Port of Call.
Mahogany Bay.
Mahogany Bay is one of the most impactful projects on Roatan's economy has been the development of the Mahogany Bay Port. This development brings in thousands of tourist each year via cruise ships sailing the Caribbean. The Mahogany Bay cruise terminal is a two-berth station capable of accommodating a couple of post-Panamax ships at the same time.
These two ships, when docked, can bring 8,000 passengers to Roatan. Mahogany Bay is located in Dixon Cove, a pristine pocket of protected water on the southern shore of Roatan island. Mahogany Bay includes a 20-acre welcome center for tourist to plan their onshore and water excursions. The Mahogany Bay welcome center includes eateries and shopping venues for tourist. Reservation is encouraged as these lift fill up quickly.
So much to do, so little time. Let us show you around our island. We’ll handle the transportation too. Roatan offers a variety of things to do both on land and below the surface. Let us show you around our island and give you ideas for something to do.
Travel like a pro and book in advance. Our driver will hold out a sign with your name on it, and that alone will save you grief. Avoid throwing elbows with other tourists when you first arrive and see to it that you have your Taxi driver pre-booked.
The Scuba Shop is the Home of the Deep Thinker and one of Roatan's premier dive centers, the Scuba Shop offers the best Scuba Diving services. The shop is only a few minutes away from Mahogany Bay and their transportation is included!
Where is Mahogany Bay?
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Find the Best Roatan Excursions.
Mahogany Bay is located in Dixon Cove, on the southern coastline of Roatan Island. The Cove is located between French Harbor and Coxen Hole. Mahogany Bay Port is owned and in large part operated by the Carnival Corporation. In recent years, Roatan has become a popular stop for cruise ships touring the western Caribbean. Often, the cruise ships that sail to Roatan also make pit stops in Belize and Cozumel.
Which Ships dock at Mahogany Bay?
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Look ahead at the weather.
Because Mahogany Bay is owned and controlled by Carnival, all its cruise ships have access to the port. Regent Seven Seas, Holland America, Princess, and Oceania ships all dock at Mahogany Bay Port at some point or another. Also, Thomson Cruises, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises all have agreements which allow them to dock at Mahogany Bay.
There are a few exceptions, like inclement Roatan weather, which might cause anyone of these cruise liners to dock at the Roatan Port. Mahogany Bay is typically available, but from time to time rough winds and choppy waters make Roatan's port better suited to welcome guest to Isla Roatan. The Port of Roatan is located in Coxen Hole.
Snorkel in Style.
Explore Roatan.
Mahogany Bay.
Because Mahogany Bay was designed and built by the Carnival Corporation, one could say it was made to entertain and with the guest in mind. Mahogany Bay offers easy egress and exit for transportation companies. It also offers excellent restaurants and waterfront activities. It's man-made beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Mahogany Bay offers top notch restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops as well.
Mahogany Bay provides a variety of shopping experiences ranging from diamonds to key chains. You'll find a Harley Davidson store, a pharmacy, several gift shops and stalls where you can plan and purchase island excursions like Mangrove Tours, Subwing rides, ATV tours, glass bottom boat rides, zip line trips, and of course SCUBA and fishing excursions.
Should you leave the Port?
If you do, you will be entertained, but you won't see Roatan. Entertainment will be plentiful and enjoyable while you're docked at Mahogany Bay. But Roatan offers live music entertainment all over the island as well as many activities to do all over Isla Roatan. But you will not see Roatan Island. The port is secure and isolated, and you will experience the small amount of culture that comes to you. If you leave Roatan, you'll open up new experiences and activities which will expose you to more of the Honduran culture.
The best way to experience the Island of Roatan is to book a shore excursion Tour operators are knowledgeable and will help each guest make the most of your time. You can also arrange your adventure, but make sure to do this in advance and plan your trip wisely. It's a good idea to research your activity well before leaving Mahogany Bay. Be sure to account for the time on site and also commute times to and from Mahogany Bay.
