Sloth And Monkey Sanctuary
The Sloth and Monkey sanctuary near the port is on almost every tour itinerary. The sanctuary allows you to interact with rescued animals and learn all about them.
I am always tentative to recommend animal experiences because it is hard to know if the animals are treated well and if they should be in captivity. Based on my experience, the animals are cared for, have thoughtful enclosures, and are at the sanctuary due to medical conditions that arent compatible with the wild. However, you should do your own research before visiting this location.
Go Scuba Snuba Diving
Have you been putting off the scuba diving excursions because you dont know how to dive, but secretly wish you could? Well, worry no more the snuba excursion allows you to learn how to scuba dive and actually do it.
If you are booked on this excursion, you will take a 40 minutes bus ride from the cruise center to a private resort called Anthony keys resort. Once there you will have a class on basic scuba diving practices. Then proceed to practice the same in shallow waters and once you have mastered how its done, you will be taken to an actual diving area where you will get to dive and explore the beautiful coral reef off the shores of Roatan. All this will part you with about $135.
If you are already a certified scuba diver, you want to take the 2 tank diving excursion, also located at Antonys Key resort, where there are 2 excellent diving spots, namely Marylins porch and elbow. These spots offer 70 feet and 40 feet well lighted deep-sea excursions. The dive guides are professional and caring, and you can always access your photos and videos from the local photographer diving with you taking pictures and videos of you underwater.
Monkey And Sloth Sanctuary
Daniel Johnsons Monkey and Sloth Hangout is a family-run sanctuary where you can hug, pet and take pictures with adorable monkeys, sloths, and macaws in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is located in the small community of French Cay, on the islands southern coast, a 25-minute drive from Coxen Hole cruise port and a 15-minute drive from Mahogany Bay cruise terminal.
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Top Things To Do In Roatan
Meet Sloths at Little French Cay
Little French Cay used to be a private retreat in Roatan, but today its available for all to enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and horseback riding. It also serves as an animal refuge featuring sloths, monkeys, and other species.
Snorkel at Starfish Alley
One of Roatans biggest spots for snorkeling is Starfish Alley, which is nestled between West End and West Bay. Marvel at the multi-colored starfish that line the seafloor as you swim.
Go Stand Up Paddleboarding
SUP, or stand-up paddleboarding, is a popular water sport for all ages. On your Roatan, Honduras cruise, youll find a variety of providers on the beaches who host SUP classes or offer paddleboard rentals. Get on the water and admire the clear views for miles.
Snorkeling In And Around Mahogany Bay
There are some amazing reefs around the island of Roatan. And with over 100 miles of coastline you have plenty of options. But you dont have to go far from the Mahogany Bay cruise port to find some great spots as well.
Though the beach is man-made there is some great beginner-friendly snorkeling locations right off the pier. The reef has some great coral and marine life that most casual snorkelers will enjoy. Here are some of the best snorkeling locations around the island:
- Little French Cay
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What Facilities Does The Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port Have
There are plenty of amenities to keep you entertained at the Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port dock. In fact, while wed always recommend you explore further afield, some people say you can have an enjoyable shore day even if you dont leave the port! The
Facilities include:
- Live entertainment, including Garifuna dancing
- Hand-rolled cigars
- A zipline – perfect for thrillseekers!
Top Things To Do On Roatn
Monkeys and Birds
We were traveling with a kid who hates snorkeling. Had I done my research and learned about Roatáns amazing reef I might have booked a snorkel trip anyway.
But since tween traveler loves monkeys, we booked a shore excursion to Gumbalimba Park animal preserve, which has friendly capuchin monkeys from the mainland.
As in Belize, the tour guide on the bus did a lot of talking, telling us about the islands history and current economic boom. The lesson continued in the park, which had bas-relief of the island, inside a genuine pirate cave.
While walking through the park we spotted one sloth in the trees, lots of large iguanas, a rodent-like local rabbit, fluffy-footed local chickens and toucans.
There are parrots, which will sit on your arms, shoulders and head for photos. They are heavy, with big claws that grab you snugly. Its not what you expect and nor is it the most comfortable thing. Its the kind of thing you have to do once.
From the parrots we moved on to the monkeys, which tween traveler couldnt get enough of. She let any little capuchin that came near her sit on her arms, shoulders and head and petted their soft fur. We took a lot of photos.
The tour ends with an insectarium, which had a large collection of mounted butterflies and bugs. It was odd looking at dead specimens after interacting with so many live ones. Its skippable unless you or your kids are fascinated by bugs.
Tabayana Beach
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Where Is Mahogany Bay
Mahogany Bay is located on the west end of the isla Roatan in the country of Honduras. It is about 5 miles from the islands capital, Coxen Hole, which is also where the other cruise port is situated. Roatan is one of three islands that is 31 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. Roatan is the biggest and most populated of the three.
