Roatan Cruise Port: Roatán's 2 Cruise Ports (Mahogany Bay vs Coxen Hole)
Roatán has two cruise ports — Mahogany Bay (Isla Tropicale) and the Port of Roatán at Coxen Hole. Here's which one your ship pulls into, what's waiting for you there, and how to experience the real island with Patrice: your local guide, small private group, guaranteed return to the ship.
Roatan cruise port: one name, two ports
When you search for the “Roatan cruise port,” you’ll run into several names — and that’s normal: Roatán has two cruise ports. Which one receives your ship depends entirely on your cruise line. Here’s the clear comparison so you don’t get it wrong.
| 🎉 Mahogany Bay (Isla Tropicale) | 👑 Port of Roatán (Coxen Hole) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise lines | Carnival, Celebrity, Princess | Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC, luxury |
| Operated by | Carnival Corporation | Port of Roatán / Coxen Hole |
| At the dock | Mahogany Beach, chairlift | Town Center (shops, pool) |
| Most frequent | Carnival family | the island’s #1 port |
| Detailed page | Mahogany Bay → | (detailed below) |
Which port does your ship dock at?
- 🎉 Carnival, Celebrity, Princess → Mahogany Bay / Isla Tropicale, on the south shore near Dixon Cove.
- 👑 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (NCL), MSC + luxury (Viking, Oceania, Regent, Crystal) → Port of Roatán, at Coxen Hole.
If you’re not sure, just put your ship’s name in the booking form — I know which dock it uses and where to come meet you.
The Port of Roatán (Coxen Hole), the Town Center, and the port map
The Port of Roatán has two berths (ships are assigned to berth 1 or berth 2 depending on the schedule). As you step off, you arrive straight into the Town Center: a maze of souvenir shops, bars, restaurants and a pool, designed to keep passengers spending right there on the dock.
It’s handy for a quick postcard shot, but it isn’t the real Roatán. The moment you cross the terminal exit, the authentic island begins — the reef, the jungle, the beaches, the island culture. And that’s exactly where I take you, no matter which port you arrive at.
What to do in Roatán — no matter your port
Instead of a mass-market excursion sold by the ship, I take you out in a small private group to experience the island for real. My 3 signature excursions leave from both ports:
🤿 West Bay Snorkeling — $95 USD
The most beautiful shore-accessible reef in Roatán. We swim over living coral, tropical fish, and sometimes turtles. See the snorkeling excursion →
🍻 Island Tour + Microbrewery — $95 USD
Lookout points, beaches, local life, and the island’s microbrewery. See the island tour →
🦈 Pigeon Cay — $200 USD
Swim with nurse sharks on a dreamy sandbank. See Pigeon Cay →
⚓ Cruise passengers: Pigeon Cay is offered only to groups of 5 or more during a port call. For 1 to 4 people, go with West Bay or the island tour instead.
Your port-day itinerary
Everything is built around your ship’s schedule — not the other way around:
- 9 a.m. — Pickup at the port. I’ll be waiting at your terminal exit (Mahogany Bay or Coxen Hole), sign in hand.
- Flexible route to your chosen excursion — photo stops and lookout points along the way.
- Always included: depending on the excursion, beach + shore snorkeling or a guided island tour.
- Options on request (payable on site): scuba diving, zipline, glass-bottom boat, sloths.
- Guaranteed return to the port 1 to 1.5 hours before boarding.
Book below — just tell me your ship and your port times. 👇
Book with the ship or independently?
The excursions sold on board are convenient, but pricey, in big groups, and often in English only. By booking directly with me:
- 💰 Better price — no middleman, no cruise-line commission.
- 👥 Small private group — not 50 people trailing a flag.
- 🇨🇦 A personal touch — guided personally by Patrice, a resident since 2014.
- ⏰ Guaranteed return to the ship — or a full refund if your ship can’t dock.
Excursions by cruise line
Looking for your specific line’s excursions? I’ve catalogued every one of their Roatán excursions, alongside our private version:
Staying longer in Roatán?
Not cruising, but on a longer stay? Check out our West Bay hotels and all my guided excursions.
Roatan Cruise Port: Roatán's 2 Cruise Ports (Mahogany Bay vs Coxen Hole) in photos
Frequently asked questions
How many cruise ports are there in Roatán?
Which Roatán port will my ship dock at?
What's the difference between Mahogany Bay and the Port of Roatán?
Which Roatán port is busier?
Is it safe to leave the cruise port in Roatán?
Will I make it back in time for my ship?
How do I book an excursion from the cruise port?
Only one day in Roatán? Make it unforgettable
Give me your ship's name and your port-call hours — I build the day around your schedule and get you back well before all-aboard. In English, French or Spanish, in a small group, with zero pressure to buy.
⏰ Guaranteed return to your ship — or a full refund if your ship can't dock.