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The island is located close to the Caribbean's largest barrier reef (also ranked the world's 2nd largest) - the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Isla Roatan has two cruise ports each used by different cruise companies. An excursion to tour the Garifuna Mangrove Tunnel will take you to the east side of Roatan to experience some local culture away from blatant tourism. You will get to see all kinds of things along the way, like the noncommercial French Harbor, French Cay, and the Iguana Farm with large green iguanas. Mahogany Bay is owned by Carnival Corporation, and the stunning cruise port is located on Roatán Island in Honduras. Besides the wonderful Terminal, Costa Maya is one of the ports in the Western Caribbean itineraries that offers a great variety of experiences.
Mahogany Bay Beach
Depending on the type of excursion, you could travel off the beaten path into the lush jungles of Roatán. You could explore the natural beauty of this tropical paradise uniquely and thrillingly. Some ATV tours include navigating rugged terrain, splashing through mud puddles, and taking in stunning panoramic views from high vantage points. Zipline adventures are usually combined with other activities on shore excursions in Roatán. During the four-hour excursions, you may visit an animal park, explore shipwrecks while snorkeling, swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, and ride horseback along the beach. Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout is a family-run sanctuary where you can hug, pet and take pictures with adorable monkeys, sloths, and macaws in their natural habitat.
Best Things to Do in Roatán on a Cruise [Port Guide]
There is room for two cruise ships to dock at the cruise port and there is no need for tenders. In fact, this is more like a private island run by Carnival Corporation and, in a way, is just an extension of your cruise ship. This 10-acre area with its over 800-foot-long beach is dotted with water-sports, beach activities, beach bars and grills.
Island Tours
These ships are from cruise lines that include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Costa Cruises. The Mahogany Bay Cruise Center has two berths where two cruise ships can dock at once. Mahogany Bay Beach is located in the cruise terminal area at Dixon Cove. The well-maintained beach has stunning white sand and crystal-clear azure waters. Several dive clubs at West Bay Beach and West End offer certified divers various diving excursions. These can include boat trips further from shore to exploring deeper coral reefs or shipwrecks.
This is Roatan's new cruise ship terminal (inaugurated in 2009) that spreads over 20 acres (0,03 mi2 / 0,08 km2) of land. The project's cost (including the terminal building) was USD 62 million. Mahogany Bay is owned by Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line. The company operates Mahogany Bay as a private destination for its cruise ships.
Honduras Ports Attract More Cruise Lines Porthole Cruise Magazine - Porthole Cruise and Travel
Honduras Ports Attract More Cruise Lines Porthole Cruise Magazine.
Posted: Wed, 05 Jan 2022 18:24:43 GMT [source]
However, it’s essential to plan your shore excursions in advance to make the most of your time on the island and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. It is important to note that there are actually two cruise ports, both on the south side of the island. Thankfully, both offer a wide range of shopping, dining and access to Roatan’s many different shore excursions and beaches.
From savoring traditional Honduran cuisine to exploring vibrant markets and boutique shops, Roatan has something to offer every palate and shopper. In addition to snorkeling and diving, Roatan offers a variety of other exhilarating water activities. Try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the calm bays and explore the mangroves that encompass parts of the island. For a unique adventure, venture out on a clear-bottom kayak tour and marvel at the vibrant marine life below. For those seeking adventure on the water, Roatan offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Yes, you can book excursions independently through local tour operators. This allows for more customization and potentially lower costs compared to cruise line excursions. Roatan, with its captivating beauty, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, promises a cruise port experience like no other. Both Mahogany Bay and Coxen Hole Roatan cruise ports serve as ideal starting points for exploring Roatan. Developed by Carnival Corporation, Mahogany Bay is a purpose-built port designed to offer a seamless and immersive experience for cruise passengers. Beautiful and unspoiled, Roatán is a peaceful, eco-tourist's dream, just 30 miles off the coast of Honduras.
Coxen Hole cruise terminal
Here, you will find a variety of popular activities, including zipline tours and the SNUBA underwater diving experience. Both Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a range of shore excursions that cover the mentioned activities. Additionally, several local operators specialize in guided tours, taking you through the island’s stunning trails and showing you the hidden treasures of Roatan. These tours often include stops at scenic points and local attractions, making them an interesting and exciting way to explore the island’s natural beauty. Roatan is known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Roatan has several car rental agencies that offer a range of vehicles to suit your needs. Having a rental car allows you the flexibility to explore the island on your own schedule and venture off the beaten path. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and conditions before hitting the road.
You can pay a fee to participate in activities like horseback riding, swimming with pigs, massages, manicures, snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, rope swings, and a gift shop. The diverse culture and unique natural wonders of Roatán make for a one-of-a-kind cruise port experience. There is no end to the different types of shore excursions or tours that are available in Roatan. Like many cruise ports in the Caribbean, the port itself has lots of facilities for shopping, dining, and drinking! This area is directly off the ship and is known as the “Town Center At Port of Roatan”. As part of our recent cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, we visited the beautiful island of Roatan.
I would also love to check out the Mahogany Bay cruise port sometime (I guess we’ll have to do another Princess cruise for that). The former pirate haven offers travelers unspoiled charm and exceptional marine life. Expensive new homes and resorts stand in sharp contrast to clapboard tin-roofed houses.
Located in French Cay, Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout is a family-run animal sanctuary. At the Hangout you will get to interact with the sloths and monkeys and learn all about these fascinating creators. If you’re walking to or from Mahogany Beach you might as well try the nature trail during one of your walks just to spice things up a little.
The local currency is the Lempira but U.S. currency is widely accepted on the island. However, the banks are quite particular about the condition of the bills therefore vendors will not accept bills that are torn or in poor condition. Many large stores and restaurants do accept credit cards, but not all, so it’s good to be prepared. For a truly authentic shopping experience, venture into the Garifuna Village of Punta Gorda, where you can find intricate handmade crafts and traditional artwork. Support the local community by purchasing Garifuna artwork, drums, and other traditional crafts, all of which showcase the talent and creativity of the Garifuna people. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first.Click here to book a tour.
You will also have access to a variety of activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming in clear turquoise waters. Moreover, you can observe dolphins and other aquatic creatures from above or below the surface. Then the tour will take you to an authentic Cayuco canoe where the guide will take you through the mangrove tunnel. With so much wildlife to see along the way this is definitely a tour for nature lovers.
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