Welcome
Bienvenidos.
Port of Roatan.
PORT OF ROATAN is one of two major port of calls in Roatan Honduras. The port sits on approx. 6.5 acres and can accommodate up to three ships at one time. Port of Roatan is managed by Royal Caribbean and ITM Group as partners under a subsidiary. The port became operational in late 2008 and it is located in the Town Center of Coxen Hole, the capital of Roatan, or what locals call “el pueblo” (the town). Port of Roatan is home to the Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships visiting Honduras.
Port Expansion
Sea Life Encounter
Wild Life Encounter
Lazy River & More
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Port Specs
Depth: 12 meters
Agent: Anacaribe
Flow: 170 Ship/yr.
Visitors: 1.1 MM
Capacity: 3 ships
About Port of Roatan
Port of Roatan can accommodate three cruise ships at any given time, one alongside and two in anchorage. An estimated 580 thousand passenger visit Roatan via Port of Roatan each year. These passengers arrive on an estimated 170 cruise ships who use Roatan as a port of call. The water depth at the port is approximately 12 meters (39 ft). The port agent is Anacaribe, who has a long standing tradition as port agent for cruise lines calling the Port of Roatan.
Port of Roatan Amenities
Internet Access
Super Market
Post Office
ATM
Shopping
Pharmacy
Liquor Store
Souvenirs
Duty-Free
Cultural Exhibitions
Roatan Tours
Car Rental Services
Artisan Gifts
Live Cigar Rolling
Zip Line by the Port
Restaurants
Bars
Maritime Quality Standards (Video)
Roatan has quickly become one of the favorite stops for cruisers in the last decade. Tens of thousands of cruisers visit Roatan Island each year. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines mainly use the cruise terminal. The port offers duty-free shopping, tours, cultural exhibitions, artisan gifts, and souvenirs, live cigar rolling and much more.
PRO-TIP: Get your passport courtesy stamped at the official passport stamp booth. Make sure it’s an official immigration entry, or your passport may be rendered invalid.
Booking a
Tour Operator.
PRO-TIP: Booking a tour through Roatan Online ahead of your travels can save you time and money. When you book, you'll also gain a reliable online concierge who will help you plan your trip ahead of your arrival.
Port Excursions
Booking a Tour
To experience the real Roatan, cruise ship visitors must venture out from the immediate area of the port. Roatan is a family friendly island. Roatan is safe and can provide anyone with memories that will last a lifetime. Venturing into Roatan is a must. If in doubt, ask any cruiser who has visited the island before. To make the most of your visit, consider booking an adventure directly on Roatan Online, or with Roatan Tours. This way you'll be sure to book with a local experienced guide.
Town Center.
The cruise ship terminal at Port of Roatan is called “Town Center” because it is located in Coxen Hole's town center. The action begins when cruisers debark onto Town Center. As soon as cruisers step onto the pier, they are able to see lots of shops and obtain information for shore excursions.
Port Activities.
The small, but complete, terminal offers its visitors a wide variety of options to purchase local souvenirs, gifts, food, drinks or world class cigars which are rolled right in front of them. Cruisers who don’t want to venture out in Roatan and choose to stay in the terminal can have fun without leaving Port of Roatan. Tourists enjoy cultural exhibitions like Garifuna Punta dancing. Tourist visit restaurants offering island-style dining or even zip line through the canopy adjacent to the terminal. If you’re stopping at Port of Roatan and want to make the most out of your one-day visit to the island, we recommend you to book a tour in advance with us.
Port Capacity.
The Port of Roatan can only accommodate one cruise ship at a time alongside its pier and two more ships via anchorage. If your day in port coincides with another ship's arrival, you might be docked, or you might need to tender to shore. Usually, Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock while Norwegian cruise ships tender when they coincide at Port of Roatan.
Gift ideas at the Port.
PRO TIP: Visit the Roatan Marine Park shop to support the local community with the hard work involving the conservation of the island.
Hand rolled cigars
Locally produced rum
Locally made chocolate
Honduran and Central American Coffee
Local artesian art
Local Jewelry
Taxi
Services.
Book ahead of your arrival, or when you get to Roatan.
Either way, we’ll have your name on a sign just outside the gate!