Disembarking.
Disembarking the ship will lead you straight to and through Dufry Store. From there, you'll take a short walk to Mahogany Bay's main shopping area. As you approach the main shopping area, note that the popular chairlift will be on your right. You'll also take a right for the main restaurants and the beach. Hang a left if you're in search of the local marketplace. You'll see a red-roof building. The building is the port's terminal and where you'll leave and re-enter Mahogany Bay Port.
Authorized Tax Services.
Taxies are sanctioned and approved through the Mahogany Bay Taxi Association. In many ways, this is a good thing because taxi operators are vetted and held to a high standard of service before they are allowed to shuttle passengers in and out of Mahogany Bay. But if you would prefer to book your ride you will need to leave the Mahogany Bay premises. It is not uncommon for passengers to line up their transportation online ahead of their arrival. Once you leave the Mahogany Bay transit station, you will come across tour operators who offer similar (or in fact, the same) services as operators inside Mahogany Bay. But these operators are not under contract with Mahogany.
The Scuba Shop ℠
You'll find most SCUBA dive shops will pick up their guest from this area as they are not allowed into the pier area because they don't normally have a contract with Mahogany Bay.
Gumbalimba Park
One of the most unique experiences on the island is a visit to Gumbalimba Park, where you can interact with a variety of local wildlife. The park is famous for its Monkey Village, home to the only population of capuchin monkeys in Roatan living in the wild. Visitors can get up close to these playful creatures, making it a popular spot for animal lovers and families with children.
Gumbalimba Park also offers the opportunity to witness macaws flying freely, a colorful spectacle that brings the island's vibrant ecosystem to life. The Sloth Sanctuary offers the chance to meet and even hold these gentle, slow-moving creatures, creating unforgettable memories. Roatan’s dedication to preserving its natural wildlife is evident in the well-maintained sanctuaries, making them must-see attractions for animal enthusiasts.
Divers Paradise
Roatan is world-renowned for its diving opportunities, thanks to its location on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. For both beginners and experienced divers, Roatan offers a variety of dive sites ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep wreck dives.
Diving here provides the chance to see an extraordinary variety of marine life, including colorful coral formations, sea turtles, eagle rays, and even sharks. Shark dives are particularly popular among thrill-seekers, offering a close encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With numerous dive shops and certified instructors, Roatan is a top destination for anyone looking to explore the underwater world. The island's crystal-clear waters also make for excellent underwater photography.
Little French Key
For those looking for a day of relaxation in paradise, Little French Key is an idyllic private resort on an island just off the coast of Roatan. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The island also features beachfront bars and restaurants where guests can savor local delicacies and cocktails.
Fort Consolation
History lovers will appreciate a visit to Fort Consolation, one of Roatan's lesser-known yet intriguing historical sites. The fort was built to defend the island from pirates and invaders during the colonial era. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the island's strategic importance during the Caribbean piracy era.
Roatan Freediving
For those who wish to explore the underwater world without the need for scuba gear, Roatan Freediving offers a unique way to experience the island's marine life. Freediving allows you to dive deeper using only a single breath, providing a meditative and exhilarating experience. Roatan is an ideal location for this sport due to its calm, clear waters and abundance of diving spots.
Roatan's Live Music Scene
Roatan is not only known for its natural beauty but also boasts a vibrant live music scene. Many bars and restaurants on the island feature performances by local musicians, often playing a mix of reggae, Caribbean rhythms, and popular hits. Visitors can enjoy live music while sipping cocktails and watching the sunset, a perfect way to end the day on the island.
Snorkeling in Roatan
For those who prefer to stay near the surface, snorkeling in Roatan is just as rewarding as diving. With clear waters and abundant marine life, snorkeling spots like Half Moon Bay and West End offer incredible views of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. The waters are warm and shallow, making this activity an ideal choice for families and those new to underwater exploration.
