21 Great Things To Do In Roatán Honduras When On A Cruise

ByShaun Hammond
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Are you ready for an adventure like no other? I have found that Roatán, Honduras, is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that offers a plethora of exciting activities for cruise ship tourists like yourself. This is one of my absolute favorite ports when I am cruising. I am here to help you find the best things to do in Roatán Honduras when on a cruise.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, this tropical paradise has something for everyone to enjoy. From exploring vibrant coral reefs to ziplining through lush rainforests, the possibilities for unforgettable experiences are endless. Oh, and one of my favorites, is spending time holding monkeys and sloths!

So grab your sunscreen, put your adventurous spirit, and let’s dive into the great things you can do in Roatán Honduras when on a cruise!

Quick Hits For Roatán Cruise Excursions

In a hurry and looking for the best things to do in Roatán Honduras when on a cruise right away? These can help you get your fun faster. These are some of the best ways to spend a day in Roatán.

Colorful Roatan sign on the beach with blue sky behind it for Roatan Honduras when on a cruise

The Basics To Know Of Roatán

When visiting Roatán, it’s important to know a few basics. Roatán is a tropical paradise island located just north of mainland Honduras. It is known for its thrilling activities, stunning nature, and rich history.

For the majority of cruisers from The United States, speaking with locals in Roatán won’t be much trouble. The official language in Roatán is English, with the secondary language being Spanish.

The local currency is the Honduran Lempira, so exchanging some currency before your trip is a good idea. But it is not necessary, as most places take your credit card. I found that when visiting I did not need to exchange beforehand. However, if I was staying for a few days to a week, I would definitely exchange it for the Honduran Lempira.

Roatán is located on the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and breathtaking beaches. The island is also located in the Central Standard Time Zone.

Should you drive while exploring the island? I personally recommend relying on local transportation options or hiring a driver, as the roads can be challenging to navigate for visitors.

So get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Roatán, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and indulge in thrilling experiences.

A Brief History Of Roatán

Roatán Island was originally inhabited by relation to the tribal peoples of the Paya, the Maya, the Lenca, or the Tolupan, tribes from mainland Honduras. Once the Spanish took over the area, Roatán was devasted by the slave trade and disease.

Between 1550 and 1700, Roatán was occupied by the English. This occupation included English, Dutch, and French pirates who would attack Spanish ships leaving the mainland.

In the 1830s, Roatán Island was populated by people of the Cayman Islands. The majority of those living today on the island can trace their roots back to this moment. They came over after the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act. Former slave owners and slaves both came over to settle Roatán Island.

In the 1850s, the British turned Roatán Island over to Honduras. Since then the island has been an English-speaking island with its strong British history. However, over the last 100 years, many Spanish-speaking migrants from the mainland have been moving to Roatán to call it home.

Things To Do In Roatán Honduras When On A Cruise

Rusty ship in the bay with other boats around it and trees in the background when in Roatan Honduras when on a cruise

Now that you have pulled into port, what do you do now? Roatán has a lot of choices of things to do when on a cruise. Find a beach and relax or go on an adventure but make this port your everything you can.

You have a few options on what to do here. Stay on the ship, just check out the cruise port area, or venture out and discover the beautiful island.

Roatán is one of my favorite places to visit. I can’t get enough of things to do. Use this list to help you plan out your perfect getaway while in Roatán Honduras when on a cruise.

Special Note: If you are looking for some great tips when cruising for what you should expect, check out this page by my friend, Semi Pro Cruiser for all your needs while on board.

Beaches To Go To In Roatán Honduras When On A Cruise

Beautiful beach with sand and blue sky and water with people enjoying in Roatan Honduras when on a cruise

Beaches are one of the best and most popular things to do when on a cruise. And going to the beach in Roatán is no different. To be honest, the beaches here and the water are perfect in my opinion. When I always think of what the Caribbean looks like, this is the place.

Check out these beaches to find a little paradise while in Roatán.

