From The Adventures of Ed and Serenity
🌴 Quick Facts
Country: Honduras
Location: Western Caribbean, Bay Islands
Currency: Honduran Lempira (USD widely accepted)
Language: Spanish (English commonly spoken in tourist areas)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (no daylight savings)
Electricity: 110V (same as the U.S.)
Driving Side: Right
Population: ~100,000

⚓ Port Overview
Roatán has two main cruise ports:
Mahogany Bay (Carnival Corporation ships) – Private-style port with shopping, beach access, and chairlift
Town Center at Coxen Hole – Used by Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian, Celebrity, and others
Both ports are well-developed, easy to navigate, and offer taxis, excursions, and shopping directly outside the terminal.

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Roatán

1️⃣ Relax on West Bay Beach
Often ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean, West Bay offers:
Soft white sand
Calm, turquoise water
Beach clubs with loungers, Wi-Fi, food, and drinks
Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up island vibes.

Infinity Bay one of our Favorites

2️⃣ Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Roatán sits along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world.
Vibrant coral
Tropical fish
Shallow reef access right from the beach
Even first-timers can enjoy guided snorkeling tours.

3️⃣ Mahogany Bay Beach Day
If docked at Mahogany Bay:
Free chairlift ride (small fee)
Calm beach with loungers
Floating mats and water rentals
Great option if you don’t want to leave the port area.

4️⃣ Sloth & Monkey Encounters
A Roatán favorite!
Hold a sloth
See capuchin monkeys, parrots, and macaws
Short, guided visits with local animal sanctuaries
Family-friendly and very popular — book early.

5️⃣ Island Tour & Sightseeing
Explore beyond the beach:
Panoramic island viewpoints
Local villages
Chocolate factories
Rum cake tastings
Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broader look at island life.

6️⃣ Ziplining Through the Jungle
Fly through lush rainforest canopies with ocean views.
Multiple platforms
Beginner-friendly options
Often combined with animal parks or beach stops

🍽️ What to Eat & Drink
Don’t miss local flavors:
Baleadas – Flour tortillas filled with beans, cheese, and eggs
Fresh seafood – Lobster, shrimp, snapper
Conch fritters
Rum punch & local beers
Beach clubs and roadside eateries both offer fantastic food.

🛍️ Shopping Highlights
Handmade wood carvings
Honduran coffee
Local chocolate
Rum and rum cakes
Colorful island crafts
Vendors are friendly — polite bargaining is normal outside the ports.

🚕 Getting Around
Taxis: Plentiful and affordable (confirm price before riding)
Private drivers: Popular for island tours
Excursions: Ship-sponsored or independent both widely available

⚠️ Helpful Tips
Carry small bills for taxis and tips
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Stay hydrated — it’s hot and humid
Keep valuables secure when exploring
Credit cards accepted, but cash is handy

⭐ Why We Love Roatán
Roatán combines stunning beaches, incredible marine life, friendly locals, and easy port access, making it one of the most well-rounded cruise destinations in the Caribbean — whether you want adventure or total relaxation.

🇭🇳 Final Thought from The Adventures of Ed and Serenity
Roatán is the kind of port that stays with you long after the ship sails away. Whether you’re floating over the reef in crystal-clear water, feeling a sloth’s gentle hug, or watching the sun dip low from West Bay with a cold drink in hand, this island delivers those this-is-why-we-cruise moments. If your idea of a perfect port day includes natural beauty, laid-back island vibes, and experiences you’ll talk about long after the cruise ends, Roatán deserves a spot at the top of your list.

🤔 How would you spend your perfect day in Roatán — beach, adventure, or a little of both?