• Mahogany Bay sign
    Provided by: Michel Curi/cc by 2.0/Flickr

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

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Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

The Mahogany Bay Port has had a considerable impact on the economy of Isla de Roatán. Thousands of tourists visit the island each year via cruise ships sailing the Caribbean and stopping at the Mahogany Bay cruise terminal. The terminal is equipped with two berths and can accommodate several super-Panamax ships simultaneously. Cruise ships sailing to Roatan typically make pit stops in Belize and Cozumel as well. Situated in Dixon Cove on the southern shore of Roatan, Mahogany Bay is a pristine area surrounded by protected waters. The welcome centre at Mahogany Bay covers 20 acres and offers tourists a range of onshore and water activities to choose from. Tourists can enjoy dining and shopping at the many venues available within the welcome centre, though it is recommended to make reservations as these fill up quickly. You can take advantage of duty-free stores, jewellery shops, restaurants, bars, a pharmacy, and various souvenir and tourist-related shops right at the port. Carnival Corporation owns the terminal, so all of their vessels make use of the Mahogany Bay Port. Occasionally, when the winds and waters are rough, conditions may result in ships docking further west, at the Port of Roatan located in Coxen Hole.
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Port of Roatán

Port of Roatán

The Port of Roatán is one of two major ports in Roatán, the other one being Mahogany Bay Cruise Port. It covers an area of approximately 2.6 square kilometres and can accommodate up to three ships at one time. The port became operational in late 2008 and it is located in the Town Centre of Coxen Hole, the capital of Roatán, or what locals call “el pueblo” (the town). Roatán has quickly become one of the favourite stops for cruisers in the last decade. Thousands of cruisers visit Roatán Island each year given its unspoiled tropical beaches and thriving coral reef. The port offers duty-free shopping, tours, cultural exhibitions, gifts, and souvenirs. There is an official passport stamp booth to get your passport courtesy stamped and make your trip official.
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Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB)

Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB)

Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport is an important gateway to the island of Roatán, situated in the Caribbean Sea approximately 50 kilometres north of the Honduran coast. The airport is the fourth busiest in Honduras, with a range of connections to major cities across Latin America and North America. Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport is a hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, United, Avianca and others. it accommodates both international and domestic flights.
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Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Roatán has two seasons: wet and dry. The months with the most rain are October, November and December. Rains usually come in the afternoon and last an hour or so. Clouds might hinder your sun tanning efforts, but the forests and countryside are lusher during the rainy season. The least attractive month to visit Roatán is October, if we had to pick one. The driest months are April and May. Travel is easier during the dry season, especially if you are planning to scuba dive and go on excursions. As temperatures fall in the Northern hemisphere, tourists flock to Roatán. December and January are the busiest months, as travellers take their Christmas and New Year holidays. The island remains in heavy demand until the Easter holidays in August. If you plan to travel in these months, make sure to book far in advance. February and March are good months to visit. The holiday rush is not as bad and the weather is fairly stable and mild across the region. Hiking trails and roads are fairly dry but the plants are still lush. Everything taken into consideration, May and late August to September are ideal for visiting the island.
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Taxi

Taxi

There are two kinds of taxis in Roatán, private or shared. If you opt for a private cab, you'll have to pay a bit extra. However, if you take a shared one, you might share the ride with other passengers picked up and dropped off along the way. For those travelling to Roatan via cruise ships, you can easily get a taxi from the port, either Port of Roatan or Mahogany Bay, through the contracted company drivers. Alternatively, if you opt for an organized shore excursion, the tour will arrange for your transportation. There's no need for a rental car during a cruise ship visit to Roatan. Last but not least, there are water taxis available based out of West End where most taxi owners park their taxis there overnight.
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Public Transport

Public Transport

Getting around in Roatán could not be easier with the numerous buses available. You don't need to have your own vehicle to explore the island. The buses are small vans that operate regular routes between Coxen Hole and West End, and between Coxen Hole and French Harbour. If you plan to stay on the East End of Roatán, it's likely you will need your own private vehicle or a taxi. It is recommended to check with the property manager when booking your accommodation to see if public transport is accessible in your area.
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