It is about 140 miles east of Belize. The island is part of the Western Caribbean Cruise itineraries and is one of the most popular destination ports for Caribbean cruises. From shopping, to eating out at local restaurants, to exploring nearby attractions such as Gumbalimba Park or Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum theres something for everyone to enjoy! There are also plenty of beaches and water activities available for those looking for some fun in the sun.
Hang Around With Some Sloths
If your priority is making sure you get great selfies with sloths and monkeys, you can visit one of the sanctuaries on the island. Daniel Johnsons Monkey and Sloth Hangout is highly rated among cruisers. At the Hangout, you will get a guided tour and learn all about the animals.
Victor Boddens Monkey and Sloth Sanctuary is another popular option, complete with sloth hugs. A visit here can be combined with other activities offered by the company like the Fun-N-Sun or Zip-N-Dip tours.
If iguanas are your thing, you might want to visit Archs Iguana & Marine Park.
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Relax At Little French Key
Little French Key is a private island off the coast of Roatan, Honduras in the Caribbean Sea. It is best known for its picturesque beach and turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. Visitors can take a Mahogany Bay Cruise from the Cruise Center to reach the island, which is also serviced by other day cruises.
Once at Little French Key, you can relax on the white sand beach or lounge on one of the many hammocks strewn around the property. There are several restaurants and bars that serve international cuisine and drinks for visitors to enjoy. Plus, there are plenty of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and more.
If youre looking for a peaceful getaway with stunning views and plenty of activities to enjoy, then Little French Key is an excellent choice.
Take The Nature Trail
The nature trail in Mahogany Bay will take you to the free beach area. There is a more straightforward path to get there as well but the nature walk offers some interesting vegetation along the way, along with some good photo ops of your cruise ship.
As the trail winds through the wooded area it bends around towards the water with only slight elevation. Having to step over tree roots that could trip you up, be mindful there is some loose gravel along the path as well. If youre walking to or from Mahogany Beach you might as well try the nature trail during one of your walks just to spice things up a little.
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Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Roatan Cruise Port
360 Restaurant and Bar
Visit 360 and soak in the low-key ambiance. Try the whole red snapper and a plate of parrilladas, a platter of grilled meats. The rice and beans in mojo sauce is one of the most popular dishes.
La Sirena de Camp Bay
Seafood is the standard fare at La Sirena, where lionfish, coconut shrimp, and rum are featured. The ocean views are well worth the drive.
Cals Cantina
If youre craving Tex-Mex, head to Cals. Admire the beautiful island views as you enjoy lunch. Try the conch fritters or fried shrimp. For dessert, dont miss the coconut pie. Theyre open Tuesday to Fridays.
Take A Scuba Diving Lesson
In Roatan, West Bay Beach offers some of the most beautiful and vibrant coral reefs in the world. Here you can take part in an amazing excursion where you can learn how to scuba dive and explore the barrier reef. With its crystal clear waters, abundance of marine life, and fascinating coral formations, its no wonder why so many people come here to take a scuba diving lesson.
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Explore The West End Of Roatan
Exploring the West End of Roatan is an incredible experience. From the lush, tropical forests to the pristine white-sand beaches, its easy to see why this area is so popular with tourists. You can spend a day snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters and then relax on the beach while watching the sun set over the horizon.
There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore in the area. Whether youre looking for souvenirs or local cuisine, youll be able to find something to suit your needs. Be sure to take a cable car ride up into the mountains for breathtaking views of Roatans stunning landscape!
Immerse Yourself In The Meso
As previously mentioned, Roatan is known for diving and snorkeling, just like other nearby Western Caribbean ports of call like Costa Maya and Belize. Given its location on the Meso-American reef, the 2nd largest reef in the world, Roatan offers you the opportunity to view some spectacular coral formations and diverse sea life.
Even though a majority of the dive shops are located at West End, you can have an amazing time snorkeling just about anywhere on the island. That means you can combine one of the many other activities with snorkeling to make for a perfect day ashore.
There are several cruise line excursions offered that include snorkeling. So, grab your gear, hop into the crystal-clear waters, and get ready for one of the best snorkeling experiences you will ever have.
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Culture & History Of The Roatan Cruise Port
Originally, Roatan was home to the indigenous Paya, Maya, Lenca, and Jicaque tribes. In the 14th century, Chistopher Colombus sailed to the islands and brought European diseases which devastated the local communities. Pirates and traders were common in the era. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the fishing and tourism industries expanded, and the population boomed as a result.
Roatan Port Facilities & Location
There are two places where your cruise ship may dock: Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay. At Coxen Hole, youll find a shopping mall and restaurants for a quick bite to eat. Theres an ATM as well as internet access in the area, and its walking distance to other parts of Roatan.
