Roatan Leads Tourism Growth in Honduras, Cruise Port Expansion Plans
Port of Roatan.
The Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT), together with the Merchant Marine and the Cruise Port and Marina of the Bay Islands, has taken a significant step forward in boosting the nation’s tourism sector. These key entities have signed an agreement to conduct technical studies evaluating the feasibility of a new cruise port in Tela, located on the mainland. The landmark event took place at Tela’s Municipality building, with the notable presence of Ricardo Cálix, the city’s mayor, Yadira Gómez, the Minister of Tourism, and Kester Bodden, General Manager of the Cruise Port and Marina of the Bay Islands company.
While this agreement heralds new developments for Tela, it is also part of a broader, ambitious plan that places Roatan at the heart of Honduras's tourism strategy. Roatan, already a crown jewel for international visitors due to its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and unique island culture, stands to benefit from this vision of expansion. Plans include extending Roatán’s existing cruise dock and developing state-of-the-art terminals in both Utila and Tela. These enhancements are expected to significantly elevate the region’s appeal, attract larger cruise ships, and support the sustainable growth of tourism.
Port of Roatan
PORT OF ROATAN is one of two major port of calls in Roatan Honduras. The port sits on approx. 6.5 acres and can accommodate up to three ships at one time. Port of Roatan is managed by Royal Caribbean and ITM Group as partners under a subsidiary. The port became operational in late 2008 and it is located in the Town Center of Coxen Hole, the capital of Roatan, or what locals call “el pueblo” (the town). Port of Roatan is home to the Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships visiting Honduras.
Port Specs
Depth: 12 meters
Agent: Anacaribe
Flow: 170 Ship/yr.
Visitors: 1.1 MM
Capacity: 3 ships
About Port of Roatan
Port of Roatan can accommodate three cruise ships at any given time, one alongside and two in anchorage. An estimated 580 thousand passenger visit Roatan via Port of Roatan each year. These passengers arrive on an estimated 170 cruise ships who use Roatan as a port of call. The water depth at the port is approximately 12 meters (39 ft). The port agent is Anacaribe, who has a long standing tradition as port agent for cruise lines calling the Port of Roatan.
Port of Roatan Amenities
Internet Access
Super Market
Post Office
ATM
Shopping
Pharmacy
Liquor Store
Souvenirs
Duty-Free
Cultural Exhibitions
Roatan Tours
Car Rental Services
Artisan Gifts
Live Cigar Rolling
Zip Line by the Port
Restaurants
Bars
Maritime Quality Standards (Video)
Roatan has quickly become one of the favorite stops for cruisers in the last decade. Tens of thousands of cruisers visit Roatan Island each year. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines mainly use the cruise terminal. The port offers duty-free shopping, tours, cultural exhibitions, artisan gifts, and souvenirs, live cigar rolling and much more.
PRO-TIP: Get your passport courtesy stamped at the official passport stamp booth. Make sure it’s an official immigration entry, or your passport may be rendered invalid.
Roatan: The Pillar of Sustainable Tourism
The planned improvements in Roatan highlight its importance as a leading destination in the Caribbean. As a hotspot for diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism, Roatan already draws thousands of visitors annually. With the cruise dock expansion, the island will be better equipped to handle larger volumes of cruise ship passengers, offering them streamlined access to its breathtaking beaches, local gastronomy, and rich cultural experiences.
In line with environmental sustainability, the studies will analyze oceanographic conditions, evaluate risks related to erosion and sedimentation, and design safe, efficient cruise ship access channels and maneuvering zones. These measures reflect a commitment to preserving the island's delicate marine ecosystems while promoting responsible tourism. Such efforts ensure that Roatan’s unique natural beauty is not only maintained but leveraged in ways that benefit both its local communities and the global travelers who flock to its shores.
A Regional Network of Tourism Opportunities
This integrated plan to expand cruise infrastructure across Tela, Utila, and Roatan opens up new opportunities for regional tourism. For Roatan, the creation of complementary ports in Utila and Tela means the potential for increased multi-destination itineraries, encouraging longer stays and more in-depth explorations of what Honduras has to offer. Travelers arriving in Tela, for instance, could seamlessly include a visit to Roatan’s pristine beaches or Utila’s world-class diving sites as part of their journey.
This connectivity strengthens the Bay Islands’ position as a premier tourism destination in the Caribbean and fosters economic opportunities for local businesses, from tour operators to artisans. The ripple effect of such projects promises to invigorate not only the tourism sector but also related industries like transportation, hospitality, and retail.
A Commitment to Excellence
The involvement of key figures such as Mayor Ricardo Cálix and Tourism Minister Yadira Gómez underscores the high-level commitment to ensuring the success of this initiative. With the expertise of the Cruise Port and Marina of the Bay Islands company, led by Kester Bodden, the project is in capable hands. Their combined focus on technical precision, environmental safeguards, and community engagement ensures that the outcomes will align with international best practices and bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders.
For Roatan, this is a moment of anticipation and optimism. The island has long been a beloved destination for its idyllic landscapes and warm hospitality. This new phase of development positions it as not just a travel destination but a cornerstone of Honduras’s economic and cultural identity. By expanding its capacity to welcome the world, Roatán will continue to shine as a beacon of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean.
Booking a
Tour Operator.
PRO-TIP: Booking a tour through Roatan Online ahead of your travels can save you time and money. When you book, you'll also gain a reliable online concierge who will help you plan your trip ahead of your arrival.
