Honduras has three main cruise ports: Roatán (Coxen Hole), Mahogany Bay, and Puerto Cortés. Roatán and Mahogany Bay are located on the island of Roatán, about 6 miles apart, which is the most popular cruise destination in Honduras, known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. Puerto Cortés is located on mainland Honduras and is less frequented by major cruise lines. Instead, smaller, expedition-style cruises and regional operators call here. While many major cruise lines call to the island of Roatán, Mahogany Bay specifically is owned by Carnival Corporation, so it is primarily served by Carnival Corporation brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. It features a private beach and various amenities for cruise passengers. Puerto Cortés, located on the mainland, serves as a gateway to explore the cultural and natural attractions of Honduras. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide.
Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide.
About the Roatán Cruise Ports
The Roatán ports are not tender ports. Cruise ships dock directly at the piers in either Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay, allowing passengers to disembark and embark without the need for tender boats, which I always like (I hate the tendering process and find it slow and tedious).
A view of the Roatan cruise port from afar.
The island of Roatán is compact, measuring just 31 miles (50 kilometers) from end to end, making it easy to explore from any docking point. Both Roatán cruise ports serve as convenient starting points for various shore excursions.
It’s important to note that, like many other Caribbean nations such as Curaçao and Antigua, civilians in Honduras are prohibited from wearing camouflage, so leave that at home (or back on the ship).
Related: Learn more about how to prepare for port days.
Nature parks are popular spots in Roatan.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
One huge benefit of docking at Mahogany Bay is that cruisers have access to its exclusive beach area, Mahogany Beach, which is accessible directly from the port via a scenic chairlift or a short walk. This makes it exceptionally convenient for passengers who want to enjoy a beach day without venturing far or paying for an excursion.
Mahogany Bay is conveniently located just about four miles from Coxen Hole, the largest city on the island. It’s not walkable, and Uber is unavailable here, but getting to the city center is straightforward. You can opt for a taxi, which is regulated with set rates and costs around $10 USD for the trip. Local minibusses are available, although less predictable, if you prefer public transportation, for a nominal fee.
Port of Roatán (Coxen Hole)
Situated in Coxen Hole, the Port of Roatán hosts several cruise ships weekly, and cruisers who dock at Coxen Hole have the benefit of disembarking right by the city center and can explore the Town Center at the port. While many cruisers appreciate the convenience and variety of shops and restaurants at this port, it’s one that, like the Nassau cruise port in the Bahamas, is unfortunately known for aggressive vendors outside the port area.
Although navigating past the vendors can be a bit of a hassle, however, the port’s location provides convenient access to various excursions without the need for extensive travel, allowing passengers to maximize their time on the island. While there is no exclusive beach area directly at Coxen Hole, taxis and local transportation options are available to take visitors to nearby beaches and other points of interest.
Related: Explore the pros, cons, and risks of independent excursions.
Beaches at the Roatán Cruise Ports
Cruisers at Mahogany Bay have direct access to Mahogany Beach, a pristine stretch of sand just steps away from the port that is for the exclusive use of cruisers docking there, but here are other top beaches in Roatan, Honduras:
West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach in Roatán, known for its clear waters and white sand, is a great spot for snorkeling and relaxation. Cruisers enjoy this beach because of the variety of available water activities and the presence of beachside amenities, though it can get crowded with cruise passengers. The beach is located about 8 miles from Coxen Hole and 7 miles from Mahogany Bay, making it easily accessible from both cruise ports.
West Bay Beach in Roatán is a public beach that is accessible to everyone. However, some amenities and facilities on the beach, such as lounge chairs, umbrellas, and access to certain resorts or private areas, may come with a fee. Visitors often find it convenient to use these services for a more comfortable beach experience.
Little French Key
Little French Key is a hot spot for cruisers in Roatán and a popular excursion destination known for its variety of activities, including snorkeling, horseback riding, and interacting with wildlife with activities like swimming with pigs. It’s highly regarded for its attentive staff, good food and drinks, and overall relaxing and enjoyable experience. Located about 10 miles from the Port of Roatán and 9 miles from Mahogany Bay, it provides cruisers with a convenient and memorable day trip.
