If your cruise ship is a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian or MSC, there is a good chance that you will arrive in Roatan at the Port of Roatan, also known as Town Center, in Coxen Hole. As we promised in our article about Roatan and the cruise ships, here is a closer look at this port and at how to enjoy your day on the island.
A port in the heart of the island’s main town
Coxen Hole is the main town of Roatan and the administrative center of the island, on the south coast. The modern cruise terminal opened at the end of 2008 and is managed by Royal Caribbean together with local partners. Over the years it has grown: today it can welcome more than one ship at the same time, and on busy days other ships anchor in the bay and bring their passengers ashore with tender boats.
The photo of this article shows the Icon of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, at Town Center: it gives an idea of how big the cruise world has become for this small Caribbean island.
What you will find at the terminal
Right after leaving the ship you walk into a small shopping area with duty-free stores, souvenirs and local crafts, cafes and places to rest. You will also find an ATM, tourist information and the official taxi area. Some days there are cultural shows, such as Garifuna dances, and you can see cigars being rolled by hand.
What you will not find is a beach: Town Center is a port in a town, not a resort. That is why most passengers leave the terminal to discover the island.
How far is everything
- West Bay Beach: about 20 to 30 minutes by road, depending on traffic. Read our guide to West Bay.
- West End: similar time, a little closer than West Bay. Discover West End.
- Sandy Bay and Anthony’s Key, where the dolphin programs take place: about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Coxen Hole town: just outside the terminal, if you want to see local daily life.
Tips for a stress-free day
- Check your all-aboard time and plan to be back at the port at least one hour earlier.
- Agree on the price of a taxi before getting in, and ask whether it is per person or per car.
- Carry some cash in small US dollar bills: it is accepted almost everywhere.
- Bring sunscreen (reef-safe if you plan to swim), water and a hat: the Caribbean sun is strong.
- On days with several ships in port, the most popular places get busy: an early start makes a big difference.
Our tours for cruise passengers
We plan every excursion around your ship’s schedule, with local guides and times calculated to bring you back on board on time. From Town Center you can easily enjoy the Dolphin Encounter, the glass bottom boat, parasailing over West Bay or our 4 Stops Boat Tour. Write to us with the name of your ship and the date: we will help you organize a day you will remember.
