If you have an upcoming cruise that will be docking in Honduras, you have come to the right place. Roatan is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Western Caribbean, and knowing what to expect before you arrive can help you make the most of your day in port.
This guide focuses specifically on Coxen Hole, the main cruise port on Roatan, and is designed to help you decide whether you want to book an excursion or spend your time exploring near the port on your own.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Roatan?
Roatan has two cruise ports, each offering a slightly different experience for visitors.
1. Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
Mahogany Bay is one of my favorite cruise ports in the Caribbean. It is beautifully designed, easy to navigate, and offers plenty to do without ever leaving the port area. I’ve written an entire post dedicated to Mahogany Bay, including what you’ll find there and how to spend your day. You can check that out HERE.
Mahogany Bay is owned by Carnival Corporation, and cruise lines that typically dock here include:
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Regent Seven Seas
Oceania Cruises
2. Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port
Coxen Hole is the older of the two cruise ports on Roatan and is managed by Royal Caribbean. While it doesn’t have the resort-style feel of Mahogany Bay, it is still a convenient and well-organized port that serves as a gateway to many of Roatan’s most popular excursions.
Cruise lines that usually dock at Coxen Hole include:
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Roatan Cruise Ship Schedule
If you like to plan ahead or want to know how busy the island might be on the day you arrive, you can keep up to date with current Roatan cruise ship schedules on this website. Knowing how many ships are in port can help you decide whether to book a private excursion, head to a quieter beach, or explore closer to the terminal.
What to Expect at Coxen Hole Cruise Port
The Coxen Hole Cruise Port terminal is much smaller than Mahogany Bay, but it still offers all the basic services cruisers might need. The port has one pier, which runs perpendicular to the coastline, and when you exit the terminal, you step directly into a pleasant but compact shopping plaza.
Within the terminal and plaza area, you’ll find:
Clean restrooms
Car rental services
Pharmacy
ATM machines
Internet access
An information booth
Taxi stand
Is There a Pool at Coxen Hole Cruise Port?
Yes — there is now a pool area located within the Coxen Hole Cruise Terminal, making it possible to relax and cool off without leaving the port.
However, access to the pool is typically tied to making a purchase. In most cases, guests are expected to buy food or drinks from the port’s restaurant or bar in order to use the pool. This setup is similar to a beach club or resort-style amenity rather than a completely free public pool.
Because policies can change and may vary depending on how busy the port is, it’s best to confirm pool access requirements once you arrive.
Things to Do Near Coxen Hole
While the port itself is nice, there is not enough here to keep most travelers busy for an entire day. Because of this, the majority of cruise passengers choose to book some type of excursion.
Popular excursions from Coxen Hole include:
Visiting monkey and sloth sanctuaries, one of Roatan’s most loved experiences
Touring the chocolate and rum factories, where you can sample local flavors
Heading to one of Roatan’s beautiful beaches for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing
Is Coxen Hole Right for a DIY Day or an Excursion?
If you enjoy shopping and a short stroll, spending an hour or two near the port can be enjoyable. However, if you want to truly experience Roatan’s natural beauty, wildlife, and culture, booking an excursion is highly recommended.
Coxen Hole serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the island, and with a little planning, it’s easy to have an unforgettable day in Roatan.
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