An English-speaking island, Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands located 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. With a population of approximately 40,000, tourism has quickly become the main industry. Visitors are drawn here to explore the pristine waters for some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling. Home to the world’s second largest barrier reef system, the island’s many activities lead tourists to the water.
Cruise Ships Western Caribbean Itineraries Stop in Roatán
The most populated town, Coxen Hole, is the capital of Roatán and the main cruise ship port. Here major cruise ships are able to dock at a pier as opposed to requiring tender boats allowing for passengers to disembark the ship at their leisure. Home to many sandy beaches, Roatán is also serviced by an international airport. Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean International currently make stops in Roatán on their Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. US currency is widely accepted in all shops. Small bills are recommended.
Shopping in the Port of Roatán
The port of Roatán is a recent construction featuring a twostorey open-air shopping arcade. Located right where the cruise ships dock at the pier, the shopping centre is an easy walk from the ship making it an ideal stop before embarking on the ship after an excursion or for those who would rather explore Roatán at their own leisure. Lined by outdoor stalls selling everything from traditional wooden carvings and paintings to jewellery and cigars, these new shops offer both convenience and variety. The main floor is dedicated to high end jewellery and duty free alcohol, while the upstairs offers t-shirts and the usual tourist items such as magnets, keychains, and hats.
Enclosed within a fenced area with guards, the port of Roatán is safe for visitors to wander alone. For travellers who are not participating in a cruise-run excursion, there are many vendor booths located at the port offering a variety of activities including diving, snorkelling, island sightseeing tours, beach getaways, and boat tours. Scooters can also be rented at reasonable day rates and include a helmet for drivers. There are also several car rental outlets in port.
The Town of Coxen Hole: Straw Market Vendors
Located just outside of the port shopping area, the town of Coxen Hole has a variety of vendor stalls set up along the street. Vistors should exercise caution when crossing the road as there is often busy traffic in both directions. Friendly vendors hawking everything from t-shirts and magnets to beach cover ups and handmade jewellery can be found here. Bargaining is acceptible.
Unique gifts from these vendors include mahogany carved trinket boxes and Honduran Lenca pottery. Made from locally available materials without and added chemicals, Lenca pottery is handcrafted in Honduras . The striking black and white pottery comes in a variety of patterns and shapes, making a unique souvenir from Roatán.
Other Shops in Coxen Hole, Roatán
Coxen Hole also has a variety store to purchase snack foods and other items for travelers. There is also a pharmacy in town offering items at a lower price than on the cruise ships. A pharmacist is also ready to assist tourists in finding items in store and translating Spanish packaging where necessary.
Roatán is just emerging as a tourist destination. As a country welcoming visitors from around the world, the people are friendly and hospitable, making this port an easy-going and enjoyable stop.
Rachel West - Rachel resides in Toronto, Ontario and works as an Online Merchandiser for Entertainment, writing about the latest DVDs and CDs for a high ...