Reliable
Professional
Taxi Driver.
Taxi Services Explained
In the parking area of Port of Roatan, visitors will find the approved Taxi Association's published rates to various destinations across Roatan Island. Unless you decide otherwise, when you arrange your taxi to take you somewhere, it is usually a round-trip deal. The taxi driver will stick around to return you to the pier when you’re ready. As always, we encourage you to be sure!
Taxi Rate Sheet from Ports to…
| DESTINATION | 1 Passenger | 2 Passengers | 3+ Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ports/Airport → West Bay | $20 | $25 | $10 for addition pp |
| Ports/Airport → West End | $20 | $25 | $10 for addition pp |
| Ports/Airport → French Harbour | $20 | $25 | $10 for addition pp |
| Ports/Airport → Gumbalimba | $20 | $25 | $10 for addition pp |
| Ports/Airport → Sandy Bay | $15 | $20 | $10 for addition pp |
Locating your Tour Guide.
Bookings.
Pros & Cons
Where to be
Directions
Booking with the Cruise Ship?
Booking directly with the Cruise Ship has its benefits. For one, you pay more! and you'll know that the ship will not leave without you. Conversely, when you book directly with a tour guide, you'll have to leave the dock area to connect with your operator, but the tours are generally more affordable and you often get a richer experience as the tour guide is on your schedule.
If you had already booked a tour or organized a shore excursion in advance, you will either be picked up directly from the pier (in the case of boat tours). Otherwise, you will have to head out to the parking area to board your requested tour bus. As soon as you walk out of the ship and out of the dock, you will have to walk north, passing the Monkey La-La Bar and finding the walkway opening (on your right) towards the center of the terminal. Then, you will take the only exit available into the parking area where you will make a left on to gate 2 to get to the meet-up location and board your tour bus. Here, you will find your tour guide holding a sign with your reservation name, and their logo, and waiting for you right across the street or to the side of the gate.
Parking.
Drop-offs
Parking Area
Accessibility
A Short Walk
To get to the parking area, you will have to walk past the tour and excursion booths and make a left at the end of the walkway. Once you exit the Town Center building, you will notice passengers being dropped off in the parking area, just outside the main door and inside the port. When coming back from your shore excursion or tour, the port authority will allow your tour operator to drop you off inside the port.
Accessibility.
The Port of Roatan is flat, easy to walk around, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding your tour party and operator. Go ahead, disembark, and explore the port and our stunning Roatan Island. In a worse case scenario, be sure to ask any port authority or cruise ship staff member for directions.
Live
Itineraries.
Up-to-date Schedule updates
Provided by ANACARIBE S. de R.L.
Nearby Places.
Coxen Hole.
Coxen Hole is the capital of Roatan, and it is also its main town. 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.
Fort Consolation.
Fort Consolation overlooks Port of Roatan Town Center in Coxen Hole. This is an ideal location for cruise ship visitors.
West End.
West End is a small village, local hangout and activities’ hub located 20 minutes from Coxen Hole. West End is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, stores, shops, galleries, beautiful beaches, and bays.
West Bay.
West Bay Beach is a resort destination with beautiful beaches and coral and colorful fish right offshore, clear and shallow waters, full of activities and fun.
Gumbalimba Park.
Gumbalimba Park is located on the main road to West Bay, just outside West Bay Beach. Gumbalimba Park is a top tourist destination in Roatan and is a natural paradise offering a lovely botanical garden, animal sanctuary, zip-line canopy, insectarium, a long list of water activities, a pirate’s cave and much more.
Little French Key
French Harbour is Home of Frenchy’s 44, Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout, Little French Key or Big French Key. 25 minutes away.
PRO TIP: You can quickly hop into a $3 water taxi between West End and West Bay. These are available from 9 am to 9 pm. Look for the water taxi docks near the Eagle Ray Restaurant in West End and the WestPoint Restaurant in West Bay. If getting into a regular taxi, be sure to negotiate the fare, it goes between $15 and $25 per person. Ask for group discounts. Pricing for both, the water and regular taxis, might increase slightly after 6 pm.
