Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, a $62 million investment by Carnival Corporation, spans 20 acres in Dixon Cove of Roatan, Honduras. Capable of handling over 8,000 passengers at a time, it heavily contributes to the over 1.9 million cruise passengers that visit Roatan each year.
Read this guide for essential information about the port, the surrounding area, and more.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Location and Address
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is located on the southwestern section of the island of Roatan in the beautiful waters of Dixon Cove. The island is roughly 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras and is the largest of the country’s Bay Islands.
While it is its own distinct cruise port, Mahogany Bay is only 3 miles from the multi-purpose Port of Roatan, which services cruise ships from various cruise lines and other vessels.
The Port of Roatan also has convenient access to the island’s largest town, but this only adds to the remote tropical paradise atmosphere visitors experience when they visit Mahogany Bay.
The fact that it is located so close to the Central American mainland but still has easy access to the Caribbean Sea ensures that it is a simple destination for cruise ships to visit.
What is the Address?
Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, Dixon Cove, Roatan, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Piers and Terminal
The entire port complex spans just over 20 acres and was designed to accommodate up to two full-sized cruise ships at the same time. Its location within Dixon Cove not only protects docked cruise ships but also makes for a perfect backdrop for visiting cruise passengers.
Aside from the two cruise ship berths, the port features a newly built welcome center, Mahogany Beach, which is owned by the port, and much more. When Carnival Corporation built the port, they wanted to ensure their passengers would have a comfortable and memorable experience, so all of the port infrastructure and services are oriented around this aim.
When departing passengers arrive at the Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, they will see a seemingly small cruise port. However, that was an intentional decision from Carnival Corporation, as they wanted Dixon Bay to retain its tropical paradise look and feel.
Piers
Carnival Cruise Ships Docked at mahogany Bay (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
As mentioned, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port has two cruise ship piers capable of accommodating large cruise ships. The South Pier measures just over 475 feet long, while the North Pier is a bit longer at 538 feet.
Since the Carnival Corporation owns the entire facility, vessels are not given specific berthing assignments, meaning which one a ship docks at will vary depending on the date. With that said, Carnival-operated vessels are always given priority.
Since the port allows two cruise ships to dock simultaneously, it can accommodate over 8,000 passengers at any time.
Cruise ships dock along one of two piers extending parallel from the island. Since the waters off the coast of Roatan are very deep, the two piers are incredibly close to the land, making the walk to the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center a short one. Again, Carnival designed the port with passenger comfort in mind.
These two piers meet at a central point, which leads to the Dufry Duty-Free Shop and a passenger processing terminal facility.
Terminal Building
The terminal building is called the Mahogany Bay Welcome Center, just a short walk from where the South Pier and North Pier converge. After walking through the Dufry Duty-Free Shop, passengers walk along an elevated, purpose-built walkway leading to the Mahogany Bay Welcome Center and the rest of the entertainment facilities, restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
Worth Reading: Cozumel Cruise Port – Terminals, Piers and Getting Around
The terminal building is rather small, but it features information booths, public telephones, restrooms, excursion booking services, a comfortable seating area, cruise line-specific help desks, and everything else passengers need for a seamless visit.
The entire port is fully accessible, with ramps, wheelchair-friendly restrooms, and smooth walkways, making it easy for those using wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices to navigate.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Amenities and Services
Aside from the picture-perfect tropical setting, the real attraction of visiting Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is the wide range of attractions and amenities you will discover throughout the 20-acre port grounds. These include the following and more:
WiFi
Unfortunately, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is not yet outfitted with complimentary WiFi. If you want to connect to the internet, you will need to pay for this service. Rates are fairly reasonable if you stay in the port area.
For a single hour of access, the rate is $5, but full-day access is only $10. Coverage is actually really good, with Wi-Fi extending to the entire beach area.
If you want to save some cash, Fat Tuesday near the beach provides complimentary Wi-Fi for paying customers.
Dining
The port also features a variety of food and beverage establishments, including Crazy Ice Gelato, two Fat Tuesday restaurants, Espresso Americano Coffee Ship, and Koko Loko, which serves cold drinks in coconut shells.
In-port dining is somewhat limited compared to the larger cruise ports in the western Caribbean, but you can get a meal or a cold drink without going far.
Chair Lift and Beach
A chair lift system called the Magical Flying Beach Chair is unique to Mahogany Bay. This chair lift transports visiting cruise guests from the main area to the port’s own semi-private beach area.
This 825-long white sand beach is one of the true highlights of the entire port. With various beachside amenities, like a restaurant, restrooms, volleyball courts, and a wide range of watersports, you won’t want to miss it.
While you can walk to the beach, taking the chair lift costs $14 for adults and $8 for children. If you do choose to walk, you can take a nature trail and the elevated Mahogany Beach Walkway, which help enhance the port’s tropical feel.
