MAHOGANY BAY CRUISE PORT ~ ROATAN HONDURAS

Is Mahogany Bay one of the stops on your next cruise? If you’re wondering what there is to do while in port, you may be pleasantly surprised. Mahogany Bay is one of those destinations where you don’t need to book an excursion or even leave the port to enjoy your day. 



Mahogany Bay was built by Carnival, which means it’s designed with cruise passengers in mind and offers plenty to do right in the port area. One of the highlights is the beautiful beach, complete with plenty of lounge chairs where you can relax and enjoy the view. You’ll also find a variety of shops to browse, along with a few restaurants and food stands if you’d rather stay close and grab a bite without heading off the property.

This option allows to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading ashore. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy your meal, and even catch the sunrise before making your way to the port for the day.

There was another Carnival ship in port while we were there, and it was impressive to watch just how skillfully these massive ships are maneuvered into place. Seeing a vessel of that size slowly back into the port really makes you appreciate the experience and precision of the crew.

Once you step off the ship, it’s only about a 10–15 minute walk to Mahogany Bay’s beach and port area at a leisurely pace — and that includes time for stopping to take photos along the way.

I was so caught up in the scenery that I probably spent as much time looking at the tropical landscaping and plants as I did walking toward the beach. The paved paths and shaded nature trail make the stroll pleasant, giving you plenty of great photo opportunities before you even reach the sand.

There are places to sit and relax along the way or you can take a nap in a hammock.

MAGICAL FLYING CHAIRS

If you have mobility (or not) you may want to check out the Magical Flying Beach Chairs.  Think  ski lift but without the snow.  It will transport  you from the port's welcome center to Mahogany Beach.  

Mahogany Bay is fairly isolated, so there really isn’t anywhere to walk beyond the port itself. If you’d like to explore more of the island and see Roatán beyond the cruise area, you’ll need to book a shore excursion or arrange your own transportation for the day.

On a previous visit to Roatán, we chose to hire a private driver, which allowed us to see more of the island at our own pace. We also spent time at Henry Morgan Beach Resort, enjoying a day pass experience. I’ve shared more details about our visit, including what it cost, in a separate post you can read here.

Relax on the Beach

Let’s face it—most of us head to the Caribbean for the gorgeous beaches. And what’s better than a beautiful Caribbean beach? One that’s free and within easy walking distance of the ship. Mahogany Bay’s beach is the perfect place to unwind, whether you want to lounge in a chair, dip your toes in the water, or simply enjoy the ocean views.

If you’re looking for a little more activity, there are also options to rent floats and kayaks right at the beach, making it easy to spend as much—or as little—time in the water as you’d like.

Here’s one of the fun photo spots around the port. There are also plenty of places to take playful, lighthearted photos along the way.

And if you’re looking for a little extra fun, there’s also entertainment at the port.

Make sure to be on your balcony or out on deck to catch the stunning sunset.

To Get to the Beach

To reach Mahogany Bay’s beach, start by walking along the pier and through the duty-free store. Once you reach the courtyard, head to the left to find the chairlift and the path that leads down to the beach. If you’re planning a shore excursion or want to explore beyond the port, you’ll need to go to the right instead.

Tips & Things to Know

If you’re planning a stop at Mahogany Bay, a few little tips can make your day even better. Arrive a bit early if you want a good beach chair or a ride on the chairlift—trust me, it’s worth it. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and some water to stay comfortable while you enjoy the sun and sand.

There are plenty of fun photo spots along the way, so take your time and snap a few memories. If you’re into a bit more adventure, floats and kayaks are available to rent, and of course, the sunset from your balcony or deck is not to be missed.

And finally, while the port itself has lots to do, exploring beyond Mahogany Bay means booking a shore excursion or arranging your own transport—but if you’d rather keep it simple, there’s plenty to enjoy right here.