Picture this — your cruise ship glides through turquoise waters so clear you can spot the coral reefs beneath the surface. Palm trees line the shore, music drifts from a beach bar, and the island of Roatán welcomes you with that easy Caribbean charm.
It’s no wonder Roatán has become one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations. In 2024 alone, the island welcomed over 1.7 million cruise passengers, contributing roughly US $180 million to the local economy — and the numbers are still climbing. That kind of popularity has led to two thriving cruise ports: Mahogany Bay and Coxen Hole, each offering a completely different experience.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before you arrive — from which port your ship is likely to dock at, to how to get around, what to see nearby, and where to find the best beaches and local food. So let’s dive in and make sure your day on Roatán is smooth, memorable, and full of island magic.
What We'll Cover In This Guide:
- Roatan Cruise Port Quick Facts
- Roatan Cruise Port Information
- Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
- Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port
- Roatan Cruise Port FAQs: Everything Cruise Travelers Should Know
To help you plan your perfect day, here’s a quick, up-to-date guide to transportation, money tips, and excursion options that fit any travel style.
Roatan Cruise Port Quick Facts
| Topic | Quick Info | Tourbase Tip |
| Ports | Mahogany Bay • Coxen Hole | Check your cruise itinerary to see where you’ll dock. |
| Cruise Lines | Carnival → Mahogany Bay • Royal Caribbean → Coxen Hole | Docking may change — confirm before arrival. |
| Safety | Safe in port and beach areas | Use licensed taxis and stay aware. |
| Currency | USD accepted • Lempira official | Carry small bills for taxis and local shops. |
| Transport | axis & water taxis | Agree on a round-trip fare before riding. |
| Nearby Spots | West Bay • West End • Little French Key | Head out early to beat beach crowds. |
| Tours | Snorkeling • Sloth park • Island highlights | Book with local guides who align with the cruise schedule. |
Roatan Cruise Port Information
Is Roatan Safe for Cruise Passengers?
Yes, Roatan is a safe destination for cruise passengers. The cruise terminals are managed spaces with stringent security measures that ensure only authorized personnel can enter.
Once you leave the cruise port, you enter Roatan ‘proper’. The island is generally very safe, with serious crime being minimal. However, as you would anywhere in the world, it's essential to keep your belongings in sight and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Where Do the Cruise Ships Dock in Roatan?
Here are the two cruise ports in Roatan, along with their Roatan cruise port addresses:
- Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
- Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port (Port of Roatan)
Roatan Cruise Ship Schedule
You can keep up to date with the current Roatán cruise ship schedules on this website.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
Opened in 2010, the Mahogany Bay cruise terminal is the newer and larger of the two Roatan cruise ports on the island. It can accommodate two super-sized cruise vessels at a time, with enough space for around 8,000 disembarking passengers. It’s a popular port, with Mahogany Bay cruise port reviews rating the facility 4.5/5 stars.
Where Is the Mahogany Bay Cruise Terminal Located?
This cruise port is located on the southwestern coast of Roatan, about a 10-minute drive east of the island’s capital city, Coxen Hole.
Here are the approximate drive times to some of Roatan’s most popular districts:
- West End: 25-30 minutes
- West Bay: 30-35 minutes
- Sandy Bay: 20 minutes
- French Harbour: 10 minutes
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Map
To help you find your way around the Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, here’s a handy map.
Which Cruise Lines Use the Mahogany Bay Cruise Terminal?
Carnival Corporation owns Mahogany Bay, so it will usually be the dock of choice for the following cruise lines:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Regent Seven Seas
- Oceania
However, cruise passengers should note that last-minute changes sometimes occur, and the arrival port can change. This is usually due to unfavorable weather or rough waters, so be sure to check on-ship announcements before arrival.
What Facilities Does Mahogany Bay Cruise Terminal Have?
The Mahogany Bay Cruise Center has an impressive disembarkation zone, packed with shopping, eating, and cultural attractions.
In addition, there’s a Magical Flying Beach Chair taking visitors to Mahogany Beach, a private Roatan paradise exclusively available to cruise guests. The chair lift costs $14 for adults and $8 for children over 3, and includes all-day beach access. Snorkel gear, loungers, and cabanas are available to rent for an extra charge.
There is duty-free shopping available in-terminal, and other stores include Dufry’s jewelers and local favorites Pirana Joe’s and Del Sol. There’s also a craft market, where you can buy the wares of over a dozen specially-selected local artisans.
Other facilities include:
- Fat Tuesday’s, a coffee shop, an ice-cream parlor, and more
- A fully-stocked pharmacy
- Garinagu Cultural Exhibit
- Car rental and a taxi stand
What Is Close to Mahogany Bay Cruise Terminal?
