Photo: Daniel Gillaspia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsBack to cruises
Overview
Roatan is the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands, about 40 miles off the north coast of the mainland. It sits on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, which makes it one of the best snorkel and dive spots in the Caribbean. Beyond the reef you'll find the powdery sand of West Bay, laid-back West End village and green hills full of wildlife.
Roatan has two separate cruise ports about 3 miles apart, and the one you use depends on your cruise line. Pick your line below to see where you'll dock.
Country
Honduras (Bay Islands)
Cruise ports
Isla Tropicale in Dixon Cove (Carnival Corporation lines) and the Town Center at the Port of Roatán in Coxen Hole (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC and others)
Distance between ports
About 3 miles
Distance to the beaches
West Bay and West End are about 30 minutes by road from Isla Tropicale
Currency
Honduran lempira (HNL); US dollars are widely accepted and there are ATMs at the cruise ports
Language
Spanish and English (English is widely spoken on the Bay Islands)
Local time
Central Standard Time all year (no daylight saving): same as Texas in winter
Typical port hours
About 7–9 AM to 4–6 PM on our current sailings
Where your ship docks
Roatan's two cruise ports serve different cruise lines. Your cruise line confirms the port in your itinerary.
Pick your cruise line:
Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay)Your pier
Dixon Cove, on Roatan's south shore. Carnival Corporation's own port, used only by Carnival, Princess, Holland America and their sister lines.
Used by:Carnival
At or near the pier
Mangrove Bay: a new pool area (opened May 2026) with a swim-up bar, kids' splash pad, poolside daybeds and cabanas
Mahogany Beach, the port's own white-sand beach, with free loungers (first come, first served) and paid rentals
A scenic chairlift (all-day pass about $18 ages 12+, $11 ages 3–11) or a short nature-trail walk from the plaza to the beach
52 shops, local artisan kiosks, three restaurants and four bars
Taxis and tour pickups just outside the port exit
Getting to town
About 3 miles from Coxen Hole; about 30 minutes by road to West Bay
Excursions
There are no tour desks inside the port: tour pickups meet just outside the port exit, so book ahead.
Town Center at the Port of RoatánYour pier
Coxen Hole, Roatan's main town, on the south shore. Two berths used by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC and others.
Used by:Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian
At or near the pier
Duty-free shops, local crafts, restaurants and bars right at the pier
A free pool area inside the Town Center
Coxen Hole town is a short walk away
Taxis, water taxis and tour pickups just outside the terminal
Getting to town
Walk into Coxen Hole; West Bay and West End are a scenic drive away
Excursions
There are no tour desks inside the terminal: tour pickups meet just outside, so book ahead.
Photos
West Bay BeachPhoto: Adalberto Hernandez Vega, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
West Bay BeachPhoto: Adalberto Hernandez Vega, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A Carnival ship docked at Isla Tropicale in Dixon Cove
A family playing on the beach at Isla Tropicale
The Town Center at the Port of Roatán in Coxen HolePhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
West End villagePhoto: Prayitno, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Coral near West Bay on the Mesoamerican Barrier ReefPhoto: DJ Cane, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mangrove tunnel on RoatanPhoto: Woody Hibbard, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stilt houses in Oak RidgePhoto: Cory Doctorow, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A Honduran breakfast plate with fried plantains, beans, avocado and fresh cheesePhoto: Luis Alfredo Romero, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Free for Carnival-family ships
Isla Tropicale: a free beach and pool day at your pier
Your ship docks here, so all of this is a short walk from your ship.
For Carnival, Princess, Holland America and other Carnival Corporation ships only. Guests of other cruise lines cannot use Isla Tropicale.
If you sail with Carnival, Princess, Holland America or another Carnival Corporation line, your ship docks at Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay), Carnival Corporation's own port on Roatan's south shore. You can spend the whole day here without booking a tour: the beach and the new main pool are free.
On May 20, 2026 the port took its new name and opened Mangrove Bay, its first pool area: 48,000 square feet of new space with a swim-up bar, a kids' splash pad, poolside daybeds and cabanas.
The new Mangrove Bay pool area, with cruise ships at the pierLoungers under the palms on the beach at Isla TropicaleCabanas and swimmers at the Mangrove Bay poolThe swim-up bar at the Mangrove Bay poolRiding the chairlift over the water to the beachThe kids' splash pad next to the main poolIsla Tropicale and its beach from the airKayaking on the calm water near the port
Free for cruise guests
The beachAbout 800 feet of white sand with calm water and a swimming area. Standard loungers are free, first come, first served, so go early when two ships are in port.
The Mangrove Bay poolGeneral access to the new main pool is free.
The nature trail to the beachA short walk on a paved, shaded path from the plaza where you get off the ship to the beach and pool.
Browsing the shops52 shops and local artisan kiosks; you only pay for what you buy.