Mahogany Bay

When you get to the port, one of the biggest questions is, “Can you walk to the beach from the cruise port in Roatán?”

The simple answer is, Yes! Mahogany Bay is walkable and next to the cruise port. At this beach, you will be able to relax on the beach and use the lounge chairs at no cost. This is the best choice if you do not want to venture too far away from your cruise ship.

The best bet for walking to the beach from the cruise port.

West Bay Beach

You will find West Bay Beach to be about a 25-40-minute drive from the cruise port. This is my favorite beach while visiting and it is beautiful as you can see from the photo above.

Along the beach, you can find restaurants and bars to make your beach day a little more fun. Or look for more adventure and pay a little bit to go parasailing or paddle boarding.

Little French Key

The best is to visit their website and select a package that works best for you. Take part in adventures that include: the beach, an animal rescue center tour, kayaks and paddle boards, and so much more. Take a look at the options HERE. Packages start at $69 for a day trip.

Half Moon Bay

Lots of restaurants line the beach as well giving you many possibilities for options as you spend your day relaxing in the sun. This beach is not too big so it is possible that it could be filled with people when you visit. But it is completely worth visiting.

Visit An Animal Sanctuary

The Traveling Drifter holding a sloth

Roatán has some great animal sanctuaries. Have you ever wanted to hold a sloth or a monkey? There are a few places around the island that will let you visit to do this. Doing this is one of my favorite things to do.

Most sanctuaries will cost you between $10 – $35 per visit. However, you will have to pay for a taxi to get there and you will only spend about an hour at one of the places. I suggest checking out some of the tours below that group these sanctuaries together with other great adventures on Roatán.

It is great to get up and personal with some of these amazing animals and hold them. You will get to see some beautiful birds as well in these locations. But sloths…. Need I say more?

Fun Things To Do In The Water

With being an island, Roatán offers many things to do in and on the water. You will find a plethora of activities to do such as kayaking, paddle boarding, exploring on a glass-bottom boat, and so much more.

Catamaran and boat tours are a blast to take on the crystal clear water. But, Roatán is best viewed underwater. This island is a scuba diver’s or snorkeler’s dream.

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Roatán Island is an underwater paradise if you love to scuba dive or snorkel. The main reason for this is because of the Roatán Barrier Reef. This reef is a part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world.

Because of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, this will give divers some of the best underwater views. You will see amazing coral life, schools of fish, and everything that makes the underwater world incredible.

Take advantage of the breathtaking Roatán Barrier Reef with these tours.

Catamaran Cruise

A great way to enjoy the beautiful water of Roatán is by taking a Catamaran Cruise tour. Sit back and enjoy the sun beating down while on the water, have some drinks, and jump in the water to cool down or to snorkel.

Enjoy this amazing tour as they pick you up from the cruise port to get your tour started. You will be taken out to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef to relax and enjoy everything on the Catamaran or jump in and explore the reef with snorkel gear provided to you.

Get on this tour now to enjoy this amazing Catamaran Cruise on the water.

Other Things To Do On The Water In Roatán Honduras When On A Cruise

If you are not into snorkeling or scuba diving, there are still some great things to do on the water while visiting Roatán.

If you are into kayaking, there are some great options to pick from to explore the water.

Here are some great options to do on the water.

  • Hydrobikes & Snorkeling With Private Island At Your Leisure – Take a trip out to a private area of French Cay and explore the area on Hydrobikes. This is a laid-back trip where you can lay out on the beach, snorkel, or ride hydrobikes at your own pace. They will pick you up and get back to your ship 2 hours before it leaves port.
  • Roatan Shore Excursion: Kayak Harbor Adventure and Reef Snorkel – Enjoy this amazing kayak tour as you are taken out to French Cay to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This is a small group tour and your gear is provided to you including your kayak. Kayak the water and take the amazing views on this amazing tour.

Great Roatán Cruise Excursions

Chocolate sign on a pyramid in the grass with a tree behind it

These great Roatán cruise excursions will be a perfect way to spend one day in Roatán. Most tours like to group many of the things I have talked about into one big tour. I have always liked these because it feels like you are getting the best of Roatán.

