Coxen Hole (Roatan), Honduras Cruise Port

Roatan is an island in the Caribbean roughly 40 miles from Honduras, and Coxen Hole is its largest city. The city has an international airport as it is also the capital of Honduras’ entire Bay Island territory. It was founded in 1835 and named after famed pirate Captain John Coxen, as Roatan once had a population of more than 5,000 pirates. The founders actually emigrated from the Cayman Islands but were knowledgeable about the island’s history and glad to pay it homage. The port is located in Coxen and has welcomed large cruise ships from all over since massive expansion in 2008. The port itself is a small town with local amenities and a shopping center and commons area. There are public beaches on almost every shore with tantalizing white sand and crystal blue waters great for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. The indigenous wildlife includes: Red Lored Parrots, Lala Monkeys, and the Jesus Lizard which can practically “walk on water.”

• Less than a mile from Roatan is an 11.5 acre private island known as the Maya Key. It features a private resort, secluded beaches, garden paths, and a center for the arts.
   
• The Roatan Dolphin Encounters allow tourists to fulfill their dream of swimming with the dolphins. For 30 minutes, guests can snorkel along with and pet a number of these glorious creatures.
   
• The Carambola Botanical Gardens in nearby Sandy Bay is 40 acres of stunning plant life and jungle trails that guests can navigate by hiking, biking, or simply walking. It’s also a fantastic place for birdwatching!
   
• Roatan’s Butterfly Gardens are supervised by a knowledgeable staff that helps guide visitors as they gaze at the many magnificent breeds of butterflies and moths.