Cruise Lines who use Roatan as a Port of Call
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruise Line
Fred Olsen Cruise Line
Oceania Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas
MSC Cruises
Sea Cloud
Crystal Cruises
Thomson Cruise Line
TUI Cruise Line
Voyages of Discovery
Visitor Information
Schedule: Monday to Sunday from 8 am – 5 pm
Beware of pushy salespeople and pushy tour operators
Hi-Speed Internet Available
Office Location: 2nd Floor
Article collaboration and credits
Tourist Attractions of Roatan
Roatan, the largest island of the Bay Islands, has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking a combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether it's your first visit or you’re an experienced traveler, Roatan offers countless attractions and activities that cater to all types of tourists. Some of the main attractions in Roatan include:
Gumbalimba Park
One of the most unique experiences on the island is a visit to Gumbalimba Park, where you can interact with a variety of local wildlife. The park is famous for its Monkey Village, home to the only population of capuchin monkeys in Roatan living in the wild. Visitors can get up close to these playful creatures, making it a popular spot for animal lovers and families with children.
Gumbalimba Park also offers the opportunity to witness macaws flying freely, a colorful spectacle that brings the island's vibrant ecosystem to life. The Sloth Sanctuary offers the chance to meet and even hold these gentle, slow-moving creatures, creating unforgettable memories. Roatan’s dedication to preserving its natural wildlife is evident in the well-maintained sanctuaries, making them must-see attractions for animal enthusiasts.
Divers Paradise
Roatan is world-renowned for its diving opportunities, thanks to its location on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. For both beginners and experienced divers, Roatan offers a variety of dive sites ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep wreck dives.
Diving here provides the chance to see an extraordinary variety of marine life, including colorful coral formations, sea turtles, eagle rays, and even sharks. Shark dives are particularly popular among thrill-seekers, offering a close encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With numerous dive shops and certified instructors, Roatan is a top destination for anyone looking to explore the underwater world. The island's crystal-clear waters also make for excellent underwater photography.
Little French Key
For those looking for a day of relaxation in paradise, Little French Key is an idyllic private resort on an island just off the coast of Roatan. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The island also features beachfront bars and restaurants where guests can savor local delicacies and cocktails.
Fort Consolation
History lovers will appreciate a visit to Fort Consolation, one of Roatan's lesser-known yet intriguing historical sites. The fort was built to defend the island from pirates and invaders during the colonial era. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the island's strategic importance during the Caribbean piracy era.
Snorkeling in Roatan
For those who prefer to stay near the surface, snorkeling in Roatan is just as rewarding as diving. With clear waters and abundant marine life, snorkeling spots like Half Moon Bay and West End offer incredible views of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. The waters are warm and shallow, making this activity an ideal choice for families and those new to underwater exploration.
iSoar Roatan
iSOAR Roatan is sailboat which is moored in the sheltered waters of Halfmoon Bay, Roatan. The sailboat has been retrofitted with dive platforms, rope swings, and rock climbing footholds. iSoar is free to the public, and it is quickly becoming a Roatan favorite. The iSoar sits in about 20 ft of water with a seagrass bottom. There are patches of sand here and there, but most of the bottom is covered in with seagrass. The Coral Reef system is located just a few strokes away.
Roatan Freediving
For those who wish to explore the underwater world without the need for scuba gear, Roatan Freediving offers a unique way to experience the island's marine life. Freediving allows you to dive deeper using only a single breath, providing a meditative and exhilarating experience. Roatan is an ideal location for this sport due to its calm, clear waters and abundance of diving spots.
Roatan's Live Music Scene
Roatan is not only known for its natural beauty but also boasts a vibrant live music scene. Many bars and restaurants on the island feature performances by local musicians, often playing a mix of reggae, Caribbean rhythms, and popular hits. Visitors can enjoy live music while sipping cocktails and watching the sunset, a perfect way to end the day on the island.
Iguana Farm
Nature and reptile lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Iguana Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting green iguanas, an endangered species. Visitors can interact closely with these fascinating creatures and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to preserve their habitat.
Fishing and Shark Dives
Fishing is another popular activity in Roatan, with opportunities ranging from deep-sea fishing for large game like marlin and tuna to lobster fishing, where you can catch your own dinner in the crystal-clear waters around the island. Shark dives also cater to more adventurous visitors wishing to see these fascinating marine predators up close.