If you are finding it hard to choose between a beach and seeing sloths or snorkeling and horseback riding, then these great Roatán cruise excursions will be your best tours.

Amazing All-In-One Tours To Get The Best Of Roatán

White faced monkey looking between wood planks

Choosing any one of these great Roatán cruise excursions will make your one day in Roatán a perfect day in one of my favorite places. Click any of the links below to get your tours to enjoy your Roatán adventure.

  • Roatan Monkey & Sloth Tour With Chocolate, Rum Testing And Beach – Enjoy this great tour with stops at the highest point of the island, Mayan Eden Sanctuary, a chocolate factory, a rum cake factory, and West Bay Beach.
  • Roatan Shore Excursion Snorkelling, Sloths & Monkeys, Beach Break – Take this trip to see the best of Roatán’s wildlife above and below the sea. See sloths, monkeys, and parrots on land, then see all the amazing sea life under the water as you snorkel the Roatán Barrier Reef.
  • Roatan Nature Combo: Mangrove Cruise, Horseback Riding & Snorkel – Talk about a day of adventure if you are spending one day in Roatán. Explore the jungle and take in everything in nature, then enjoy the sites while riding on horseback, and then cool off in the water with a great snorkel adventure.
  • Glass Bottom Boat, Sloth, Monkey Park, Chocolate Factory & West Bay Beach – Interested in seeing the beautiful Roatán Barrier Reef but don’t like to snorkel or scuba dive? Then this is perfect for you. See everything under the water with a glass-bottom boat then enjoy sloths, monkeys, and parrots at a sanctuary after.
  • Roatan Wildlife plus ATV Adventure – Another great rugged adventure tour. Enjoy meeting some of the best animals at a sanctuary. Then tackle the mud and dirt with a fun-filled ATV adventure through through the jungle.
  • Ultimate Adventure Day Horseback, Zip Line & ATV at Mahogany Bay – Here is a great adventure tour if you are looking for the best of what Roatán offers on land. Get your adrenaline going with ATVs and ziplining through the jungle then relax by seeing some of Roatán’s best animals like sloths and monkeys. After, enjoy having a relaxing time while taking a horseback adventure before heading back to your cruise ship.Private customized island tour
  • Private customized island tour – Not looking to tour Roatán with a bunch of people? Take this private tour with just your group and see the best of what Roatán has to offer. Check out a chocolate factory, rum company, West End Beach, a craft shop, and an animal sanctuary to hold sloths! You will end this tour at Coxen Hole where you can zipline, horseback ride, or find another adventure. This is a great option if you have a large group as well.

Shopping And Eating When In Roatán Honduras

There are some great options when you are looking for a little retail therapy when visiting Roatán. There are plenty of places to visit to bring home the perfect gift for yourself your someone else.

Roatán Island also offers plenty of great options for delicious food and quenching drinks. Enjoy a little bit of island paradise while you indulge in the flavors of Roatán Honduras.

Sometimes I get a real feel for a place when I am immersed with locals in the markets or while I am tasting and drinking local flavors that make each place unique. You can always get a closeness of a place with their food and drink in my opinion.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping in Roatán, you will be able to find plenty of small shops all around the tourist areas. You will find that most of the shops are based around jewelry, knick-knacks, and other souvenir items.

Look for the best shops in Coxen Hole and West End. A great spot is French Harbor which hosts the Mega Plaza Mall. This is the spot to hit if you are in search of some real retail therapy.

If you don’t feel like venturing out too far from the ship, you will be able to find plenty of shops at Mohagany Bay or the Port Of Roatán.

Food And Drink

If you are looking to indulge in some great local seafood and sit back with a drink, Roatán has some great options for you. I recommend heading out to West End or West Bay Beach to find something that is perfect for you.

I personally love to find small restaurants or bars on West Bay Beach. It just feels great to sit at an outside location with the water about 100 feet from you taking it all in.

