Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay

You'll be docked on the south side of Roatan at Coxen Hole, the largest city and capital of the Bay Islands.

The Port of Roatan can accommodate two cruise ships at a time alongside at its pier and two more ships via anchorage. If your day in port coincides with another ship's arrival, you might be docked, or you might need to tender to shore. Usually, Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock while Norwegian cruise ships tender when they coincide at Port of Roatan.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and NCL ships dock at the Coxen Hole cruise ship dock and mall complex, opened in late 2008. Here you'll find a bank with an ATM, a large Diamonds International shop, a couple of restaurants and a smattering of other shops, including a pharmacy and a liquor store. (With the success of the initial development, the local authorities are now building a Phase II recreational complex adjacent to the current mall shops.)

The terminal is located right in Coxen Hole, so downtown is within walking distance.

Carnival, Princess, Costa, Holland America and Regent ships dock at the new Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, which is located in Dixon Cove east of Coxen Hole. This complex, which officially opened in February 2010, includes a Duty Free store, several jewelers (including a Diamonds International shop and a Tanzanite International shop), several restaurants and bars, snack bars, a pharmacy, and a number of souvenir and other tourist-related shops. The terminal is owned by Carnival Corp. Approximately 3 miles (5 km) from downtown Coxen Hole. It's about a 10-minute drive.

Adjacent to the Cruise Center is the white sand 10-acre Mahogany Beach, which can be reached on foot or via the "Magic Flying Beach Chair" (unlimited rides for $14/ day).

The port is quite sensitive to wind issues; often not able to enter port.

Printable map to take along.

Roatan, this unspoiled island located almost 40 miles off the north coast of Honduras is part of the Bay Islands, which also include Guanaja and Utila. With a warm climate of around 80 degrees, you can lounge on the island's white sandy beaches or snorkel in crystal blue waters. You may spot some of the wildlife indigenous to the island, such as the Red Lored Parrot, the Lala Monkey or the Jesus Lizard, so named for its ability to "walk on water."

West Bay Beach is the best place to snorkel and sunbath at the same time. Snorkeling is very close to the shoreline and the fish are amazing. About $20 per person in a taxi.

Before entering a taxi, confirm the fare and whether it per person or per taxi. A water taxi from West End to West Bay Beach runs about $5. Most taxis accept both U.S. dollars and Lempiras.

Jungletop Zipline is the longest zipline tour on Roatan. Also it is the only one located 3 minutes walk from the port of Roatan

French harbor Perhaps the most bustling community on the island, French harbor is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the Western Caribbean and is the economic motor of the Island.

On the outskirts of French harbor, a local islander has set up his own Iguana reserve. According to the owner, Arch, there are over 2,800 iguanas of four different species living on his property in French Key. Getting there is easy, take the road leading east from French harbor towards the Fantasy Island Hotel, you will see a clearly marked sign showing the detour towards the farm, follow the signs an you will arrive at the farm. Although there are really no facilities to speak of, you will marvel at the sight of these reptiles, which are quite docile, despite their prehistoric appearance. The entrance fee to the farm is $1.00 per person.…

Gumbalimba Park. Gumbalimba Park in Roatan Bay Islands is a one-day destination. Where else can you become acquainted with monkeys and parrots in a natural setting, tour the history of the island, ride a zipline through the jungle canopy, explore the wildlife down under while breathing underwater, kayak the picturesque shoreline, eat at a poolside cafe, and just hang out in a hammock or lounge chair on the beach! From treetops to sea chests there are adventures that abound!

A new attraction in the area is the Jungle Canopy tour, located on the road towards Palmetto Bay Plantation. This outfit is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m except Sundays when open only till noon. Friendly staff will guide you through the 20 different platforms where you will enjoy some of the local nature and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the group. Cost of the tour is $45.00 per person. There is a nice jungle bar at the end of the canopy, where you will be able to quench your thirst or calm your nerves. Inquire at the cruise ship dock.

Handicrafts - Honduras is famous for its Lenca ceramics and cotton sock manufacturing.

Leather Items - Honduran leather items are of fine quality at only a fraction of the price they would be overseas, making your visit to Honduras a great time to purchase these. Bags, attaché cases, belts, wallets and even garments are a bargain.

Honduras has a long history as a silver mining country. Excellent artisans work the silver and produce very artistic and high quality silver products and jewelry.

Coxen Hole has some souvenir shops, while French Harbor is has a new mega mall.

Lempira, USD is widely accepted.

Spanish is the primary language spoken. English is hardly spoken outside of the biggest towns or Bay Islands.

There are several cafes which offer free WiFi for customers around the docks.