Shopping
The port is home to 22 unique shops, including the large Dufry Duty-Free Shop visitors must walk through to access the rest of the port’s facilities and amenities.
While most of the shops are unique to the port, they carry internationally known brands. There are also a couple of tourist favorites that you will find in ports across the Caribbean, like Sharkeez, Pirana Joe, Harley Davidson, and Flip Flops & What Nots.
At the western edge of the port area, near the car rental and information booth, there is also a pharmacy and convenience store. These are really useful if you need an ATM or some last-minute necessities before boarding your ship again. They’re also useful if you want to pick up some snacks and sunscreen before heading over to the beach.
Cruise Lines that Visit Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
Since the entire port is owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation, it is primarily used by cruise lines that are part of the ownership group’s brands. This includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Costa Cruises.
Since they all belong to the Carnival Corporation, these cruise lines always have priority docking at Mahogany Bay. While they have hosted other cruise lines, mostly due to port congestion on the island of Roatan, they do not do so often. Those cruise lines need to pay a significant fee to Carnival Corporation and are always given limited time in port.
For these reasons, other cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, tend to dock at the nearby Port of Roatán.
Traveling to Mahogany Bay from a Nearby Airport
Since the island of Roatan is so small, it is only home to a single airport, Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport, also known as Roatan International Airport. The airport is located just 3.6 miles away from Mahogany Bay in the town of Coxen Hole.
By far, the most popular way to get from the airport to the cruise port is to take a taxi, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For some of the larger Carnival vessels that list Mahogany Bay as the original point of departure, a complimentary shuttle service is provided between the two.
Since there are rental car services at the airport and Mahogany Bay, some people will also choose to drive themselves. We would only really recommend this if you were planning to spend some extra time on the island of Roatan, as the relatively short ride is not expensive by taxi.
If you do choose to drive yourself, you can take the following directions:
Exit the airport and head northeast on Airport Road towards Carretera Principal
Turn right onto Carretera Principal and continue for 3 miles
Watch for signs for Mahogany Bay, then turn right onto Mahogany Bay Way
It’s a simple drive that roughly follows the coast and curves around Dixon Cove. As you arrive, you should see docked cruise ships.
How to Get to Mahogany Bay
Due to its relatively small physical size and the limited number of roads, getting around the island of Roatan is fairly simple. No matter where you are coming from on the island, the following are the most convenient ways to make your way to Mahogany Bay:
By Taxi
Taxis are, by far, the most common and convenient way to travel to Mahogany Bay Cruise Port from other parts of the island. You will find well-marked taxi pickup and drop-off points throughout the island, including at the airport, all the major hotels and resorts, and other popular tourist destinations.
The taxis on the island are not metered, so you should ask for flat rate costs before you depart. Fortunately, they’re fairly inexpensive, with most journeys costing less than $20.
If you’re taking a taxi from Mahogany Bay to other parts of the island, it will be part of the fully regulated Mahogany Bay Taxi Association, which makes their rates available to the public. There’s also a designated and sheltered taxi stand near the pharmacy in the port.
By Rental Car
While shuttle services are available, they’re fairly expensive and tend to be used by large groups and excursion companies. If you do not feel comfortable taking a taxi, the best alternative is to rent a vehicle. Rental cars are available in the island’s towns, the airport, and the cruise port itself.
If you’re departing from Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, the main car rental company is Autos Corporativos, which offers day rates of just $44 per day for a basic vehicle. There’s also an Avis pickup and drop-off point, which is a better option if you plan to drive a rental vehicle from another part of the island and leave it in the port when you board your cruise ship.
Beaches Near Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
If you want to hit the beach during your visit to Mahogany Bay, you won’t be disappointed. Not only does the port have its own private beach, but the entire island is dotted with tropical beaches. Here are the most popular options for those visiting Mahogany Bay Cruise Port:
Mahogany Beach
Unsurprisingly, Mahogany Beach is a huge hit with visiting cruise passengers. Accessible by walking path or scenic chairlift, this man-made beach offers stunning views of the bay, white sands, and a backdrop of palm trees. There’s also an enclosed swimming area patrolled by lifeguards, making it an ideal spot for splashing in the waves.
You can even rent an air-conditioned cabana along the beach with waiter service and lounge chairs. You’ll also get a complimentary chairlift and Wi-Fi access for four guests if you book one of these cabanas.
If you don’t want to pay for a cabana, you can use a free hammock or beach chair. Water sports equipment and floats can also be rented for reasonable fees so visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You really can’t
West Bay Beach
If you’re willing to travel, you can make your way to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. West Bay Beach, also known as Tabyana Beach, is almost 12 miles away on the far west end of the island, but it is hugely popular. While the white sands and myriad beach amenities are part of the reason why it is so popular, it’s the coral reef that sits just 70 feet from the beach that really draws the crowds.
Not only is it close to shore, but it’s also one of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the beach is an amazing spot to see marine life up close and in its natural habitat.
