The Caribbean Island of Roatan, Honduras
Roatan is the largest of the Honduran Bay Islands in the Caribbean and is becoming a popular cruise itinerary destination. Like many Caribbean destinations it is recognized for its beautiful beaches, water sports, including premier scuba and skin diving, and modern resorts. To accommodate the cruise ships the Honduras government helped develop Mahogany Bay with docks, duty free village and a beautiful beach area.
Where You Dock
Most Cruise ships now dock at the Mahogany Bay facility on the southwest coast. The beautifully laid out area includes piers, a duty free shopping area and a beach area. In addition there is also the Port of Roatan located a bit farther west past Barrio Loma Linda and some cruise ships may still dock there. It is about five miles between the two port facilities.
Transportation
The best way to get around Roatan is by hired taxi or a rental car. Taxi’s are inexpensive and you can usually negotiate an island tour at a fair price.
Money
The local currency is the Honduras Lempira with one being worth about US 5¢. US Dollars are usually welcome and most major credit cards accepted.
Attractions
Outdoor recreation is the focus on this Caribbean island with sandy beaches and clear, warm water being the central attraction. There are several zip line facilities on the island and a dolphin encounter at Anthony’s Key Resort very popular.
If your ship docks at Mahogany Bay you can spend the day right at the ports beautiful beach equipped with water sports equipment, beach loungers and umbrellas with some excursions leaving right from the cruise port.
A little over a mile from the Mahogany Bay is the town of Barrio Loma Linda. It is not a resort area but a typical Honduran town with stores and restaurants along with a couple of crafts facilities working in leather and wood.
