Cruise ships dock at two main ports in Roatán: Port of Roatán (also called Coxen Hole Port) on the south side of the island, and Anthony's Key Resort pier on the north side
Most cruise lines use Port of Roatán, located in Coxen Hole, the island's largest town. This is a purpose-built cruise terminal with multiple ship berths, a shopping area, and direct access to the town. Ships can dock at the pier or anchor offshore with tender service to shore. The port handles the majority of cruise traffic to Roatán—typically three to five ships per day during peak season (October through April).
Anthony's Key Resort on the north shore is a smaller, private dock used by some cruise lines. It's a resort property with its own pier, so passengers disembark directly into the resort grounds. This dock handles fewer ships and is used mainly by smaller vessels or lines that have partnerships with the resort.
A few cruise lines also use Half Moon Cay, a private island owned by Royal Caribbean, though this is technically not Roatán itself—it's a separate stop in the Bahamas that some Roatán itineraries include.
Key Takeaways
- Port of Roatán in Coxen Hole is the primary dock and handles most cruise ships arriving on the island.
- Ships either tie up at the pier or anchor offshore and use tender boats to bring passengers to shore.
- Anthony's Key Resort on the north side is a secondary dock used by fewer cruise lines and smaller ships.
- The port is busiest from October through April, when three to five ships may dock on the same day.
- Coxen Hole town is within walking distance of Port of Roatán, but transportation and tours depart from the terminal area.
What happens when your ship arrives at Port of Roatán
When your ship pulls into Coxen Hole, you'll either see the vessel tied directly to the dock or anchored a short distance offshore. If anchored, crew members will call your cabin or post announcements telling you which tender boats to board and when. Tender service is free and runs continuously while the ship is in port.
Once ashore at the cruise terminal, you'll pass through a small security checkpoint and enter the port building. Inside, you'll find a few shops, a small food court, and an information desk. Outside the terminal, you'll see tour operators, taxi drivers, and locals offering excursions—snorkeling, zip-lining, beach visits, and island tours are the most common offerings.
The terminal itself is compact and straightforward to navigate. Most passengers either book an organized shore excursion through the cruise line, hire a taxi for the day, or walk into Coxen Hole town to explore on their own. The walk to the town center takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Getting around from the dock
Taxis wait outside the Port of Roatán terminal and can take you anywhere on the island. Rates are not metered—agree on a price before getting in. A ride to a nearby beach or snorkel site typically costs $15 to $30 for a small group. If you want a driver for the full day, expect to pay $80 to $150 depending on where you go.
Many cruise passengers book shore excursions through their cruise line before boarding. These tours depart from the terminal and include transportation, activities, and sometimes meals. Common options are catamaran snorkeling trips, reef dives, zip-line parks, and visits to nearby islands like Gumbalimba Park or Half Moon Cay.
If you prefer to explore on foot, Coxen Hole's main street (Front Street) has restaurants, shops, and bars within a short walk. The town is small and walkable, though the heat and humidity can be intense. Bring water and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.
Docking time and how long ships stay in port
Most cruise ships stay in Roatán for 8 to 10 hours. A typical schedule is arrival around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. and departure by 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Some ships stay longer—up to 12 hours—especially if they're anchoring rather than docking at the pier.
Your cruise documents will list the exact arrival and departure times for your ship. The ship will sound a horn or make an announcement 30 minutes before departure, giving you a final warning to return. Do not be late—ships leave on schedule and will not wait for passengers who miss the departure time.
Facilities and services at the dock
Port of Roatán has basic facilities: restrooms, a few shops selling souvenirs and snacks, and an information booth. There is no large shopping mall or extensive dining area like you might find at bigger cruise ports. Most passengers either stay near the terminal or venture into Coxen Hole town.
Cell phone service is available if your carrier has a roaming agreement with Honduran providers, but it can be expensive. The port has free Wi-Fi in some areas, though the connection is not always reliable. If you need to make calls or send messages, ask the information desk about local SIM cards or calling options.
ATMs are available in the terminal and in Coxen Hole town. The local currency is the Honduran lempira, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the island. Most tour operators and restaurants will take dollars, so you don't need to exchange money unless you prefer to.
What to know about anchoring versus docking
Whether your ship docks at the pier or anchors offshore depends on the ship's size and the port's capacity. Larger ships often anchor because the pier can only accommodate a limited number of vessels. Anchoring adds 15 to 30 minutes to the boarding and disembarking process, but it doesn't change what you can do in port.
If your ship is anchored, tender boats run on a schedule posted in your cabin and on the ship's TV system. Boarding is usually by deck or cabin number to manage crowds. The tender ride takes about 10 minutes and is included in your cruise fare. Seasickness can occur if the water is rough, so take medication beforehand if you're prone to motion sickness.
Peak season and how busy the port gets
Roatán's cruise season runs from October through April, with the busiest months being December, January, and February. During these months, three to five ships may dock on the same day, making the port crowded and the beaches and popular tours busy.
If you're visiting during peak season, book shore excursions early—popular activities like snorkeling and zip-lining fill up quickly. Arriving at the terminal early and heading out on your activity soon after disembarking will help you avoid the largest crowds.
The shoulder seasons (May through September) are quieter, with fewer ships and shorter waits for taxis and tours. However, this is also hurricane season in the Caribbean, so weather can be less predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay on the ship if I don't want to go ashore?
Yes. You can remain on the ship while it's in port. However, some onboard services like the dining room and pools may have reduced hours or be closed for cleaning. Most passengers prefer to explore the island, but staying aboard is always an option if you're tired or prefer to relax.
What if my ship is too big to dock at the pier?
Larger ships anchor offshore and use tender boats to bring passengers to the terminal. This adds time to boarding and disembarking but doesn't prevent you from going ashore. Tender service is free and runs throughout the day. The process is routine and happens at many cruise ports.
Is it safe to walk around Coxen Hole on my own?
The area when ready around the cruise terminal and main streets of Coxen Hole is generally safe during the day when cruise ships are in port. Stick to well-traveled areas, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or cameras, and don't wander into residential neighborhoods at night. Many passengers walk around safely, but use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.
Do I need a passport to go ashore in Roatán?
Yes. You need a valid passport to enter Honduras. A passport card is acceptable, but a passport book is recommended. Cruise passengers typically don't need a visa, but check your cruise line's requirements before your trip. Keep your passport with you or in a find location on the ship.
What's the best way to get back to the ship if I'm running late?
Return to the cruise terminal when ready and ask staff to radio the ship. If your ship is docked at the pier, crew can hold the gangway briefly. If the ship is anchored, tender boats run on a schedule, so you may have to wait for the next one. Do not miss your ship's departure—it will leave without you, and you'll have to pay to rejoin the cruise at the next port.