Tabyana Beach
Tabyana Beach is a popular destination for cruisers in Roatán because of its stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. It receives high praise for its beautiful natural setting, well-maintained facilities, and food and drink availability. Located about 8 miles from the Port of Roatán and approximately 7 miles from Mahogany Bay, Tabyana Beach offers cruisers a great beach day. Plus, it’s a public (free) beach, although rental of lounge chairs and umbrellas come at a cost.
Related: Don’t forget your beach towels! Here’s what you need to know.
Top Things to Do in Roatán
Both Roatán cruise ports offer a variety of activities right within the terminal areas, including bars and restaurants and duty-free shopping at several stores offering local crafts and souvenirs. If you’re looking for something else to do, however, here are some of the top things to do in Roatán.
Beach Day
As noted above, Roatán is home to some great beaches. If you’re docking at Mahogany Bay, you can stay right there at the port to enjoy private access to Mahogany Bay Beach. If you’re docking at Coxen Hole, you can easily snag a taxi to one of the area’s beaches, including the ones detailed above.
Holding a friendly sloth at Manawakie Park.
Private Tours of Roatán
Booking a driver for a private tour of a cruise port destination is a common option at many ports, but Roatán is a great one for this, and you’ll find many great options like these. Because of Roatán’s small size, cruisers can get around to many of the island’s top sites and attractions all within one short port day, and having a driver with a private tour is usually the best way to do it.
Nature Parks
Virgin offers on-board tattoos.
Nature parks in Roatán are popular attractions, offering activities such as zip-lining, wildlife encounters (mostly monkeys, exotic birds, sloths, and iguanas), and botanical gardens. Admission costs vary depending on the park and the activities included, providing options for different budgets and interests.
With these parks, you can either book an excursion with included transportation or take a taxi there on your own and pay the admission fee.
- Gumbalimba Park: Offering zip-lining, animal encounters, botanical gardens, and historical exhibits.
- Carambola Gardens: Known for extensive botanical gardens, nature trails, and wildlife.
- Mayan Eden Eco-Park: Features zip-lining, hiking trails, and wildlife interactions.
- Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum: Includes tropical fruit orchards, gardens, and walking trails.
- Manawakie Park: Offers cultural exhibits, wildlife encounters, and educational tours. This is where I got to interact with a sloth, and it was an amazing experience!
Adventure Activities
Both Roatán cruise ports offer a variety of activities right within the terminal areas, including bars and restaurants and duty-free shopping at several stores offering local crafts and souvenirs. If you’re looking for something else to do, however, here are some of the top things to do in Roatán.
For thrill-seekers, there are a ton of great options in Roatán, including ATVs and ziplines, snorkeling and other water activities, horseback riding, and more.
Related: Read about what to expect on a cruise ATV excursion.
Iguanas, parrots, sloths, and monkeys are popular wildlife at Roatan’s nature parks.
Language and Currency
Unlike Cozumel, where most vendors near the port speak both Spanish and English, and US currency is almost universally accepted, that may not always be the case in Mahogany Bay. In my experience at the shops just outside the port terminal, many vendors spoke little or no English, and several merchants only accepted Honduran Lempiras (HNL). The symbol for lempiras is L, which can become confusing, so always double-check the currency before purchasing anything.
Credit cards are widely accepted but not universal, and tap-to-pay or contactless payment is common in most locations. A tap-to-pay credit card, also known as a contactless card, allows users to make payments quickly and securely by simply tapping the card against a contactless-enabled payment terminal, eliminating the need to swipe or insert the card and enter a PIN.
Note that in many Caribbean ports of call, while vendors generally may accept US currency, they might not if the bills are overly worn, contain marks, or are in any way torn or damaged. In this case, they may provide change back in the form of the local currency.
Roatán Cruise Port Ship Schedules
The Roatán cruise ship schedule for both Roatán and Mahogany Bay can be found on Cruisemapper.
Climate and What to Wear
Roatán enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging between 75°F and 85°F. Wear light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen to stay protected from the sun.
Related: Shop my favorite cruise styles and outfits.
Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising. This happen especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes. However it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions.
Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of their departing port, so it’s generally good practice to keep your phone or watch set to ship time. As for the port, Honduras operates on Central Standard Time (CST). Keeping track of the time is crucial, especially ensuring you stay coordinated with ship time.
