Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay

You will dock at Coxen Hole on Roatan's south side; it is the largest city and capital of the Bay Islands.

Roatan's pier can berth two cruise ships at once, with anchorage for two further ships. When your port day coincides with another ship's arrival, you may dock or need to tender ashore. In these overlaps at Port of Roatan, Royal Caribbean ships usually dock and Norwegian ships tender.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and NCL use the Coxen Hole cruise ship dock and mall complex, opened in late 2008. It has a bank with an ATM, a large Diamonds International shop, a couple of restaurants, and a smattering of other shops including a pharmacy and liquor store. (Following the initial development's success, local authorities are now building a Phase II recreational complex beside the current mall shops.)

Coxen Hole's terminal is right in town, putting downtown within walking distance.

Carnival, Princess, Costa, Holland America and Regent ships use the new Mahogany Bay Cruise Center in Dixon Cove, east of Coxen Hole. Officially opened in February 2010, the complex has a Duty Free store, several jewelers including Diamonds International and Tanzanite International shops, several restaurants and bars, snack bars, a pharmacy, and numerous souvenir and other tourist-related shops. Carnival Corp. owns the terminal. It is approximately 3 miles (5 km) from downtown Coxen Hole, about a 10-minute drive.

The white-sand, 10-acre Mahogany Beach lies beside the Cruise Center and is reachable on foot or by the "Magic Flying Beach Chair" (unlimited rides for $14/ day).

Wind issues make the port quite sensitive, and entry is often not possible.

A printable map is available to take with you.

Almost 40 miles off Honduras' north coast, unspoiled Roatan is part of the Bay Islands, which also include Guanaja and Utila. In its warm climate of around 80 degrees, you can lounge on white sandy beaches or snorkel in crystal blue waters. Indigenous wildlife may include the Red Lored Parrot, Lala Monkey and Jesus Lizard, named for its ability to "walk on water."

West Bay Beach is the best place to snorkel and sunbath at once, with snorkeling close to shore and amazing fish. A taxi costs about $20 per person.

Before getting into a taxi, confirm its fare and whether it is per person or per taxi. A West End–West Bay Beach water taxi is about $5. Most taxis take both U.S. dollars and Lempiras.

Roatan's longest zipline tour is Jungletop Zipline, also the only one 3 minutes walk from the port of Roatan.

Perhaps the island's most bustling community, French harbor has one of the Western Caribbean's largest fishing fleets and is the Island's economic motor.

A local islander has created an Iguana reserve on French harbor's outskirts. Its owner, Arch, says more than 2,800 iguanas of four species live on his French Key property. To reach it, take the eastbound road from French harbor towards Fantasy Island Hotel; a clearly marked sign indicates the farm detour, and following the signs brings you there. Despite their prehistoric appearance, the reptiles are quite docile, and although there are really no facilities to speak of, their sight is marvellous. Farm entry is $1.00 per person.…

Gumbalimba Park in Roatan Bay Islands is a one-day destination. You can meet monkeys and parrots naturally, tour island history, ride a jungle-canopy zipline, explore wildlife down under while breathing underwater, kayak the picturesque shore, eat at a poolside cafe, or relax in a hammock or beach lounge chair. Adventures abound from treetops to sea chests!

The area's new Jungle Canopy tour is on the road towards Palmetto Bay Plantation. It opens daily from 8:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m, except Sundays, when it opens only till noon. Friendly staff guide you across 20 platforms with local nature and Caribbean Sea panoramic views. The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on group size, and costs $45.00 per person. At the canopy's end is a nice jungle bar to quench your thirst or calm your nerves. Inquire at the cruise ship dock.

Handicrafts: Honduras is known for Lenca ceramics and cotton sock manufacturing.

Honduran leather items are fine quality at a fraction of overseas prices, making a visit to Honduras a great time to buy them. Bags, attaché cases, belts, wallets and even garments are bargains.

As a long-established silver mining country, Honduras has excellent artisans producing highly artistic, high-quality silver products and jewelry.

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

Lempira is used, and USD is widely accepted.

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

Several cafes around the docks provide customers with free WiFi.