Fishing and Shark Dives
Fishing is another popular activity in Roatan, with opportunities ranging from deep-sea fishing for large game like marlin and tuna to lobster fishing, where you can catch your own dinner in the crystal-clear waters around the island. Shark dives also cater to more adventurous visitors wishing to see these fascinating marine predators up close.
iSoar Roatan
iSOAR Roatan is sailboat which is moored in the sheltered waters of Halfmoon Bay, Roatan. The sailboat has been retrofitted with dive platforms, rope swings, and rock climbing footholds. iSoar is free to the public, and it is quickly becoming a Roatan favorite. The iSoar sits in about 20 ft of water with a seagrass bottom. There are patches of sand here and there, but most of the bottom is covered in with seagrass. The Coral Reef system is located just a few strokes away.
Iguana Farm
Nature and reptile lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Iguana Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting green iguanas, an endangered species. Visitors can interact closely with these fascinating creatures and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to preserve their habitat.
Kitesurfing
For water sports enthusiasts, Roatan is a fantastic place for kitesurfing, with consistent winds and crystal-clear waters. Kitesurfers, both beginners and experienced, will find that the waters surrounding the island offer optimal conditions for this thrilling activity.
Beach Club Pristine Bay
An exclusive space for guests to enjoy the Caribbean's serenity and beauty in absolute privacy. The club features an elegantly designed pool that invites relaxation and enjoyment of the sun amid carefully landscaped tropical gardens.
For those who wish to dive directly into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, private beach access offers a unique experience: a strip of white sand and turquoise waters where guests can enjoy everything from peaceful strolls to water activities with the sensation of having paradise all to themselves. Relaxing massage sessions can also be booked. You can also dive and snorkel in the Scuba Shop, a few minutes from the Beach Club.
Plan in Advance.
Discover Mahogany Bay.
Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is a relaxing area inside the Mahogany Bay premises, near the beach. The Blue Lagoon has full-time beach attendants and barman to meet the needs of its guests. The Blue Lagoon also offers free WiFi which makes it a nice place to combine Caribbean lounging with a splash of social media.
There are TWO PACKAGES offered at Blue Lagoon:
Blue Lagoon Package &
Blue Lagoon Deluxe Package.
THE BLUE LAGOON PACKAGE accommodates up to 50 guests. The plan includes two all-day passes to the Magical Flying Chair, beach access, two inner tube floats, and one wooden double-lounge covered beach chair. The designated areas also grant access to a floating platform and a shower area.
THE BLUE LAGOON DELUX PACKAGE is for up to 24 guests. The package includes all of the above plus an upgraded lounge area which features a four-posts shaded bed area, umbrella canvas, and a wrap around curtain for added privacy privilege. The beds come with a cooler. Inside the cooler are four bottled-waters and chilled wipes for guest to use.
Flying Chair.
This chair experience is unique to Mahogany Bay. The chair, or lift, transports guest from the welcome center of Mahogany Bay to the beach. The Mahogany Bay Beach is a man made the beach. The area covers 10-acres of private land, and it features 825 ft of pristine white sands. The beach is complete with a sand volleyball court and an array of ocean water-sports and tranquil waters. The cost for riding the Mahogany Bay Chair Lift is approximate $8 for Children and $14 for adults. Children under the age of 3 rides free of charge.
The recently built, chair lift extends from the welcome center to Mahogany Beach. Mahogany Beach sits on 10-acre of private land and features an 825 ft of what sandy beach. Once on the beach, guest enjoy kayaks, volleyball courts, and an array of other activities. The average price for taking the chairlift is $14 for adults and as low as $8 for children. Toddlers ride the lift free of charge. The Mahogany Chair lift is a favorite photo opportunity so be sure to bring along your camera when taking the lift. See you in Mahogany Bay Roatan!
Private Cabanas.
Guest can arrange for a private, air-conditioned cabana.
The cabana accommodates up to 4 guest and included in the price is a semi-private beach area for guest to enjoy. This semi-private area include a hammock, floats, and two lounge chairs. The rental rates for the cabana are non-refundable so purchase with confidence.