Roatan has two cruise ports, and they are only a few minutes apart. Still, it makes a real difference to know which one your ship will use: where you step off, how long it takes to reach the beach, and where we will be waiting for you. Here is everything in one place, in plain words.
The two ports at a glance
| Coxen Hole – Town Center | Isla Tropicale (Mahogany Bay) | |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | Port of Roatan, Town Center | Mahogany Bay (its name until 2026) |
| Where | In Coxen Hole, the island’s main town, south coast | Dixon Cove, a few minutes east of Coxen Hole |
| Usually for | Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC and other lines | Carnival, Princess, Holland America (Carnival Corporation brands) |
| Inside the port | Shops, cafes, ATM, taxi area. No beach | Shops, restaurants, private beach, pool area and chairlift |
| To West Bay | about 20–30 min by road | about 25–35 min by road |
| To West End | about 20–25 min | about 25–30 min |
| To Sandy Bay (dolphins) | about 15–20 min | about 20–25 min |
Driving times are approximate: they change with traffic and with how many ships are in port that day.
Which port will my ship use?
Look at your cruise itinerary or app. It will say something like “Roatan (Coxen Hole)” or “Roatan (Isla Tropicale)”. Some older documents and websites still write “Mahogany Bay”: it is the same place. As a general rule, ships of the Carnival Corporation family dock at Isla Tropicale, and most other lines use Town Center. On very busy days a ship may anchor in the bay and bring passengers ashore by tender boat, so keep an eye on the daily program on board.
Not sure? Just tell us the name of your ship and the date: we will check it for you.
Coxen Hole – Town Center
This is a port in the middle of a real Caribbean town. You walk off the ship into a small shopping village with duty-free stores, souvenirs, local crafts and a few places to grab a coffee. Outside the gates you are in Coxen Hole, the busy heart of the island. There is no beach here, which is why almost everybody heads out to explore. Read more in our article about the Port of Roatan (Town Center).
Isla Tropicale (Mahogany Bay)
Carnival’s port was built as a small resort: a private beach you can reach on foot or by chairlift, the new Mangrove Bay pool area, shops, bars and restaurants. You could spend the whole day there and be happy. But the real Roatan, the reef, the villages and the people, is outside the gate, and it is closer than you think. More details in our article about Mahogany Bay, now Isla Tropicale.
Where we meet you
For cruise guests we meet you right outside the port exit, in the area for tour operators and taxis. Before your day we confirm by email the exact meeting point and time, and the name of your guide. You just walk off the ship, follow the signs to the exit, and look for us.
Coming back is just as simple: we plan every tour around your all-aboard time, and we aim to bring you back to the port at least one hour before it. No running, no stress.
A few tips for your day ashore
- Take your cruise card and a photo ID with you.
- Carry some cash in small US dollar bills: it is accepted almost everywhere on the island.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water. The Caribbean sun is no joke, even on a cloudy day.
- If you take a taxi on your own, agree on the price before getting in, and ask if it is per person or per car.
- On days with several ships in port, the popular spots fill up early: an early start makes a big difference.
Tours from both ports
All our tours work from either port: the Dolphin Encounter, the Glass Bottom Boat, Parasailing over West Bay and the 4 Stops Boat Tour. When you send us your request, choose your port in the “Where will you stay?” field and tell us your ship’s arrival and all-aboard times. We take care of the rest.
The ports on the map
Coxen Hole – Town Center
Isla Tropicale (Mahogany Bay)
