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This port of call offers retail duty-free shopping, local handcrafted souvenirs & clothing, jewelry, chocolate, cigars, and much more. A short drive will bring you to the famous Stone Castle Cameo Factory. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know. Coxen Hole is the capital of Roatan, and it is also its main town.
Coxen Hole (Roatan), Honduras Cruise Port
This port is owned by Carnival, so is typically used by Carnival, Princess, Holland America and a few other cruise lines. We haven’t docked here, so I can’t say anything about it personally. But, from what I’ve read it is a much more developed port area with a variety of things to do right there, including a free beach for cruise passengers only. The largest of the two ports in Roatán is the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, located on the southwest coast of the island and owned by Carnival corporation. Obviously, this is the docking port (and Terminal) for Carnival ships but also for Princess, Holland & America, and all other cruise lines belonging to this corporation. Carnival Corporation cruise ships dock at Mahogany Bay whilst ships from all other cruise lines dock at Port of Roatán Town Center (aka Coxen Hole).
Overview of the Roatan Cruise Ports
You can opt for off-road ATV or Dune Buggy rides, horseback riding, or simple minibus transfers to all these magnificent places. The world’s second-longest reef system, the Mesoamerican Reef, lies just off the coast of West Bay Beach. This beach is minutes from the cruise ship docks and has some of the best snorkeling and diving in Roatán. The town offers hand-made local souvenirs and authentic cuisine. Mahogany Bay is a Carnival Corporation-managed (exclusive) cruise terminal that serves ships from the fleets of Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. Mahogany Bay terminal is located east of Roatan Airport, in an area fka Dixon Bay.
Port of Roatan Cruise Ship Schedules 2023-2024
When arriving at the Port of Roatan by cruise ship, it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to disembark. The time it takes to disembark will depend on how many cruise ship passengers are wanting to visit the Town Center Mall, go on their excursion, etc.. Thus, cruise ship passengers have approximately 4 to 6 hours of time to spend on the island of Roatan. Since time is limited, it’s best to make arrangements for an excursion or tour before arriving. By doing so, you will avoid delays and being badgered by port tour operators.
Although it is more commercial than touristy, you can easily walk out from the port and into Coxen Hole’s main road to find unique gifts. What is so special about the reserve is that the iguanas are not held captive, but they roam freely within the property hoping to get a piece of a leaf from you. The area is known for Anthony’s Key Resort, where you can swim with dolphins.
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Coxen Hole provides shopping, dining options, transportation services (taxis, buses, rentals), and opportunities to explore the local culture. The best time to visit Roatan is during the dry season, which typically runs from October to April. It is part of Honduras and is situated off the northern coast of the mainland.
What is the best time of year to visit Roatán?
Drivers need to be 16 years or older and have a driver’s license. It is an exceptional beach for swimming and snorkeling, and the location of a delicious Caribbean Grill called Ginger’s. If you want to snorkel or scuba, water taxis from West Bay Beach will take you closer to the reef. There is a fantastic variety of duty-free boutiques and local souvenir shops in The Town Center shopping area at the Port of Roatán. Immediately after disembarking at Mahogany Bay Port, there is a chairlift that you can take to transport you to nearby Mahogany Bay Beach. If you are hungry, there are several restaurants in the Cruise Center.
There’s a regular paved path, but you can also take the scenic route — a nature trail. If you want to head over to the port’s beach area, the easiest way to get there is via the chairlift. Kids ages 3 and under ride for free, but keep in mind that there is a 32-inch minimum height requirement. The Coxen Hole cruise ship dock is where you will dock if cruising with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, or MSC Cruises.
Mahogany Bay FAQs
The botanical gardens can be visited as a self-guided tour, or for more money, you can have an informational guided tour by the founder of the garden. Plan on walking along the jungle paths for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Gumbalina also has water activities, including kayaking and going to the beach. However, paying a nearby resort for their day-use fee gives you access to chairs and a break from the vendors trying to sell their goods and services. This beach gets busier and louder as the day goes on, so grab your chair early or choose a different beach if you are looking for quiet. The Cruise Center has a mix of duty-free shops and retailers, including Diamonds International, Del Sol, and Piranha Joes.
Indeed, Roatan proved to be a wonderful cruise port and it is easy to see why it is gaining popularity. Over on the beach side of the port area, in addition to lounging on the beach and swimming in the ocean water sports equipment is available for rent. This includes snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, paddle boats, aqua cycles, and more. The cruise center just off the dock has a number of shops, including an arts and crafts market showcasing the wares of over a dozen Honduran artists. There’s even a pharmacy if you need first-aid supplies or medication. Visiting the 825-foot-long Mahogany Bay beach is a bit like having access to a beach club for the day.
But it is a great place to wander around and everyone is very friendly. The island has its own local government, but it’s ultimately governed by Honduran law. Geographically, it’s the largest of the Bay Islands, stretching approximately 48 miles in length and varying between 1 to 5 miles in width.
Besides swimming in a protected cove, here you can go horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, zip-lining, jet-skiing, rope-swinging, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. This beach stretches along the coast of West Bay, the westernmost area of the island known for great beach resorts, eateries, shops and bars. The waters are shallow, warm and crystal clear, with excellent snorkeling opportunities offshore. Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, Roatan is a paradise destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and all water-related activities.
There didn’t seem to be much beyond here within walking distance, so we turned back and walked past the port area which is where the main part of town is located. Coxen Hole is actually only about 5 miles (7km) from Mahogany Bay. So if there are ships at both ports you can expect the area to be busy. These routes include driving directions and attractions, as well as restaurant and campground recommendations. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way.
