Gain

10 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Unparalleled views of Roatan's Iron Shore and a thrilling leap out into a tropical paradise.

Like many of the best experiences on Roatan the elusive Keyhole Rope Swing is a bit of a local "secret" with rumors abounding as to who built it, who paid for it (it is known that Karl covered half), who maintains it, when is the best time to go and of course: just where is it, exactly?

Located on the windward side of the island between West End and West Bay, the Keyhole Rope swing is a wooden platform and telephone pole built on top of and anchored to Roatan's Iron Shore aka sharp, jagged, exposed coral. 

The rope swing itself swings out into one of several "keyholes" i.e. wave-carved inlets into the iron shore that depending on the weather & wind, can be unwise to leap into unless you are interested in getting bruises from being slammed into the rocks as you climb out. Mornings are the best time to visit.

To get there take the West Bay Road from West End (or Coxen Hole) west towards West Bay and take the first left *after* Mar Vista Bay as you start to go down the hill. If you get to Keyhole Resort you have gone too far.

Follow the long, steep road all the way down until it dead ends in a cul-de-sac. There will be parking and an obvious trail (sometimes marked) that leads west through the jungle and across the coral / Iron Shore, eventually leading to a wooden walkway. As soon as you leave the jungle you will be able to see the platform.

Be respectful. Leave no trace. Pack in what you pack out. And be careful to check wind and ocean conditions before leaping 50' out into the ocean. You will likely want to schedule a cab or a van to take you back up the road to town. 

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Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Photography
Swimming
Hiking
Adult Beverages
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Scenic
Wildflowers
Cliff Jumping
Swimming Holes

Hike to & Jump off the Keyhole Rope Swing Reviews

I am the owner of the property and swing. šŸ˜ŠBuilt by my father in 1996, with the help of a few friends, Karl Stanley being the key co-brainstormer to figure out the logistics. Itā€™s extremely dangerous and on private property with a strict no trespassing policy. However, my father built this swing with the intentions of bringing people together and having some fun! My parents used to have Sunday BBQā€™s at the house while here for the winters. Thereā€™s much more to tell about the swings history and my parents...Iā€™ve started a FB page- ā€œRoatan Rope Swingā€ in an attempt to get control over the incessant trespassers who cross my neighbors land to get to mine-disrespecting the signs, apparently playing loud music and leaving trash. We appreciate your write up asking ppl to ā€œleave no traceā€ but nowhere in the write up does it mention itā€™s on private property with no trespassing allowed. And, the skill level is definitely not beginner-ppl have broken their back on the iron shore. Itā€™s no joke!šŸ˜³ We are currently reno the cabin and will eventually have it availableSo...visit the FB page and stay tuned! for

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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