Roatan, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, welcomes thousands of cruise ship visitors each week through two main ports: Port of Roatan, located in the bustling capital of Coxen Hole, and Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, situated on the island’s southern shore. These gateways to the Caribbean paradise each offer unique experiences, vibrant amenities, and historical charm — serving as the first glimpse of Roatan’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
A Tale of Two Ports: Brief History
Roatan’s transformation into a prominent cruise destination began in earnest in the early 2000s. While Coxen Hole had long served as the administrative and economic heart of the island, the Port of Roatan officially opened in 2007 as a purpose-built terminal to accommodate modern cruise vessels. Named after the infamous pirate John Coxen, the area holds deep roots in Roatan’s seafaring and colonial history.
Shortly after, Mahogany Bay Cruise Center was inaugurated in 2009, developed by Carnival Corporation in partnership with local investors. Built on a former plantation site surrounded by lush mahogany trees, the port added capacity for a new wave of visitors, with a modern design and family-oriented amenities.
Port of Roatan (Coxen Hole): Local Culture at Your Fingertips
Location: West of the island in Coxen Hole, the capital city
Operators: Welcomes ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and others.
What sets Port of Roatan apart is its close connection to daily island life. Passengers disembark just steps away from the vibrant streets of Coxen Hole, filled with local shops, eateries, and the hum of island commerce. This proximity allows visitors to immediately immerse themselves in Roatan’s culture — tasting baleadas from local vendors, browsing handcrafted souvenirs, or even visiting nearby churches and historic sites.
Key Amenities:
Shopping village with duty-free stores and artisan markets
Easy access to taxis and guided tours
Oceanfront promenade with views of the reef and boats
Direct shuttle service to West End, West Bay, Sandy Bay, French Harbour, Pristine Bay
ATM and visitor information center
One of the main advantages of this port is its connection to independent tour operators and small business owners. Whether you're heading off on a snorkeling adventure, ziplining through the hills, or simply wandering through town, you’re engaging with the authentic Roatan experience.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Center: A Private Oasis for Carnival Guests
Location: Isla de Roatan’s south shore
Operators: Exclusively serves Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and other Carnival-owned brands.
Mahogany Bay is a sprawling 20-acre cruise complex designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Once guests disembark, they find themselves in a clean, secure, and beautifully landscaped environment tailored for a relaxing day ashore. The port includes a curated shopping center, lush gardens, bars, and restaurants — all within walking distance of the ship.
Key Amenities:
Private beach accessible via chairlift or walking trail
Kayak, snorkel, and paddleboard rentals
Open-air bars, restaurants, and coffee shops
Clean restrooms, shaded seating, and free Wi-Fi in port
Dedicated taxi and excursion areas
A highlight is the Mahogany Beach, a 10-acre private beach exclusively for cruise passengers. The white sand, calm waters, and beachside service make it a top choice for those wanting a low-effort, high-comfort beach day without leaving the port area.
Which Port Will You Dock At?
Cruise lines tend to stick to their designated ports:
It’s helpful for visitors to check their itinerary beforehand, as the arrival port can affect excursion availability, transportation logistics, and even how much interaction they’ll have with local culture.
Insider Tips for Visitors
Currency: The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, but bring small bills for local vendors. Credit cards are widely accepted too.
Language: English is widely spoken, especially near the ports.
Transportation: Taxis are available at both ports, but always confirm the fare upfront. We recommend you book with anticipation.
Excursions: Both ports offer plenty of excursions, but booking with local operators often gives you a more personalized experience and supports the local economy. Learn about thing to do in Roatan.
Shopping: Look for unique wood carvings, local coffee, chocolate, and Garifuna crafts.
Why These Ports Matter to Roatan
For island residents, the cruise ports are more than just tourism gateways — they are economic lifelines. From artisans and tour guides to restaurant workers and taxi drivers, hundreds of locals rely on cruise arrivals for their livelihoods. The presence of both ports allows for more balanced visitor distribution and diverse tourism development across the island.
In recent years, there’s been growing interest in sustainable tourism initiatives, and many local stakeholders are pushing to ensure that cruise tourism benefits both visitors and the community.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Port of Call
Whether you're docking at Port of Roatan or Mahogany Bay, your cruise stop is just the beginning of what Roatan has to offer. Each port serves as a portal to reef-lined coasts, vibrant villages, and a fascinating blend of cultures — Garifuna, English, Spanish, and Creole. For returning cruisers and first-time visitors alike, Roatan continues to surprise and enchant beyond its ports.