Mahogany Bay is located between Coxen Hole and French Harbour and is relatively secluded. It’s a terminal designed to entertain, but you’ll want to leave the port area to experience the true essence of Roatan.
Road taxis and water taxis
Road taxis are available and follow a pre-defined fare structure set by the Mahogany Bay Taxi Association. This divides the island of Roatan into five zones:
- Zone A - covering Coxen Hole and French Harbour: $20 per cab (up to 4 passengers)
- Zone B - covering French Cay, Black Pearl Golf Course, and Sandy Bay: $10 per person (minimum of 2 passengers)
- Zone C - covering West End and West Bay: $15 per person (minimum of 2 passengers)
- Zone D - covering Oak Ridge and Punta Gorda: $15 per person (minimum of 2 passengers)
- Zone E - covering Diamond Rock and Camp Bay: $20 per person (minimum of 2 passengers)
Water taxis
Water taxis are available to transfer visitors between West End and West Bay, with a one-way trip costing around $3.
ATMs
There are two ATMs in Mahogany Bay, both close to the Tourist Information Booth. At one ATM, you can withdraw Honduran lempiras; at the other, US dollars.
Shopping
Other than Mahogany Bay’s in-terminal stores, you’ll have to travel if you want to shop. Generally, the best area for visitor shopping is the West End, which is packed full of tourist-friendly stores and vendors. Not only will you have more choices here, but you’ll get to meet friendly Roatan locals, who will probably offer you better prices than the stores in the port.
Restaurants and bars
Roatan is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you're in Coxen Hole, West End, or West Bay, you'll find a plethora of high-quality restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Beaches
If you want to see Roatan outside the confines of the terminal, you’re best off taking a cab to one of the island’s prime beaches. If you’re looking for a bit of seclusion and facilities aren’t too important, Sandy Bay, Camp Bay Beach, or Pigeon Cay Beach would be great options. However, if you want access to restaurants, bars, and shopping, try the beaches at West Bay or West End, which are busier but better provisioned.
Other attractions
Suppose you want to see what makes Roatan such a popular destination with cruisers. In that case, we’d recommend you book an excursion with one of our trusted local tour guides. You can fit a surprising number of activities into a single day, including snorkeling or diving, ATV off-roading, ziplining, or cuddling up to some of Roatan’s cutest wildlife.
Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port
The older of the Roatan cruise ports is Coxen Hole (aka Port of Roatan), with fewer facilities than Mahogany Bay, but space for up to three cruise ships - one at the pier, and two at anchor.
Where Is the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port Located?
The Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port is located in the Town Center of Coxen Hole, the capital of Roatan, which is in the southwestern corner of Roatan.
Here are the approximate drive times from the port to some of Roatan’s most popular districts:
- West End: 15 minutes
- West Bay: 15-20 minutes
- Sandy Bay: 10-15 minutes
- French Harbour: 20-25 minutes
Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port Map
To help you find your way around the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port, there’s a map at the bottom of this page. Also, check out this Port of Roatan video by the Tourism Bureau!
Which Cruise Lines Use the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port?
Royal Caribbean manages Coxen Hole, Roatan Cruise Port. Around 170 cruise ships call here each year, with the following cruise lines usually docking in this port:
- Royal Caribbean - these ships typically dock at the pier
- Norwegian Cruise Line - these ships often anchor, and passengers will be tendered to shore.
- Celebrity Cruises
Remember that your docking port can change at short notice, so stay up to date with announcements on your ship.
What Facilities Does the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port Have?
There are plenty of amenities to keep you entertained at the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port dock. In fact, while we’d always recommend you explore further afield, some people say you can have an enjoyable shore day even if you don’t leave the port! The
Facilities include:
- Souvenir and gift shopping
- Live entertainment, including Garifuna dancing
- Hand-rolled cigars
- A post office
- Restaurants and bars
- A zipline - perfect for thrillseekers!
What is close to the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port?
Road and water taxis
Road taxis. You will find plenty of taxis at Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port, in the nearby parking area. Fares for the official Taxi Association vehicles are pre-set, with prices to the island’s most popular destinations as follows:
- Coxen Hole Cruise Port to West Bay / West End / French Harbour - $20 for one person, or $25 for two
- Coxen Hole Cruise Port to Sandy Bay - $15 for one person, or $20 for two
Note that prices are usually for a round-trip, but make sure you confirm this with the driver.
Water taxis operate between West End and West Bay, providing a convenient and fun way to switch between the two popular areas. A one-way trip costs around $3.
ATMs
There is one ATM at the Coxen Hole cruise terminal, and there are several in Coxen Hole, the island’s central city, where the port is located. If you want to spend US dollars, that’s fine—they are accepted on the island—but lempiras are the official Honduran currency.
