4 to 5 hours ashore
Beach by the pier
- At Mahogany Bay, take the chairlift to Mahogany Beach.
- At Coxen Hole, try the zip line right next to the terminal.
Rather book it? A zip line or short snorkel trip.
Roatán shore excursions
Known for some of the best reef snorkeling in the Caribbean, plus zip lines and wildlife parks inland.
Getting ashoreShips dock at Mahogany Bay or at the Town Center terminal in Coxen Hole, depending on the cruise line. Check which one your ship uses.
Roatán port day essentials
read this before you book
Which pier you're at
Mahogany BayCarnival and its sister lines. Shops, restaurants and a chairlift (about 5 minutes) or a 10-minute walk to Mahogany Beach.
Coxen Hole (Town Center)The island's main town. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Virgin and others. Shops at the terminal, with the town at the gate.
The two terminals are about 5 miles apart. Your ship's itinerary or daily planner says which one you'll use.
Taxis
Taxis have officially approved rates that depend on where you go and how many people are riding. Agree on the total before you leave.
West Bay Beach, the most popular beach, is about 20 to 30 minutes from either terminal.
Money
Honduran lempira. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in the tourist areas.
Language
Spanish, but English is widely spoken on the island.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time.
Be aware
- October to January is the rainy season, with the heaviest rain in November and December.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
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Plan your day in Roatán
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
West Bay Beach
- Taxi 20 to 30 minutes to West Bay.
- Snorkel the reef straight off the sand.
- Lunch on the beach, then taxi back.
Rather book it? A West Bay beach day with transport included.
9 hours or more
Animals, reef and West End
- Morning at an animal park with monkeys, sloths and iguanas.
- Afternoon at West Bay or the village of West End.
Rather book it? An island tour combining wildlife and beach time.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare Roatán tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
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Roatán tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for Roatan, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
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Roatán tours from Shore Excursions Group
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Scout's notes on Roatán
Short port days
Beach breaks near your terminal and short snorkel trips are the easiest fit. Ask how far the tour starts from your specific terminal.
Long port days
West Bay Beach and its reef are a drive across the island and make a full, relaxed day. Zip lines and animal sanctuaries pair well with a beach stop.
Getting back on time
Roads across the island are winding and slow. Tours that start from your terminal are the safest choice on a tight schedule.
From fellow cruisers
Tips from people who've been, read by us before they go up.
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