Roatan Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Isla Tropicale (Mahogany Bay) cruise centre to Coxen Hole, in the taxi association's Zone A. This route does not apply to ships already berthed at Coxen Hole.

• Taxi: the terminal-published taxi tariff lists US$20 one way per cab for 1–4 people to Zone A, which includes Coxen Hole. Agree the drop-off and fare before setting out.

Prices checked 2026-10-02. Sources: Mahogany Bay Taxi Association tariff displayed by Isla Tropicale.

Orientation, not a walking route

Ships normally dock. Royal Caribbean identifies Coxen Hole as its usual berth; Isla Tropicale's operator describes a facility accommodating two full-sized cruise ships. Use your sailing's terminal assignment rather than treating a cruise-line name as an absolute guarantee.

At Coxen Hole, the port's visitor map identifies shops, a restaurant and an information booth within Town Center. At Isla Tropicale, follow the cruise-centre walkway to the shopping area. On the operator's map, yellow marker 1 identifies the taxi and independent-tour stand, marker 2 the bus area, and marker 12 a shore-excursion meeting point. Match your booking's instructions to the correct meeting area.

About this port

Roatán offers two quite different starts to an island day. Port of Roatán, also called Town Center, puts you in Coxen Hole; Isla Tropicale, formerly Mahogany Bay, is a purpose-built cruise destination in Dixon Cove with its own beach. Establish which terminal your ship uses before booking transport. A driver waiting at the other port cannot meet you at the gangway.

The main choice is between staying near your arrival point and travelling to the western beaches or an island attraction. West Bay suits a beach-focused day, while West End combines seaside restaurants with shops. A reef excursion gives the day a different focus again.

Getting Around

For an independent outing, arrange the return journey when hiring your taxi. Specify the terminal, destination, number of passengers and whether the agreement includes waiting. At Isla Tropicale, the taxi association asks passengers to look for its Mahogany Bay window decal.

The same published tariff places West End and West Bay in Zone C: US$15 per person one way, with a two-person minimum, checked 2026-10-02. These are departures from Isla Tropicale; do not apply the figures to Coxen Hole taxis. The distinction between a per-cab town fare and a per-person beach fare matters when comparing costs for a family.

Things to Do

Stay at Isla Tropicale. Passengers arriving here can reach Mahogany Beach by the nature trail or the scenic chairlift. The port also has food outlets and a craft marketplace. This is the simplest option if you prefer to avoid a road journey. The cruise centre restricts access to cruise passengers; do not assume a ship at Coxen Hole gives you automatic admission to another terminal's facilities.

Choose West Bay or West End. West Bay is the beach choice; West End adds restaurants and browsing. For a purchased beach package, establish whether seating, lunch and equipment are included. Pick a principal destination instead of spending the day transferring between stops.

Go out on the reef. The port operator identifies diving and snorkelling among the island's main activities. Choose a trip suited to your swimming ability and make sure its pickup works with your terminal. For a land-based alternative, Gumbalimba Park near West Bay combines vegetation, wildlife and island-history displays; review the walking requirements before booking.

Getting back to your ship

Keep the exact terminal name with your return booking: Coxen Hole/Town Center and Isla Tropicale/Mahogany Bay are different destinations. Road traffic can affect beach-trip timings. Set your pickup around the ship's all-aboard time, leaving room for the drive, terminal entry and the route back to the gangway. If staying at Isla Tropicale, finish beach activities with time to return through the cruise centre rather than treating arrival at its shops as arrival aboard.

Practical Information

Isla Tropicale's FAQ reports an ATM near the tourist information booth dispensing lempiras and US dollars. Dollars are widely accepted on Roatán, but card acceptance varies. Carry some spending cash and establish the currency before paying.

Bring water, sun protection and a towel for a beach outing. For mobility needs, discuss the ship's gangway and the specific excursion vehicle separately: a cruise-terminal facility does not establish that a beach, boat or park route is step-free.