Port Excursions
Booking a Tour
To experience the real Roatan, cruise ship visitors must venture out from the immediate area of the port. Roatan is a family friendly island. Roatan is safe and can provide anyone with memories that will last a lifetime. Venturing into Roatan is a must. If in doubt, ask any cruiser who has visited the island before. To make the most of your visit, consider booking an adventure directly on Roatan Online, or with Roatan Tours. This way you'll be sure to book with a local experienced guide.
Town Center.
The cruise ship terminal at Port of Roatan is called “Town Center” because it is located in Coxen Hole's town center. The action begins when cruisers debark onto Town Center. As soon as cruisers step onto the pier, they are able to see lots of shops and obtain information for shore excursions.
Port Activities.
The small, but complete, terminal offers its visitors a wide variety of options to purchase local souvenirs, gifts, food, drinks or world class cigars which are rolled right in front of them. Cruisers who don’t want to venture out in Roatan and choose to stay in the terminal can have fun without leaving Port of Roatan. Tourists enjoy cultural exhibitions like Garifuna Punta dancing. Tourist visit restaurants offering island-style dining or even zip line through the canopy adjacent to the terminal. If you’re stopping at Port of Roatan and want to make the most out of your one-day visit to the island, we recommend you to book a tour in advance with us.
Port Capacity.
The Port of Roatan can only accommodate one cruise ship at a time alongside its pier and two more ships via anchorage. If your day in port coincides with another ship's arrival, you might be docked, or you might need to tender to shore. Usually, Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock while Norwegian cruise ships tender when they coincide at Port of Roatan.
Gift ideas at the Port.
PRO TIP: Visit the Roatan Marine Park shop to support the local community with the hard work involving the conservation of the island.
Hand rolled cigars
Locally produced rum
Locally made chocolate
Honduran and Central American Coffee
Local artesian art
Local Jewelry
Booking with the Cruise Ship?
Booking directly with the Cruise Ship has its benefits. For one, you pay more! and you'll know that the ship will not leave without you. Conversely, when you book directly with a tour guide, you'll have to leave the dock area to connect with your operator, but the tours are generally more affordable and you often get a richer experience as the tour guide is on your schedule.
If you had already booked a tour or organized a shore excursion in advance, you will either be picked up directly from the pier (in the case of boat tours). Otherwise, you will have to head out to the parking area to board your requested tour bus. As soon as you walk out of the ship and out of the dock, you will have to walk north, passing the Monkey La-La Bar and finding the walkway opening (on your right) towards the center of the terminal. Then, you will take the only exit available into the parking area where you will make a left on to gate 2 to get to the meet-up location and board your tour bus. Here, you will find your tour guide holding a sign with your reservation name, and their logo, and waiting for you right across the street or to the side of the gate.
Parking.
Drop-offs
Parking Area
Accessibility
A Short Walk
To get to the parking area, you will have to walk past the tour and excursion booths and make a left at the end of the walkway. Once you exit the Town Center building, you will notice passengers being dropped off in the parking area, just outside the main door and inside the port. When coming back from your shore excursion or tour, the port authority will allow your tour operator to drop you off inside the port.
Accessibility.
The Port of Roatan is flat, easy to walk around, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding your tour party and operator. Go ahead, disembark, and explore the port and our stunning Roatan Island. In a worse case scenario, be sure to ask any port authority or cruise ship staff member for directions.
Nearby Places.
Coxen Hole.
Coxen Hole is the capital of Roatan, and it is also its main town. Although it is more commercial than touristy, you can easily walk out from the port and into Coxen Hole’s main road to find unique gifts.
Fort Consolation.
Fort Consolation overlooks Port of Roatan Town Center in Coxen Hole. This is an ideal location for cruise ship visitors.
West End.
West End is a small village, local hangout and activities’ hub located 20 minutes from Coxen Hole. West End is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, stores, shops, galleries, beautiful beaches, and bays.
West Bay.
West Bay Beach is a resort destination with beautiful beaches and coral and colorful fish right offshore, clear and shallow waters, full of activities and fun.
Gumbalimba Park.
Gumbalimba Park is located on the main road to West Bay, just outside West Bay Beach. Gumbalimba Park is a top tourist destination in Roatan and is a natural paradise offering a lovely botanical garden, animal sanctuary, zip-line canopy, insectarium, a long list of water activities, a pirate’s cave and much more.
Little French Key
French Harbour is Home of Frenchy’s 44, Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout, Little French Key or Big French Key. 25 minutes away.
PRO TIP: You can quickly hop into a $3 water taxi between West End and West Bay. These are available from 9 am to 9 pm. Look for the water taxi docks near the Eagle Ray Restaurant in West End and the WestPoint Restaurant in West Bay. If getting into a regular taxi, be sure to negotiate the fare, it goes between $15 and $25 per person. Ask for group discounts. Pricing for both, the water and regular taxis, might increase slightly after 6 pm.
Cruise Lines who use Roatan as a Port of Call
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruise Line
Fred Olsen Cruise Line
Oceania Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas
MSC Cruises
Sea Cloud
Crystal Cruises
Thomson Cruise Line
TUI Cruise Line
Voyages of Discovery
Visitor Information
Schedule: Monday to Sunday from 8 am – 5 pm
Beware of pushy salespeople and pushy tour operators
Hi-Speed Internet Available
Office Location: 2nd Floor
