Port Guide | Honduras | Dive Deep
Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay

Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-01-07
Congratulations, intrepid sailors-you've finally docked at Roatan, a deliciously scruffy, reef-ringed jewel in Honduras' Caribbean crown. Before you stagger ashore into the cheerful chaos of Coxen Hole or the polished postcard that is Mahogany Bay, let's set some expectations: Roatan is where pirate lore meets dive-shop chic, and where every menu is a subtle debate between coconut shrimp and baleadas (glory in tortilla form-order two, thank us later). Beneath your ship lies the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest living coral kingdom, home to more colors and textures than a Grateful Dead concert. So while sipping rum cocktails is acceptable-even mandatory-failing to strap on a snorkel and splash around this underwater metropolis would border on criminal negligence. Just a heads-up: the island's laid-back charm masks a ferocious popularity, so book your reef expeditions like you book your dentist: early, and grudgingly. Welcome to Roatan; adventure awaits, baleadas beckon, and you're already forgiven for muttering "why haven't I come here sooner?"

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Notes from the Editor
Roatan is known for its stunning coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors should explore the local culture and cuisine. The island has a laid-back atmosphere, but it's advisable to book excursions in advance during peak season.
Where do cruise ships dock in Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay?
Port Name Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay
Country Honduras
Region Central America
Ship Terminal Mahogany Bay or Coxen Hole
Port Type Dedicated port with facilities for cruise ships
Accessibility Mahogany Bay is approximately 15 minutes from the main town of Coxen Hole and about 25 minutes from West End, where many shops and restaurants are located.
What's the weather like in Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay?
Best Season to Visit December to April (dry season)
Climate Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Weather Notes Peak tourist season runs from December to April when the weather is dry and cooler. Hurricane season is from June to November, with a higher risk of inclement weather.
Temperature Range 70F to 85F (21C to 29C)
High Temp 90F
Low Temp 68F
Average Temp 79F
What do I need to know about Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay?
Language Spanish
Currency Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 137,000 (approximate, including the island of Roatan)
Timezone CST (UTC-6)
How do I get around Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay?
Local taxis, shuttle buses, and car rentals are available. Tour operators offer excursions to popular spots.
What are The Best Things to do in Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay?
Discover what you should do while you're in Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Little French Key Animal Rescue Center | Editor Highlight

Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-01-07
Best Time to Go
All Day
Cost
$50-$150 USD
Activity Level
Easy
Where to Book
Online
You could spend your day in Roatan hoisting rum punches or sunbaking like an overfed lobster, but how often can you say you shared island space with a jaguar and a capuchin monkey? Welcome to Little French Key Animal Rescue Center, a quirky slice of conservation-meets-island-revelry perched on its own pocket-sized Caribbean paradise. Historically speaking, French Key was once a haven for pirates and smugglers, though these days the only shady characters you'll find are mischievous macaws eyeing your sunglasses. Plan your visit in the early morning-before cruise passengers invade and selfies outnumber the scurrying iguanas-and book at least a week ahead. Budget about $85-$200 USD depending on your experience of choice, and pack lightweight clothes, sunblock, a waterproof camera, and a healthy tolerance for animal antics (and tourists wielding selfie sticks). Sure, sipping pina coladas in a hammock is tempting, but feeding rescued ocelots while a howler monkey eyes your snacks? That's the kind of delightfully bizarre story you'll be spinning long after your tan fades.
Little French Key Animal Rescue Center
Little French Key, Roatan, Honduras
Interact with rescued exotic animals on a private Caribbean island.
Distance from Terminal: 8.5 miles
Iguana Marine Park
French Cay, Roatan, Honduras
Interact closely with hundreds of iguanas roaming freely in their refuge.
Distance from Terminal: 8.2 miles
Gumbalimba Nature Park
West Bay, Roatan, Honduras
Encounter monkeys and tropical bird species, and admire the local biodiversity.
Distance from Terminal: 9.5 miles
Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout
French Cay, Roatan
Hold gentle sloths and playful monkeys in this ethical sanctuary.
Distance from Terminal: 8.3 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Garifuna Cultural Center
Punta Gorda, Roatan, Honduras
Learn about and experience the vibrant Garifuna culture, music, and food.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
Mayan Eden Eco-park
Near Coxen Hole, Roatan
Explore trails offering Mayan culture experiences and stunning wildlife.
Distance from Terminal: 3.2 miles
A Little Extra
Roatan Rum Company | Editor Highlight

Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-01-07
Best Time to Go
Afternoon
Cost
Free
Activity Level
Accessible
Where to Book
Walk-In
Perched above the turquoise madness of Roatan's West Bay-where divers and dreadlocked expats coexist uneasily-the Roatan Rum Company offers a spirited detour that's as delightfully hazy as the island's pirate-smuggler past. Sure, you're here ostensibly for the rum tasting, each sip a silky Caribbean whisper distilled from local sugarcane into amber waves of aged temptation. But let's be honest, you're equally here for the panoramic lighthouse views-a vantage point that improves dramatically after a few generous "samples." Plan your rum-infused journey mid-afternoon; the cruise-ship masses have drifted back aboard, and sunset looms enticingly, guaranteeing Instagram envy and justifying that second tasting flight. Budget around $30-$50, enough to snag a bottle for your suitcase (trust me, you'll regret flying dry). Don't forget sunscreen, shades, and something sturdy to lean on-rum legs hit fast, especially when paired with steep lighthouse staircases. Even if you're no rum connoisseur, the Roatan Rum Company delivers a story you'll savor almost as much as that delicious, regret-free hangover.
Roatan Chocolate Factory
Main Street, West End, Roatan, Honduras
Participate in chocolate-making workshops using locally-sourced cacao.
Distance from Terminal: 7 miles
Roatan Rum Company
Lighthouse Road, West Bay, Roatan
Taste premium local rum and visit a panoramic lighthouse site.
Distance from Terminal: 10.2 miles
West End's Bohemian Markets
Main Road, West End
Browse local crafts, art, jewelry, and food in vibrant markets.
Distance from Terminal: 7.5 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Anthony's Key Dolphin Encounter | Editor Highlight

Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-01-07
Best Time to Go
Morning
Cost
$50-$150 USD
Activity Level
Easy
Where to Book
Online
If you're convinced that your life's bucket list isn't complete until you've splashed around with intelligent sea mammals, Anthony's Key Dolphin Encounter in Sandy Bay might just be your existential loophole. Early morning, before hordes of sunscreen-slathered tourists invade, you'll want to slip into your swimsuit and meet your finned companions-playful, surprisingly irreverent dolphins who seem well aware that they're the smarter ones in this arrangement. Schedule this one at least a week or two in advance, especially in high season, and budget roughly $100-$150 per person (hey, dolphins have expensive tastes). Bring along swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and your most waterproof camera-because trust me, your friends won't believe your dolphin selfies without photographic evidence. Historically, places like Roatan served as hideouts for rum-swilling pirates; today, however, the dubious charm lies not in pirate ghosts but in marine mammals that occasionally mock your swimming style with graceful superiority. Ultimately, even if embracing free-range, smugly majestic dolphins sounds like tourist hype, do it anyway. Years from now, it'll make for a far superior cocktail anecdote than that Time-You-Almost-Went-Ziplining.
Anthony's Key Dolphin Encounter
Anthony's Key Resort, Sandy Bay, Roatan
Swim with dolphins in an open-sea environment unique to the Caribbean.
Distance from Terminal: 9.5 miles
Zipline Canopy Tour at South Shore
South Shore, Roatan
Thrilling zipline adventure with views of Roatan's rainforest and lagoon.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Scuba Diving at Mary's Place
N/A
Dive in one of Central America's most renowned coral reef formations.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Snorkeling at Blue Channel
N/A
Spectacular snorkeling at the colorful reef where marine life thrives.
Distance from Terminal: 9 miles
Horseback Riding on West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach, Roatan
Enjoy a relaxing horseback ride along the pristine sands.
Distance from Terminal: 9.7 miles
Deep Sea Fishing Experience
N/A
Catch prized game fish in the deep waters offshore.
Distance from Terminal: 12 miles
Overnight Trips
Cayos Cochinos Day Trip | Editor Highlight

Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-01-07
Best Time to Go
Morning
Cost
$50-$150 USD
Activity Level
Moderate
Where to Book
Online
A day trip to Cayos Cochinos isn't just snorkeling-it's stepping into a postcard, with enough pristine sandbars and turquoise shallows to make Robinson Crusoe jealous and Gilligan rethink his choices. These tiny islands, barely blips on the map off Honduras' northern shore, have thankfully dodged the relentless fist of mass tourism, largely thanks to vigilant Garifuna residents fiercely protective of their slice of paradise. Aim your boat out early in the morning when the sun makes the waters glow clearer than your bank account after payday, and plan at least a week ahead-this secluded tropical playground isn't for spontaneous slackers. Budget about $60-$90 per person for boat tours, park fees, and the freshest grilled fish you'll find-cooked beachside by locals whose hospitality is as abundant as their comedic timing. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, cash, and a dry bag so your phone survives your clumsy leap off the bow. Sure, you might encounter a sudden rainstorm or a rustic toilet that challenges your sense of dignity, but the payoff is snorkeling alongside technicolor fish in waters so pristine you half expect David Attenborough's voice narrating your every fin kick. Even if you just end up sunburned and sandy, you'll return bragging about how you cannonballed into paradise-and lived to smirk about it.
Cayos Cochinos Day Trip
N/A
Explore these pristine islands known for their clear waters and preserved ecosystems.
Distance from Terminal: 28 miles
Honduras Regional Tip
Fruit, vegetables, and seeds Importation of these items is highly restricted to protect local agriculture. Travelers must declare such products or risk confiscation, fines, and delays.