What to Do at Mahogany Bay
Mahogany Bay itself offers plenty of fun activities and attractions, while the rest of the island is fairly accessible for those looking for more adventure and exploration:
On-Site Activities
We already discussed the beach, shopping outlets, and riding the Magical Flying Beach Chair, but you can also enjoy traditional cultural performances at the Roatan Heritage Exhibit and Pavilion, located within the port complex.
Pirates of the Caribbean Canopy Zipline
If you want to explore beyond the cruise port, this themed zipline park is just a 6-mile cab ride east of Mahogany Bay.
With nine ziplines totaling up to 2 miles in length, it’s a family-friendly destination that provides thrills and stunning views of both the north and south sides of the island. You can also arrange packages that include round-trip transportation, a full meal, and a rest stop at a private beach!
Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Arch’s Iguana Park. It’s less than six miles away on the outskirts of the town of French Cay. Visitors can wander through the park’s tropical jungle trails to view wild black iguanas, cross a suspension bridge, wander the gardens, spot waterfalls, and cool off in the air-conditioned insectarium. The park even has its own zipline course.
If you want to continue the nature theme, AJ’s Monkeys and Sloths is just a short walk away. This interactive petting zoo lets you learn about some other amazing creatures native to the island.
Visit Little French Key
Little French Key is a pair of small islands off the coast of French Cay. These stunning islands are fairly easy to visit. You can either take a cab to French Cay, then take a short ferry across, or book an excursion package that includes direct transportation there and back.
The islands are home to white sand beaches, several restaurants, and even a pool with a swim-up bar. You can also take a horseback tour of the island. The islands are well worth visiting and offer some of the best views you’ll find anywhere.
Dining Options In and Around Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
There are plenty of dining options for those looking to enjoy a meal while visiting Mahogany Bay. Here are just a few of our top picks for dining inside the port and nearby:
Fat Tuesday
Located at the top of Monkey Hill within the port area, this restaurant and bar offers amazing views of Mahogany Beach and its tropical coastline.
With a menu that features international dishes and a few local favorites, it has something for everyone. You’ll pass it as you approach the chair lift, so it’s difficult to miss and only a short walk from the piers.
Playa Tortugas Chill ‘n Grill
Located at the top of Mahogany Beach, this fun bar and grill offers fresh seafood and amazing pub favorites. The view can’t be beat, and it is less than a 10-minute walk from the cruise piers. Don’t forget to order a frozen cocktail to cool down!
Fiyahside Roatan Kitchen at Macaw Market
If you want to leave the port, you can try some truly amazing Jamaican cuisine at Fiyahside Roatan Kitchen. From curried vegetables, oxtail stew, and jerk chicken, it’s the perfect island-style restaurant.
Best of all, it’s just one of several establishments in the Macaw Container Market, home to a wide variety of eateries, cafés, bars, and even a cigar and whiskey bar. The market is a 3-mile drive from Mahogany Bay, so a taxi shouldn’t cost more than $25.
Fort Consolation Restaurant
If you’re looking for more formal dining, the Fort Consolation Restaurant is about 5 miles away from the port on the west end of Coxen Hole.
The restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and a delicious menu packed with fresh seafood dishes and authentic local cuisine. The views of the water from the outdoor patio also help to enhance the experience.
Given the relatively small size of the cruise port and the island where it is located, shopping is somewhat limited compared to some of the other major Caribbean cruise destinations. With that said, you still have some great options:
Just within the cruise port itself, you can find the following and more:
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Santa’s Caribbean Workshop and Cool Tees
Dufry Duty-Free Shop
Diamonds International Watch & Designer Store
The Mahogany Bay Craft Market (variety of souvenir stalls)
If you want more souvenir options, consider taking a cab to Coxen Hole. Here, you’ll find a much larger craft market where you can purchase locally made Honduran crafts and art.
The Best Time to Visit Mahogany Bay
The entire island of Roatan, including Mahogany Bay, is considered a year-round destination. Thanks to the tropical weather, which ranges between 75° and 85°F throughout the year, you’ll find cruises visiting the island’s cruise ports at any point during the year.
With that said, the rainy season usually runs between August and November, so most tourists try to avoid this. We recommend visiting between January and May if you want to avoid heavy rainfall and high humidity levels.
Read Also: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
This period also aligns with Mahogany Bay’s peak tourist season. The late fall, winter, and early spring are also when many cruise ships relocated from Europe to the Caribbean, increasing the number of ships under the Carnival group visiting Mahogany Bay. Just remember, peak season also means you may run into some larger crowds.
If you want to align your visit with some of the island’s events and festivals, you can time your cruise to line up with either the Roatán International Fishing Tournament or the Garifuna Festival. The tournament starts on September 14th and runs for almost a full week, while the Garifuna Festival is in mid-April and celebrates the island’s unique culture and history.
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Publish date : 2024-09-16 05:03:00
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