Roatan Island (Mahogany Bay-Coxen Hole, Honduras)

Isla Roatan is a major cruise port (locode HNRTB) in the Southern Caribbean, located approx 65 km (40 mi) off the northern coast of mainland Honduras (North America). Roatan Island is the most popular among all Bay Islands. It has length 53 km (33 mi), width 7 km (4 mi), total land area approx 83 km2 (32 mi2) and population around 45,000. Roatan's largest town is Coxen Hole (population around 5,000).

Isla Roatan has two cruise ports each used by different cruise companies.

Port Mahogany Bay is an exclusive facility serving vessels from the fleets of Carnival Corporation-owned companies - like Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.

Port Coxen Hole serves all other vessels including the fleets of NCLH-Norwegian, RCG-Royal Caribbean, MSC, Virgin Voyages.

The island is located close to the Caribbean's largest barrier reef (also ranked the world's 2nd largest) - the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Roatan is Honduras' main cruise ship, scuba diving and eco-tourism travel destination. The island's economy is heavily based on tourism, followed by commercial fishing.

Isla Roatan is served by Juan Manuel Galvez Airport (international and domestic flights) and by the Galaxy Wave ferry (460-passenger fast catamaran offering twice-a-day service to La Ceiba). Roatan Airport connects to mainland Honduras (La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula), Costa Rica (San Jose), Panama City, Belize City, Grand Cayman, Canada (Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto), USA (Miami, Houston, Atlanta), Guatemala (San Salvador, Guatemala City). Charter flights link to St Lucia, Italy (Milano), Cuba (Havana).

The island is popular for its beaches (West End, Camp Bay), crystal water, all-year sunny weather, clear blue skies. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, Roatan was famous for housing over 5,000 buccaneers (pirates), the most popular of whom were Captain John Coxen and Sir Henry Morgan.

Roatan Marine Park is a community-based, non-profit organization, established in 2005 by local businesses and dive operators to protect the surrounding coral reefs. Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) was founded in 1989 to preserve the island's natural resources through research and education. RIMS is in Sandy Bay and features over 50 km (30 mi) of barrier reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. All reef systems throughout Bay Islands are protected by the government and helped by charitable donations.

Little French Key

Little French Key is a privately-owned island, located in French Harbor (on Roatan's southern shore). This island resort is also the most booked tour in Roatan and offered as both daily cruise excursion and overnight (Bed and Breakfast) deals. Island's amenities include horseback riding, snorkeling, zip-lining, jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, sea kayaking, massages, dining.

The island is best known for its private sanctuary "Animal Rescue Center" and its great collection of exotic animals, most of which were previously abused in zoos and circuses.

The island has several white-sand beaches, bars (including a swim-up bar), 3 restaurants (of which 2 on the water and 1 on the beach), 2 Jump platforms. Transportation to and from Little French Key is via tour boats. Travel time is 10 min (departures from Mahogany Bay) and 35 min (from Coxen Hole).

• Package prices range from $59 (Discovery) to $88 (Full Island), $98 (Full Island Mayatlantis), $108 (Full Island Plus), up to $198 (VIP Package). Combo packages are also offered - Zipline plus Full Island ($148) and One Tank Scuba Dive plus Full Island ($168).
• Cheapest tour deals cost $25 pp (each) - guided snorkelling, seakayak for the day, horseback swimming.

Unfortunately, on August 26, 2018, the resort was completely destroyed by fire, causing over USD 3 million in damages. According to the owner Moshe Lahijani, the fire was most likely arson. All animals (except 2 parrots and 1 rabbit) were rescued and housed in temporary shelters.

Roatan Island cruise terminal

Roatan Island tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• Roatan Marine Park: located between Sandy Bay and West Bay. The area is popular with amazing beaches and opportunities for water sports.
• Beaches: the most popular are Half Moon Bay, West Bay and West End.
• Coxen Hole: the capital offers duty free shops for tourists.
• Gumbalimba Park: animal preserve with creatures like iguanas, parrots, turkeys and monkeys.
• Carambola Botanical Gardens and Trails: located on Roatan’s north side, spreads over 40-acre area.
• Roatan Dolphin Encounters: you have the opportunity to see, swim, dive or snorkel with dolphins. Located at Anthony’s Key Resort in the Roatan Institute of Marine Science.