Shopping
For simple gifts and souvenirs, you can find everything you need at the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port stores, with liquors, cigars, chocolate, and jewelry among the most popular choices.
If you want a supermarket, Coxen Hole is home to several decent-sized stores, including a branch of Eldon’s on Main St, and there are plenty of pharmacies dotted around. There are also local clothing and home decor stores in Coxen Hole if you want to indulge in some more substantial shopping.
Restaurants and bars
There are several restaurants and bars in the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port, including La Catrachita, Monkey La La (where you can also find the zipline), and Captain Jack’s Island Seafood Bar.
Away from the port, Coxen Hole has several eateries to try, including the well-rated Bertie’s Criolle Cuisine on the waterfront. Most of the island’s best dining and drinking options can be found in the West End and West Bay districts of the island, which are an easy taxi ride away.
Beaches
Coxen Hole isn’t home to any beaches, so if you want a lazy day soaking up the sun on Roatan’s white-sand beaches, your best bet is to take a taxi to either West End or West Bay, both of which are home to stunning curved bays. Or you could visit the quieter Sandy Bay, Camp Bay Beach, or Pigeon Cay Beach. However, facilities are limited along these secluded stretches of coastline on the island's northern and eastern coasts.
You can find out all you need to know about Roatan’s beaches in this helpful article.
Other attractions
The island of Roatan offers a multitude of attractions that will appeal to cruisers, all included in this hand-picked selection of excursions. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port, and you'll be guaranteed a safe return to the ship in plenty of time for departure.
Roatan Cruise Port FAQs: Everything Cruise Travelers Should Know
Which cruise port will we dock at in Roatán?
Roatán has two cruise ports — Mahogany Bay and Coxen Hole. Most Carnival-owned ships (like Carnival, Princess, and Holland America) dock at Mahogany Bay. At the same time, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian usually use Coxen Hole. You can check your cruise app or itinerary a few days before arrival to confirm.
Is Roatan safe for cruise passengers on shore?
Yes, Roatán is considered safe for cruise visitors. The main tourist areas and beaches are well-patrolled, and locals are welcoming. Still, use common sense — stick to well-known areas, keep valuables tucked away, and book tours or taxis through trusted operators right at the port.
Which currencies and payment methods are accepted in Roatan?
Roatán’s official currency is the Honduran Lempira, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, especially near the ports. Bring small bills for taxis, local shops, and tips since change might come in lempiras. ATMs are available at both cruise terminals, and major credit cards are accepted at restaurants and stores.
Can I book independent tours outside the ship excursion?
Yes, and it’s a great way to see more of the island. Local operators often offer smaller groups, lower prices, and more personalized experiences than ship-run tours. Just make sure your guide knows your ship’s schedule — reputable companies always get you back to port well before departure.
Which cruise lines use Mahogany Bay vs Coxen Hole?
Carnival Corporation operates Mahogany Bay, so ships from Carnival, Princess, and Holland America dock there. Coxen Hole, managed by Royal Caribbean, welcomes ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Both ports have plenty of taxis, shops, and tour stands ready once you step off the boat.
In a nutshell
Whether your ship docks at Mahogany Bay or Coxen Hole, one thing’s certain — Roatan will leave its mark. In 2024, this small but vibrant island welcomed over 1.7 million cruise visitors, generating about US $180 million for its local economy. That energy is felt everywhere — from bustling beach bars to quiet stretches of white sand. Beyond the numbers, Roatán’s real beauty lies in its people, its reefs, and the relaxed rhythm that makes time slow down. So plan your perfect day, book a trusted local tour, and let the island show you its magic.
How will you spend your day in Roatan — diving into adventure, sipping something cold by the sea, or simply soaking in those Caribbean blues?
Carly Rolfe is a seasoned travel writer whose work has been featured by major names like Expedia, Hotels.com, Tourbase, and Alaska Shore Tours. With over a decade of editorial experience and a thriving freelance career since 2020, she brings both journalistic precision and vivid storytelling to every destination she covers. Carly has spent extensive time exploring Mexico and the Caribbean, often testing tours and excursions first-hand to ensure travelers get authentic, high-quality experiences.
Her writing blends practical travel insight with an eye for the personal touches that make a trip unforgettable—whether it’s the perfect beach bar in Cozumel or a hidden snorkeling cove in Roatán. Based in the UK but always on the move, Carly’s passion for travel shines through in every guide, helping you plan your Caribbean adventure with confidence and ease.
All of our content at Caribbean Tourbase is written by experienced travel writers who have visited all of the locations we recommend. And our review board of local tourism experts ensure that all the information we provide is accurate, current and helpful
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