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Mahogany Bay is just a small part of the island and acts as the entryway into the gorgeous isle. Mahogany Bay is owned by Carnival Corporation, and the stunning cruise port is located on Roatán Island in Honduras. Coxen Hole (The Port of Roatán) cruise port puts you on the doorstep of the island’s biggest town.
Learn About Local Flora at the Carambola Botanical Garden
You will have a server who will bring you drinks and lunch so you never even have to get out of your lounger. There is a place just for kids and swings in the water if you want to get that perfect Instagram shot from your vacation. If you’re walking to or from Mahogany Beach you might as well try the nature trail during one of your walks just to spice things up a little.
Spend the Day at The Little French Key
It is known for its thrilling activities, stunning nature, and rich history. I have found that Roatán, Honduras, is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that offers a plethora of exciting activities for cruise ship tourists like yourself. I am here to help you find the best things to do in Roatán Honduras when on a cruise.
Butterfly Gardens at West End
If you want to snorkel or scuba, water taxis from West Bay Beach will take you closer to the reef. Be sure to stop at “Yaba Ding Ding” for local handmade arts and crafts, including Garifuna and Lenca pottery artwork. If you love photography, you’ll marvel at the underwater photos by Roatán local Shawn Jackson in his gallery here. 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. Taxis can be private “privado,” which costs a little more, or “colectivo,” which means you might pick up and drop off other people along your route.
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Who owns Mahogany Bay?
One of the best ways to explore Roatán is to book a cuisine and island tour. Tour operators provide four- to six-hour combo excursions to visit restaurants, bars, and popular attractions. These tours can include Coxen Hole, the rum factory, the chocolate factory, and lunch at a beach resort. Zipline adventures are usually combined with other activities on shore excursions in Roatán. During the four-hour excursions, you may visit an animal park, explore shipwrecks while snorkeling, swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, and ride horseback along the beach.
You can take scuba diving lessons at Roatan Dive Center and get ready to go underwater for some sea diving. With beginning lessons that teach you the basics of how to put on and use your scuba gear, you will have all the skills you need to take to the water. The shallow water is great for picture taking and underwater exploration because you will have a perfect look at the sea life and coral in the water. If you bring along an underwater camera, the waters allow for crystal clear photos of the life that goes on under the waves. There are many buildings and businesses around the tourist centers that include restaurants, shops, and other small establishments where you can get whatever you need for the day.
You will get to even hold a sloth, which is a unique experience in itself, and something you will never forget. Besides the animal sanctuary, the family-owned company also offers island tours, kayaking, hydro bikes, and snorkeling adventures. But you don’t have to go far from the Mahogany Bay cruise port to find some great spots as well. You can take a dolphin cruise, go snorkeling along the coral reef, or even try out kayaking in the bay. For those looking for more of an adventure, you can dive into the depths of Gumbalimba reef with a scuba dive or sail off on a catamaran tour from West End.
Snorkel Right-off Tabyana Beach
Located in French Cay, Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout is a family-run animal sanctuary. At the Hangout you will get to interact with the sloths and monkeys and learn all about these fascinating creators. There are restrooms and showers right there at the beach just near the restaurants, so you can rinse all the sand off before heading back to the ship. The currency you’ll use on your cruise to Roatan is the lempira, but U.S. dollars are commonly accepted. Tipping is considered polite in Honduras, and it’s recommended you leave 10-15% at restaurants.
From its turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches to its vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical jungles, Roatan has something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind and relax, this tropical destination has it all. In this article, I’ve reviewed the top attractions and excursions that will make your day in the port of Roatán memorable.
However, Roatan is a separate island that is relatively safer and more peaceful than the mainland. If it’s my first time to an island on a cruise I often like to get an island tour to really understand all the port of call has to offer. A good tour operator guide also knows all the popular places and even off-the-beaten-path locations known mostly to local residents.
Also, if you take tours, the companies are built on reviews and will not want to put any guest in harm’s way. With being an island, Roatán offers many things to do in and on the water. You will find a plethora of activities to do such as kayaking, paddle boarding, exploring on a glass-bottom boat, and so much more. However, you will have to pay for a taxi to get there and you will only spend about an hour at one of the places.
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. Rental equipment is available at the West End of the island where you can pay vendors cash to take out their equipment for a few hours of underwater exploration. Sightseeing tours are a great way to soak up some local history and culture, learn about impressive flora and fauna, and explore the island’s major attractions. These tours will allow you to explore locations such as Chocolate and Rum Factories, scenic villages, breathtaking beaches, and eco-parks. You can opt for off-road ATV or Dune Buggy rides, horseback riding, or simple minibus transfers to all these magnificent places.
The bay offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and nearby islands, while the beach area has plenty of loungers and umbrellas to enjoy your day under the sun. The warm waters are also perfect for swimming and kayaking, making it an ideal destination for all ages. With so much to do and see at West Bay Beach, it’s easy to understand why it is one of Roatan’s most popular spots. On your cruise to Roatan, you’ll be able to book a zip line excursion at the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center. The cruise center is within walking distance of the port and beach, so it’s easy to get there from your cruise ship.
The “buses” are typically 16-passenger vans running regular routes between Coxen Hole and West End or French Harbour.
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). Here, you can go kayaking in the still waters with rental equipment from vendors along the shore. You have single or multi-person options that will hold the whole family for your choice of adventure. Once you are done you can store the kayaks and spend the rest of the day at the private beach. 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.
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