What Facilities Does Mahogany Bay Cruise Terminal Have
The Mahogany Bay Cruise Center has an impressive disembarkation zone, packed with shopping, eating, and cultural attractions.
In addition, theres a Magical Flying Beach Chair taking visitors to Mahogany Beach, a private Roatan paradise exclusively available to cruise guests. The chair lift costs $14 for adults and $8 for children over the age of 3, which includes all-day use of the beach. Snorkel gear, loungers, and cabanas are available to rent for an extra charge.
There is duty-free shopping available in-terminal, and other stores include Dufrys jewelers and local favorites Pirana Joes and Del Sol. Theres also a craft market, where you can buy the wares of over a dozen specially-selected local artisans.
Other facilities include:
- Fat Tuesdays, a coffee shop, an ice-cream parlor, and more
- A fully-stocked pharmacy
- Car rental and a taxi stand
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How Big Is Mahogany Bay
Being only 5 miles wide at its widest point and 38 miles long, the Roatan island offers about 20,000 acres of beautiful nature to explore. Mahogany Bay is just a small part of the island and acts as the entryway into the gorgeous isle.
The cruise center covers about 20-acres of land and Mahogany beach takes up 10-acres of private land.
Note: Mahogany Bay is just the cruise port portion of the island of Roatan so there is much more to explore outside of the port. This article will focus mainly on the port of Mahogany Bay but will mention a few things outside of the area as well. You can check out our article on Roatan here.
Tips On Leaving The Port Area
If you want to really explore Roatan and all it has to offer you will want to get outside of the cruise center. There is one care rental company that serves the entire island or you can take a taxi. The entire island is broken up into zones by the local taxi association.
A trip to Coxen Hole from Mahogany Bay will cost around $20 and all other zones can range from $15-$25. > In Zone A taxi rates will be based on the trip, but as soon as you leave Zone A the pricing will be based on the number of passengers.
If you have a large group that you want to keep together you can take a mini-bus. They are called Rapidito on the island. These mini-buses can accommodate a maximum of 15 individuals, and they will ensure that your party remains intact while you travel throughout the island. Prices can vary but may be around $300-$400 for a 5 hour use.
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Visit The Monkey And Sloth Hangout
Located in French Cay, Daniel Johnsons Monkey and Sloth Hangout is a family-run animal sanctuary. At the Hangout you will get to interact with the sloths and monkeys and learn all about these fascinating creators.
You will get to even hold a sloth, which is a unique experience in itself, and something you will never forget. Besides the animal sanctuary, the family-owned company also offers island tours, kayaking, hydro bikes, and snorkeling adventures. You can check out their website here.
Which Cruise Lines Use The Mahogany Bay Cruise Terminal
Mahogany Bay is owned by Carnival Corporation, so will usually be the dock of choice for the following cruise lines:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Regent Seven Seas
However, cruise passengers should note that last-minute changes sometimes occur, and the arrival port can change. This is usually due to unfavorable weather or rough waters, so be sure to check on-ship announcements before arrival.
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Is Roatan Safe For Cruise Passengers
Yes, Roatan is a safe destination for cruise passengers. Cruise terminals are managed spaces with security in force that only authorized people can enter.
Once you leave the cruise port, you enter Roatan proper. The island is generally very safe, with serious crime being minimal. However, as you would anywhere in the world, you should keep your belongings in sight and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
The Mahogany Bay Terminal
The two piers of Mahogany Bay share the same exit before entering a wide walkway that leads to a vast 20 acre welcome center/terminal. Once passed a couple of stores on both sides of the walkway, you will be on large square opening into the left.
Here you will find every single service and amenity the cruise traveler many need: Restrooms, ATM, Phones, the inevitable duty-free shops with the ubiquitous brands found in the Caribbean, Grills, Bars, Restaurants and a craft market. At the end of this elongated square, you will also find an information booth, car rentals, the shore excursions hub and a taxi stand.
To the right side of the exiting walkway, it is impossible to miss the Magical Flying Beach Chair. This chairlift service transports guests from the main plaza directly to white sand of Mahogany Beach – the all day pass costs $14 USD. If you prefer, there is a shaded path to Mahogany Beach which is around 15 minutes walk away.
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Port Of Roatan Cruise Excursions & Tours
When arriving at the Port of Roatan by cruise ship, it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to disembark. The time it takes to disembark will depend on how many cruise ship passengers are wanting to visit the Town Center Mall, go on their excursion, etc.. Thus, cruise ship passengers have approximately 4 to 6 hours of time to spend on the island of Roatan. Since time is limited, its best to make arrangements for an excursion or tour before arriving. By doing so, you will avoid delays and being badgered by port tour operators. Furthermore, advance bookings insure your spot is reserved for sought after activities and attractions.
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