Do you have a cruise planned that includes Roatan? Roatan is a popular cruise ship stop in the Western Caribbean, typically on the same itinerary as ships sailing to Belize, Costa Maya, and/or Cozumel. In this post, I’ll share a little about this exciting port of call, which cruise port you will be arriving at, and some great options for spending your cruise port day in Roatan.
Tell me about Roatan, Honduras
Roatan is part of the Bay Islands (along with Guanaja, and Utila.) and is approximately an hour and fifteen-minute ferry ride away from Mainland Honduras.
Roatan’s claim to fame is its coral reef and it is well-earned. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is world-renowned. It is the largest of its kind in the northern hemisphere and the second largest worldwide. Only the Great Barrier Reef is larger in scope and size than the reef in the waters around Roatan Island. Snorkeling and diving here are amazing but more on that soon.
Cash is King
The local currency is the Lempira but U.S. currency is widely accepted on the island. However, the banks are quite particular about the condition of the bills therefore vendors will not accept bills that are torn or in poor condition. Many large stores and restaurants do accept credit cards, but not all, so it’s good to be prepared.
Spanish is also the predominant language although within the Coxen Hole area, you can get by with English.
Is it Safe?
Many cruisers ask if Roatan is safe to visit and the answer is yes. While mainland Honduras has deep struggles with crime, Roatan boasts a low crime rate. This may be due in part to a very visible police and security presence on the island. I suppose they focus on prevention and it seems to be working.
As a traveler, you may be taken aback by armed security posted on the beach, but it’s just their way. We spoke to one security officer during our time at Bananarama Beach Resort and he mentioned that they rarely have any problems other than a vendor getting a little pushy for a tourist’s liking.
There are two cruise ports in Roatan
As a cruise passenger visiting Roatan, Honduras, it’s important to note that there are two separate cruise ports, depending on which cruise line you’re sailing with Port of Roatan and Mahogany Bay and they are only a couple of miles apart, and on the west side of the island.
Port of Roatan
The Coxen Hole cruise ship dock (Port of Roatan) is used by cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, and others. (Basically, all cruise lines that are not included in the Carnival Corporation.)
Port of Roatan/Coxen Hole – located in the capital city of Coxen Hole in the southwest of the island.
It is named after the pirate Captain John Coxen/Coxon due to the fact that during the 17th century, Roatán was once home to over 5,000 pirates living all through the island.
If you arrive in Coxen Hole, you’ll likely want to have a plan in mind for how you spend your day. While there is a small port shopping area and even a new place where you can get a souvenir stamp for your passport, there is little to do in the port area itself. However, there are many options a short drive away.
If you sailing with Carnival, Princess, Holland America, or one of the Carnival Corp. cruise lines? Then you’re headed to Mahogany Bay.
What is Mahogany Bay?
The Mahogany Bay port is located in Dixon Cove, between Coxen Hole and French Harbour along Roatan’s south shore. The port can dock two ships at a time.
Mahogany Bay is owned by Carnival Corporation, so all Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania ships dock there. Additionally, Costa Cruises, Thomson Cruises, and P&O Cruises also dock at Mahogany Bay.
Things to do AT the cruise port (within walking distance)
Carnival brand cruisers seem to really enjoy Mahogany Bay for its ease and convenience.
Mahogany Bay offers easy egress and exit for transportation companies. It also offers excellent restaurants and waterfront activities. Its man-made beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Mahogany Bay offers restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops as well. Basically, cruisers who are not interested in exploring the island, can walk off of the ship and still have a great day.
Spending Your Cruise Port Day in Roatan.
Regardless of which cruise port your ship utilizes, there are many things you can do to have a great day in Roatan.
Some of the many popular ways to spend your cruise port day in Roatan include:
Snorkeling/Diving – If you are a certified diver, contact one of the local dive shops and check out the many dive sites around the island. If you want to keep it simple and snorkel right off the beach, there are great options for that as well.
- Tour the Island
- Hug a sloth
- West Bay Beach (pic)
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Horseback riding
- Ziplining
- Manwakie Eco Nature Park
- Dune Buggie rides
- Glass bottom boat
Or try a combination of the above by booking a private tour with a local reputable company like Victor Bodden Tours. You can read about our experience with Victor.
Related Post: Private Tour in Roatan
Whether you are docking in Coxen Hole or at Mahogany Bay, you are sure to have a great cruise port day in Roatan. There is so much to see and do on this island paradise. If you’re heading to Roatan soon, leave a comment below or join our community on Facebook.
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