Costs extra
The chairliftAll-day pass with unlimited rides: $18 ages 12 and up, $11 ages 3–11 (minimum height 32 inches).
Food and drinksThree restaurants and four bars, including the swim-up bar at the pool. Everything is paid à la carte, by card or cash.
Cabanas and daybedsShaded pool cabanas on the peninsula (wheelchair accessible, with a ceiling fan, water loungers and four chairlift passes), poolside daybeds with four chairlift passes, and oceanview beach cabanas. Prices vary by sailing date.
Beach rentalsClamshell loungers, umbrellas, floats, kayaks and other water-sports rentals.
Prices are set by the port and can change. Ask Jerrid about cabana and daybed prices for your sailing.
Top things to do
West Bay BeachRoatan's most famous beach: a long curve of white sand with calm, clear water and a reef close to shore.
Snorkel the Mesoamerican reefBoat trips visit shallow reefs, a shipwreck and starfish spots; some reefs can be reached right from the beach.
Sloths, monkeys and macawsWildlife parks let you meet sloths, monkeys and colorful parrots up close. This is the island's most popular tour.
Zipline through the jungleCanopy lines over the green hills, often combined with a wildlife park or beach time.
West End villageA laid-back strip of restaurants, bars and dive shops along the water, next to West Bay.
Mangrove tunnels and Oak RidgeBoat tours on the quieter east side glide through mangrove channels past colorful stilt houses.
Chocolate and rum tastingsSmall island shops show how local chocolate and rum are made, with tastings.
Best beaches
West Bay BeachWhite sand, calm water and good snorkeling just off the beach. It gets busy on big ship days, so go early.
Mahogany Beach at Isla TropicaleFor Carnival-family guests: the port's own beach, steps from the ship, with loungers and water-sports rentals.
West EndSmall beaches, swimming docks and water taxis to West Bay.
What cruisers love
Holding a slothThe wildlife-park combos with a beach break are the most booked tours on the island.
Reef timeClear, warm water and a healthy reef, even for beginners.
A beach day at West BayBeach-club passes with loungers, food and drinks.
The new Isla TropicaleCarnival guests can stay at the port all day: pool, beach, chairlift and bars.
Food to try
BaleadasHonduras' favorite snack: a thick flour tortilla folded over refried beans, crumbly cheese and cream, often with eggs or meat.
Fried fish with tajadasA whole fried fish served with crispy green-plantain chips and cabbage salad.
Conch soup (sopa de caracol)A coconut-milk seafood soup the Bay Islands are known for.
Coconut breadSoft, slightly sweet bread made with coconut milk, a Bay Islands staple.
Fresh seafoodLobster, shrimp and ceviche at the beachfront restaurants of West Bay and West End.
Popular Shore Excursions
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
Your pickup:
Meet sloths and monkeys at a wildlife park, taste local chocolate and rum, then relax on the beach.
Prices as of Oct 18, 2026, per person, subject to change.Excursion prices shown are the lowest public "from" prices we found for similar tours; final price depends on date and availability.
Want a tour added to your booking? Tap "Add this to my cruise" and Jerrid will check availability and confirm the pickup point for your pier.
A sloth hanging in a tree on RoatanPhoto: Larry Syverson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via FlickrScarlet macaw on RoatanPhoto: ImagePerson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsKayaks on the sand at West Bay BeachPhoto: Adalberto Hernandez Vega, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Monkeys & sloths, chocolate & rum tasting and beach break
from $65 per personDuration:4–5 hours
A small-group tour with a bilingual local guide. Start at a panoramic viewpoint at the island's highest point, then see sloths, monkeys and macaws in their natural habitat. Visit a locally owned artisan chocolate factory to learn how cacao becomes chocolate, and taste Honduran rum and rum cakes at a local rum company. The last stop is West Bay Beach, to swim and relax before heading back to the port.
What's included
Bilingual local guide
Panoramic viewpoint at the highest point of the island
Sloths, monkeys and macaws
Artisan chocolate factory visit
Rum and rum cake tasting
Beach time at West Bay
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
West Bay Beach from the hillside, looking northPhoto: Pi3.124, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsPalm-thatch umbrella and loungers at West Bay BeachPhoto: Adalberto Hernandez Vega, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsA sloth climbing through the branches on RoatanPhoto: Larry Syverson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
West Bay Beach break with monkey & sloth sanctuary
from $59 per personDuration:5 hours
A small-group, family-friendly tour with transfers from the cruise terminal. Spend time with monkeys and sloths at a wildlife sanctuary, then relax on the beach and swim in the clear water at West Bay.
