Roatan is a reef island with two different cruise worlds: the Mahogany Bay enclave with its own beach, and Coxen Hole, the working town pier. West Bay Beach is the island’s best and the day’s main decision. See the Roatan place page and the Western Caribbean route.
Getting ashore
Mahogany Bay has a walk-off beach and chairlift; Coxen Hole puts you in town with taxis waiting. West Bay Beach is 20-30 minutes by taxi from either ($15-25 per person round trip). Water taxis link West End and West Bay.
What to do in 6-10 hours
Anchor on West Bay: the reef starts a short swim from shore, so snorkel gear or a boat trip is the main cost ($40-70 for guided snorkel). Add a sloth-and-monkey sanctuary visit ($30-50) or a zipline if you want variety. The island tour works if you want fishing villages and viewpoints without planning.
Walking level
Mahogany Bay’s beach is flat and accessible with the lift; Coxen Hole’s town is walkable but basic. West Bay has soft sand and easy water entry. Reef snorkeling needs basic water confidence. Good for limited mobility at Mahogany Bay.
Excursion or independent
Independent for Mahogany Bay beach or a taxi to West Bay. Ship tours add value for combined snorkel-sanctuary-zipline days and for first-timers who want one packaged loop. The full trade-off is in ship excursion or independent.
What it costs
Taxi to West Bay $15-25 per person round trip; snorkel boat $40-70; sanctuary $30-50; zipline $50-70; beach chair $15-25. Independent beach day $40-100 per person.
The five-minute version
- Two ports: Mahogany Bay or Coxen Hole.
- West Bay is the island’s best beach.
- Reef snorkeling starts near shore.
- Ship tour only for combined days.
- Lift-accessible beach at Mahogany Bay.
- Two different ports: Mahogany Bay (Carnival-family ships) and Coxen Hole (Royal Caribbean-family) - confirm your berth before booking independent tours.