Roatan, Honduras Port Guide

By Barely Cruising - July 20, 2022

Photo Credit: San Pedro Sun

Roatan, Honduras Port Guide

Our Experience & Photos from when we were in Roatan, Honduras. It also gives a guide for thing to do in Roatan & a little bit about Roatan.

Last Updated: July 20th, 2022

Our Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

A Little About Roatan

Roatan is located near the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea and is a popular cruise destination for good reason.

Roatan Island is the jewel of Honduras. The biggest and most populated of three islands, located off the coast of Honduras is well known for its various crystal clear beaches, blue skies and warm sun. The island is only 33 miles long and 4 miles wide. A paved road crosses the island on 75% of its length. This main road is the one that takes to all the different destinations on the island and the scenery is just breathtaking. On this island you can spot some wild life that are indigenous tot he Island, such as the Lala Monkey or Jesus lizard, so named for its ability to walk on water. You will also find the Red Lored Parrot.

It was the home of the Paya Indians in 1502, when Christopher Columbus arrived and discovered this region. Unclaimed for many years, the island became a haven to many famous French, English and Dutch pirates. Leaving their everlasting footprint on the history of island, you can still hear some of the names of the most recognizable, for example: Henry Morgan and Captain John Coxen. It was estimated that over 5,000 pirates lived and ruled on the island of Roatan for many many years.

Although Spanish is the national language of Honduras and is spoken on Roatan, the English language also thrives in Roatan. Its long history of mixed people from the Paya Indians (first inhabitants), the Spanish and English colonizers and thousand of pirate adventures, resulted into a mixture of very diverse cultures and languages that prevail in the islands today; and offers visitors a warm and friendly environment.

Photo Credit: What's In Port

Mahogany Bay Port Map

Photo Credit: Mahogany Bay CC

There are two different piers that cruise ships stop at when visiting Roatan. Carnival cruise ships will visit Mahogany Bay while other cruise lines will stop at Coxen Hole. The piers are a couple miles away from each other.

What Did We Do There?

We last visited Roatan, Honduras in January 2022. We actually cruised with Carnival so we arrived in Mahogany Bay Cruise Port. We did not leave the port. This was the last stop on our cruise and i wasn't feeling very well. We did a little shopping in the port at the Harley Davidson store, the pharmacy, and a few other shops in the port. We also had a few ices. I also stopped by the Diamonds International and picked up my free charm.

We did not take advantage of the sky lifts as they were pretty busy that day. However, we did go to the free beach Mahogany Beach there in port. It was really nice and a great experience if you want a nice free beach day. It was not very crowded the day we went. We were also the only ship in port.

Photos Of Our Trip

In Port Photos

Photo Credit: Carolyn Smith

The Cruise Terminal

Photo Credit: Carnival

Port Shops

Photo Credit: Carolyn Smith

Mahogany Bay Beach

Photo Credit: Caribeez

What To Do In Costa Maya

Free Places:

Diamonds International: Don’t forget to get your Free charm here. They will try to sell you jewelry as well.

Passport Stamp- At the time we went there was not a place to get our passport stamped but be sure to ask around this might have changed if this is something you like to do.
Mahogany BeachA nice free beach experience, It’s a 10-acre private island with an 825-foot-long beach and an open-air restaurant, beach volleyball court and many water sports activities. Visitors have another brief but flat walk from the cruise center to the beach. Although the beach has hundreds of free chaise lounges, cruise passengers should arrive early on days when two ships are docked. Only a handful sit under shade trees.

Some people may want to skip the cruise center and go straight from the ship to the beach. A cruise employee said the beach is an eight-minute walk from the docks. I found he was right for people who walk at a moderate pace.

Anyone who doesn’t want to walk from the cruise center to the beach can take a chair lift. The lift is $14 for teens and adults, $8 for children 4 to 12 and free for children under 4. The prices serve as an all-day pass. Prices are subject to change.

Local Transportation & Tours

If you plan to stay in the port, transportation is not needed as everything is in walking distance. However, if you plan to leave the port, you will have to rely on taxis or excursion buses. You may also opt to visit Coxen hole which is about 20 minutes away and a $20.00 Taxi ride, here you can enjoy more shopping, sightseeing & dining. Other zones around Mahogany bay average between $10- $25 per person/ taxi ride to get to.

Outside The Terminal

West Bay Beach- A great beach option for small children & snorkeling as they have shallow waters.

Camp Bay Beach-a semi-secluded area of land, this 2-mile long area is a quiet place to have a picnic or lay on the warm sand, but you also have a good number of medium-sized waves that come to the shore for younger kids and adventurous adults to jump into.

Monkey and Sloth Sanctuary of French Cay Roatan- Because who doesn't want to see Sloths & Monkeys

Dune Buggy Rides

Zipling

Kayaking

Manwakie Eco Nature Park

Roatan Island Tour

Snorkeling

Garifuna Historical Tour

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Beach Day Passes

Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort -Price: $60- $120, Approx. 3-6 Hours

Paradise Beach Club-Price: $45- $50, Approx. 3-6 Hours

Bananarama Dive & Beach Resort-Price: $40- $45, Approx. 3-6 Hours

Turquoise Bay Beach-Price: $30- $70, Approx. 3-6 Hours

Shore Excursions:

Carnival and many other cruise lines offer many shore excursions on their website and once on board. However here are a few more reputable private online services and local tour operators. Keep in mind if you use one of these you are responsible for ensuring that you get back to port in time & back on the ship or you will be left behind.

Viator

Shore Excursions Group

Tours by Locals

Shore Trips

Shore Excursioneer

Local Tour Operators

You may also consider a local tour guide that is not affiliated with online services. Keep in mind that even though some may have excellent review they are not affiliated, endorsed, or approved by Barely Cruising.

Roatan Tour Base

Victor Bodden Tours

Roatan Five Stars

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