What's included
Transfers from the cruise terminal
Monkey and sloth sanctuary visit
Free time at West Bay Beach
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
Colorful coral reef seen while snorkeling in West BayWhite-faced capuchin monkey at a Roatan wildlife parkPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsEagle ray seen while snorkeling in West BayPhoto: Roatanavi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsBoats and clear water at West BayPhoto: Roatanavi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Snorkeling, sloths & monkeys and beach break
from $85 per personDuration:5 hours
Snorkel the second-largest barrier reef in the world, with about 1 hour 20 minutes to explore the coral and marine life. Then visit an animal sanctuary with sloths, capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws and yellow-headed parrots, and finish with a beach break on a private island.
What's included
About 1 hr 20 min of reef snorkeling
Animal sanctuary visit
Beach break on a private island
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
Cushion sea star on the sandy bottom, seen while snorkeling off RoatanPhoto: Niemand für Polyphemus, CC BY 2.0, via FlickrA shipwreck in a bay on RoatanPhoto: Chris Vaughan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsTurquoise water over the reef off RoatanPhoto: Luis Alfredo Romero, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3-stop snorkel: shipwreck, starfish & Blue Channel
from $112 per personDuration:3 hours
Snorkel three different spots around Roatan in about three hours: a natural starfish habitat, a coral reef in a blue channel and a shipwreck. Transport between the stops is included, and the marine expert crew on the boat can answer your questions.
What's included
Snorkel equipment
Boat transport between the three stops
Marine expert crew on board
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
Ziplining through the jungle canopy on RoatanScarlet macaws at a Roatan wildlife parkPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCapuchin monkey on a log at a Roatan wildlife parkPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Zipline adventure with monkeys & sloths
from $65 per personDuration:3 hours
After you walk off your ship and meet your tour operator, head to the zipline park to check in, gear up and get a safety briefing. You zip 16 lines between 24 platforms and cross 3 suspension bridges on the way down. Then take a guided tour of an animal sanctuary to learn about sloths, capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws and parrots.
What's included
Zipline gear and safety briefing
16 ziplines, 24 platforms and 3 suspension bridges
Guided animal sanctuary tour
What to bring
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
You meet your tour operator after you walk off your ship.
A mangrove tunnel on RoatanComing out of a mangrove tunnel on RoatanAn old rusting shipwreck on RoatanPhoto: Chris Vaughan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mangrove tunnels adventure
from $82 per personDuration:4 hours
A scenic cultural tour away from the beach crowds. Explore downtown Coxen Hole and its famous sunken ship, then head to French Harbour, see sloths or iguanas, and float through a mangrove tunnel in a traditional cayuco boat.
What's included
Downtown Coxen Hole and its sunken ship
French Harbour
Sloths or iguanas
Cayuco boat ride through a mangrove tunnel
What to bring
Reef-safe sunscreen
A camera or phone
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
Hydrobikes lined up on the beach on RoatanPedaling across the calm water off RoatanTurquoise water off a small Roatan cay
Hydrobike harbor tour, reef snorkel & private island beach
from $90 per personDuration:6 hours
This tour takes place in the French Cay community, away from Roatan's most crowded tourist areas. Ride hydrobikes, snorkel a reef and relax on a private beach at your own pace. Your guide makes sure you are back at your port at least 2 hours before your ship sails.
What's included
Hydrobikes
Reef snorkeling
Private beach break
Return to your port at least 2 hours before your ship sails
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
Riding an ATV along a Roatan beachA rusting shipwreck along the Roatan shorePhoto: Michael Au, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCapuchin monkey in the forest on RoatanPhoto: Georg Karl Ell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jungle ATV tour with sloths & monkeys, chocolate & rum tasting
from $130 per personDuration:4 hours
Get about 1 hour 30 minutes of ATV riding on dirt roads and rough terrain, through a local town and down to the beach for photos of a shipwreck. Then continue with an island tour: chocolate and rum cake tastings, a local craft market and the colorful Roatan sign. You also visit a sanctuary to see sloths, capuchin monkeys and macaws. Drivers and guides speak English.
What's included
About 1 hr 30 min of ATV riding
Beach stop for shipwreck photos
Chocolate and rum cake tastings
Local craft market and the Roatan sign
Sloth, monkey and macaw sanctuary
English-speaking drivers and guides
What to bring
Clothes that can get dusty
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Tour pickups at both Roatan ports are just outside the port exit. Jerrid books tours that pick up at your port.
Know your portIsla Tropicale and the Town Center are about 3 miles apart. Give your tour company the right port for pickup.
Be back earlyBe back at the port at least 30–60 minutes before departure. The ship won't wait for a late independent tour.
TimeRoatan is on Central Standard Time all year, the same as Texas in winter. Always go by your ship's all-aboard time.
CashUS dollars are accepted almost everywhere; bring small bills for taxis, tips and vendors outside the port.
TaxisAgree on the fare (and whether it is per person or per car) before you get in.
SafetyThe U.S. State Department rates Honduras overall Level 3: reconsider travel. The Bay Islands' resort areas are better policed than the mainland, but petty theft happens. Use reputable tours or the taxis at the port exit, keep valuables out of sight and avoid isolated beaches.