Roatan Rum Company
No visit to Roatan would be complete without sampling the local rum. Roatan Rum Company offers tours where visitors can learn about the distillation process and taste a variety of locally produced rums. The tour ends with a tasting session on a scenic terrace overlooking the Caribbean, making it an ideal stop for both rum enthusiasts and casual tourists.
Kitesurfing
For water sports enthusiasts, Roatan is a fantastic place for kitesurfing, with consistent winds and crystal-clear waters. Kitesurfers, both beginners and experienced, will find that the waters surrounding the island offer optimal conditions for this thrilling activity.
Santos Guardiola: East End Roatan
Located on the easternmost side of Roatan, Santos Guardiola includes small communities, each with its unique charm, and offers visitors a more authentic and laid-back experience of island life, away from the bustling tourist hubs. Each with its own history, culture, and charm. Some of the most well-known communities in this part of the island include St. Helene, Port Royal, Camp Bay, Diamond Rock, Oak Ridge, Calabash Bight, Jonesville, Jonesville Point, and Punta Gorda.
A remote village known for its pristine natural beauty and mangrove channels.
Camp Bay
Featuring one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, perfect for those looking to relax in paradise.
Calabash Bight
A serene bay with calm waters, ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Port Royal
A historically significant site, once home to English pirates, now a peaceful and scenic area for exploration.
Diamond Rock
Known for its striking natural formations and great fishing spots.
Jonesville
A quiet fishing village known for its mangrove channels and scenic beauty.
Punta Gorda
This Garifuna village is steeped in history and tradition, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant Garifuna culture. You can interact with locals, learn about their customs, and even take part in cultural events that showcase traditional Garifuna music and dance.
Oakridge
Another must-see community in Santos Guardiola is Oak Ridge, often referred to as the “Venice of Roatan.” Visitors can explore the village by water taxi, getting a true sense of life in this vibrant, sea-bound community.
Things to Do in the East End of Roatan
Visitors to Santos Guardiola can also take advantage of a variety of activities that showcase the beauty and culture of Roatan’s East End. Some of the most popular attractions include:
Punta Gorda Garifuna Village
The oldest settlement on the island, Punta Gorda offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Garifuna culture. Watch traditional dances, enjoy Garifuna cuisine, and learn about the history of this unique Afro-Caribbean community.
Snorkeling in Oak Ridge
Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Oak Ridge is one of the best snorkeling spots in Roatan’s southeast region. Discover the beauty of the coral reefs and underwater ecosystems that surround the area.
Oak Ridge Tuk Tuk Tour
Take a tuk-tuk tour through the colorful streets of Oak Ridge, one of Roatan’s most distinctive fishing villages. The tuk-tuk, a small motorized vehicle, is a fun and convenient way to explore the area.
Mangrove Channel Tours
Explore the serene mangrove channels in Jonesville and St. Helene, where you can glide through calm waterways and observe the unique ecosystems that thrive in these lush environments.
Camp Bay Beach
Camp Bay Beach in Santos Guardiola, Roatan, is the island’s most pristine and beautiful beach. Known for its untouched white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this hidden gem offers a serene, natural escape away from the crowds, capturing the essence of Roatan’s unspoiled beauty.
Kitesurfing
Located beside Camp Bay Lodge, is the only kitesurfing school in Honduras. It offers lessons in English, Spanish, and German, as well as equipment rentals and storage options. With direct beach access and rescue support, Kitesurf Roatan ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. They also organize guided excursions to top kitesurfing spots around the area.
Paya Bay Resort
Is a boutique beach, nature, and wellness retreat focused on tranquility and a deep connection with nature. Located on a bluff with views of the Caribbean and two half-moon beaches, it offers access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just offshore. The 16-acre property includes designated Naturist Zones and hosts Naturist Weeks for a unique naturist experience.
Camp Bay Beach Lodge
Camp Bay Lodge is a boutique hotel on Roatan’s peaceful East End, offering a mindful stay focused on nature, authenticity, and tranquility. Located near pristine turquoise beaches and lush vegetation, it provides a unique experience surrounded by local wildlife like birds, iguanas, and butterflies, as well as the island’s laid-back, “country” lifestyle.