There are so many options from local cuisine to international food to choose from while you are searching. Explore the areas and find what looks good for you on that day. When it comes to food on Roatán, I like to let my eyes and nose choose what to eat by seeing and smelling what looks great at the moment.

Other Things To Do In Roatán Honduras When On A Cruise

There is a great spot just off West Bay Beach called Gumbalimba Park. This park is set on 20 acres of land with beachfront access. You will see free-roaming macaws, white-faced monkeys, and iguanas.

Gumbalimba Park has a pool, museum, botanical gardens, and an animal interaction center. Look to be able to do many adventure activities as well like horseback riding and zip lining. This is a great all-in-one place to go, especially if you are visiting as a family.

Is Roatán Walkable?

Large turtle on top of a building with balconies

Roatán Island is about 48 miles long with lush forest throughout it and the popular areas are spread throughout the island. Is Roatán walkable? The easy answer is no but with a yes.

The “no” part of the answer. To get to places like West Bay Beach or West End you will need to take a taxi. You will find that taxis usually run around $20 for one passenger and an additional $10 for each other passenger. Of course, this can fluctuate at any time.

But, once you arrive in the area you are going to, then the answer is “yes”. You will be able to walk around the areas with ease.

Another “yes” part is that there are plenty of things to see and do around Mohagany Bay (for Carnival ships) and the Port of Roatán (other cruise ships). There is a beach that is about a 10-minute walk from the cruise ports and lots of options for food and shopping within the area too.

The best way to do it though, is to sign up with a tour that will get you to where you are going. They usually pick up at or near the cruise port and will return you. It is a great way to take the worry out of your mind and enjoy your time in Roatán.

Is Roatán Safe?

I do get asked a lot if Roatán is safe. Personally, I have felt safe there. If you stay in the tourist areas with all the other cruisegoers, you will feel safe as well. Of course, like every city, there are areas that are less safe than others.

I recommend staying in groups and not trying to venture out by yourself unless you are in a high-tourist traffic area. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Again, I have felt safe when visiting Roatán Island in the past. Also, if you take tours, the companies are built on reviews and will not want to put any guest in harm’s way.

Is Roatán Honduras Worth Visiting?

Large blue chair that says, "I love Roatan" on it with trees behind it in Roatan Honduras when on a cruise

So, is Roatán Honduras worth visiting? In my opinion, absolutely yes! Roatán is one of my favorite places in The Caribbean.

As you can see from the information I have provided, there are many things to see and do while visiting Roatán Honduras on a cruise.

In fact, with so many options to do in Roatán, I recommend visiting the island as many times as possible to try everything.

And as highlighted above, if you are a scuba diver or snorkeler, Roatán Island is a diver’s dream location. It has the second largest barrier reef in the world, The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Just seeing that alone is worth coming to Roatán Honduras.

I will say this to answer the question, I can’t wait to go back!

Things Ton Do In Roatán Honduras When On A Cruise: In Conclusion

In conclusion, Roatán Island in Honduras is a true paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. The breathtaking beaches, teeming with colorful marine life, offer an unforgettable experience. But Roatán offers more than just underwater wonders for those looking for great things to do in Roatán Honduras when on a cruise.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or simply looking to relax on pristine beaches, Roatán has it all. From zip-lining through the lush rainforest to seeing monkeys and sloths, there is an endless array of activities to suit every traveler’s interests.

So why wait? Get off your cruise ship, explore Roatán Honduras, and create memories that will last a lifetime. With so much to see and do in Roatán Honduras when on a cruise, this island is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure, relaxation, and the beauty of nature.

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Shaun Hammond is the owner and author of The Traveling Drifter, a travel blog that has a focus on Charleston, South Carolina, Cruising, and Hiking/Backpacking. Shaun is a has lived in Charleston since 2007 and is an expert about the city. He has spent much of his time exploring and discovering Charleston to help travelers and locals get the most out of their Charleston experience.