Roatán, Honduras
A green, hilly island on the second-largest barrier reef in the world, with sloths and monkeys in the forest and snorkeling close to shore. Here’s how to make one day ashore count.
A Western Caribbean island day
Roatán is the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, a long, narrow ridge of green hills about 40 miles off the mainland. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, runs right along its shore, so the snorkeling and diving start close to the beach. Inland, wildlife parks put you face to face with sloths, capuchin monkeys and parrots.
Most days here mix two or three things: a reef stop, a wildlife park and a few hours on the sand at West Bay. Below are the shore excursions worth booking, the tours sold onboard and the details that keep the day easy.
Which pier you’ll dock at
Roatán has two cruise piers a few miles apart, and your cruise line decides which one you use. Confirm yours on your itinerary a few days before you arrive.
Port of Roatán, Coxen Hole
The island’s main cruise port, beside the town of Coxen Hole. You step off into a gated terminal village with duty-free shops, a local craft market and places to eat. There’s no beach at the pier, so most guests book a tour to West Bay or the reef.
Used by: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC and Virgin Voyages.
Isla Tropicale
Formerly known as Mahogany Bay, a few miles east of Coxen Hole. It’s a self-contained cruise destination with shops, restaurants, its own beach and a new pool area. A few things, like the chairlift down to the beach, cost extra.
Used by: Princess and Holland America.
Excursions we’d book
Hand-picked shore excursions from local operators, bookable through our partner Project Expedition. Every tour here carries Project Expedition’s Back to Ship Guarantee. Prices are per person and can change; check the live price when you book.
Roatan Wildlife Tour Monkeys And Sloth Encounter
A half-day island drive with a stop at a wildlife park to meet sloths, capuchin monkeys and parrots up close. Easy for all ages and one of the best-reviewed tours on the island.
View on Project ExpeditionRoatan ATV Adventure With Monkey & Sloth Hangout
Meet the island’s monkeys and sloths up close, then ride your own ATV through the jungle with a guide. Pickup at both Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay piers.
View on Project ExpeditionHalf Day Adventure - Zipline Sloth Park and West Bay Beach Break
A half-day zip and dip: one of Central America’s longest zipline courses, a stop at a sloth park and a break on West Bay’s white sand. Beginners welcome.
View on Project ExpeditionRoatan Adventure: ATVs, Ziplining, Sloth Park & Beach Break
Ziplining, a wildlife sanctuary with sloths and monkeys, your own off-road ATV and a beach break, all in about five hours. Round-trip from your pier.
View on Project ExpeditionRoatan Wildlife Adventure - Land and Sea from Mahogany Bay
A morning with sloths and capuchin monkeys, then snorkeling over Roatán’s coral reef, part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
View on Project ExpeditionRoatan Land & Sea Tour
An island drive through local communities and hilltop viewpoints, then a boat ride around West Bay with a stop to snorkel the reef. A good sampler of both sides of Roatán.
View on Project ExpeditionThe Back to Ship Guarantee and refunds if your ship skips Roatán are covered by Project Expedition’s shore excursion terms. Your advisor can walk you through them.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- West Bay beach & snorkel. Roatán’s best-known beach, with soft sand and a reef you can snorkel from shore. Most lines sell it as a beach break, often with lunch and loungers.
- Wildlife & nature parks. Parks like Gumbalimba combine sloths, monkeys and macaws with forest trails, ziplines and a beach. An easy, family-friendly favorite.
- Private island beach days. Small cays off the coast, such as Little French Key, offer a quieter beach with lunch and water toys. Cabanas and some activities cost extra.
- Dolphin encounters. Shallow-water dolphin programs on the island’s west side, popular with families. Spaces are limited, so book early.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
The pier villages
Both cruise piers have their own shopping and dining areas a short walk from the ship, with local crafts, coffee, rum and places to sit in the shade. Isla Tropicale also has its own beach.
West Bay & West End
The island’s west tip has its most famous beach, West Bay, plus the laid-back village of West End with its small restaurants and dive shops. Both sit on the reef, with clear, calm water.
The quiet east
Mangrove channels, fishing villages on stilts and Garifuna communities. It’s a different side of Roatán, best seen with a guide.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Watch the clock. Roatán is on Central time, which can differ from your ship’s time. Always go by ship’s time for all-aboard.
- Two piers, two plans. The piers are a few miles apart, and tours usually pick up at both. Double-check that your tour knows which pier you’re at.
- Rain moves fast. Showers are common, especially from October through January, and usually pass quickly. Pack a light rain jacket and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Tours can change. Local operators sometimes cancel because of weather or sea conditions.
Sailing to Roatán
Most Western Caribbean itineraries call here, often alongside Cozumel and Costa Maya, from Galveston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa and New Orleans.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
Ready for a day in Roatán?
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